Leather Jacket Care: Why You Should Never Use Wet Wipes and the Right Way to Clean

🧥 End of Winter: Cleaning Know-How for Storing Your Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is a timeless item that gains character with age, but improper care can lead to the leather hardening or cracking, shortening its lifespan. Ignoring dust and everyday dirt can cause permanent damage to the leather. I'm sharing the correct cleaning method I swear by before storing my leather jackets every season, and what you must never do.

🚫 Absolute No! Avoid Wet Wipes

The most common mistake is wiping off a fresh spot with a wet wipe.

• The Problem: Wet wipes contain alcohol or other chemical ingredients that rapidly strip the leather of its natural oils. This is the main culprit for drying out the leather and, in the long term, causing cracking and discoloration. Leather loses its suppleness when it dries out.

✨ The 3-Step Standard for Cleaning Leather Jackets

1. Dust Removal:

• When you return home, use a soft dry cloth (microfiber) or a dedicated leather brush to gently wipe down the entire jacket, brushing off dust. Pay close attention to areas where dust settles, such as creases and the shoulders and elbows.

2. Focused Care for Soiled Areas (Leather Cleaner):

• Areas like the collar and cuffs, which collect a lot of sweat and body oil, require a dedicated leather cleaner.
• Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth and gently rub the soiled areas. Be careful not to spray the cleaner directly onto the leather.

3. Replenish Oil (Leather Balm/Cream):

• Once cleaned, you must replenish the oil and nourishment to extend the leather's life. Apply a small amount of leather-specific essence or cream to a clean cloth and spread a thin layer over the entire jacket.
• This step maintains the leather's elasticity and prevents drying, thereby preventing cracking.

📦 Storage Precautions

• Moisture Management: Leather is very sensitive to moisture. If it gets wet from rain, wipe it with a dry towel and let it dry completely in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
• Hanger Choice: Thin hangers can misshape the shoulders. Use a wooden hanger with broad, rounded shoulders to help the jacket maintain its structure.

A leather jacket is like human skin—it requires continuous oil replenishment and gentle care. Just knowing the proper cleaning method will allow you to wear it stylishly for many more years!