Leather Garment Care: Complete Guide for Drying, Cleaning, and Maintaining Shine

🧥 Leather That Gets Better With Age: Complete Care Guide for Washing and Maintaining the Shine of Leather Garments

Leather garments are widely loved for their unique texture and the depth they gain over time. However, because leather is made from animal skin, it is very vulnerable to water, moisture, sunlight, and dryness, and improper care can easily lead to deformation, hardening, and mold. We provide the know-how for cleaning, storing, and maintaining the shine of your leather jackets, coats, and bags to keep them looking great for a lifetime.

💧 1. 3 Core Principles of Leather Care

Leather is a material where both water washing and dry cleaning are very limited, so daily habitual care determines its lifespan.

1. Immediately Remove Water and Moisture:

• If water touches leather, the fibers can solidify and harden, or mold can grow. If it gets wet in the rain, immediately wipe the moisture with a dry towel and let it dry slowly in the shade. (Absolutely no hairdryer or direct sunlight)

2. Prevent Dryness and Provide Nourishment:

• Leather cracks or hardens when it dries out. Like human skin, you must periodically apply leather-specific cream (essence) to provide nourishment and maintain flexibility.

3. Spot Cleaning and Professional Cleaning:

• Leather cannot be fully washed at home. In case of soiling, perform immediate spot cleaning, and if a full wash is necessary, entrust it to a leather specialized cleaner.

🧼 2. Daily Care and Spot Cleaning Know-How for Leather Garments

• Dust Removal: Wipe frequently with a soft dry cloth to remove dust and maintain a subtle shine.
• Spot Stain Removal: If a stain occurs, apply leather-specific cleaner to a dry cloth and gently rub to wipe it off. If you don't have a dedicated cleaner, quickly wipe it with a wet wipe (alcohol-free) and finish with a dry cloth.
• Oil Stain Removal: If an oil stain occurs, sprinkle baking soda on the stain to absorb the oil, then brush it off with a soft brush after a few hours.

🌬️ 3. Proper Storage Method

• Ventilation and Humidity: Leather should be stored in a well-ventilated area with humidity around 50-60%. Too high humidity causes mold, and too low causes hardening.
• Dedicated Hangers: Because leather is heavy, it must be hung on a leather-specific hanger with wide, sturdy shoulders to prevent shape distortion.
• Use Covers: To prevent friction with other garments in the closet, store it covered with a breathable non-woven fabric cover. (Vinyl covers trap moisture and cause mold.)