How to Clean a Leather Jacket at Home

Most leather jackets never need a deep clean. A few minutes of routine care keeps them looking good for years, and when something does go wrong, the right approach depends on the type of leather. Here's how to clean smooth leather, suede and the lining safely at home, how to deal with common stains, and when to hand it to a professional.

Before you start

Know your leather. Smooth, finished leathers such as most cowhide and lambskin jackets are the easiest to clean. Aniline or "naked" leathers, waxed or oiled leathers, and suede or nubuck need a gentler touch. If you're not sure, check the product page or ask the maker.
Test first. Try any cleaner or conditioner on a hidden spot, such as the inside of the hem or under the collar, and let it dry before you do the rest.
Never machine wash or tumble dry leather, and don't soak it. Regular dry cleaning isn't suitable either. If it needs a deep clean, use a cleaner who specializes in leather.

What you'll need

Two soft, lint-free cloths (microfiber works well)
A soft brush, such as a clean shoe brush
A cleaner made for leather, or a few drops of gentle, fragrance-free soap in a bowl of lukewarm water
A leather conditioner for smooth leather
For suede or nubuck: a suede brush and a suede eraser

How to clean a smooth leather jacket, step by step

Prepare it. Empty the pockets and hang the jacket on a wide, padded hanger so you can reach every panel.
Remove dust. Wipe the whole jacket with a dry cloth or brush it gently, paying attention to seams, the collar and around the zips, where dirt collects.
Wipe it down. Dampen a cloth with plain water and wring it out until it's barely damp. Wipe one panel at a time, working from the top down.
Tackle grime. For dirt that water doesn't lift, put a little leather cleaner or soapy water on the cloth (not on the jacket) and work in small, gentle circles. Then wipe away any residue with a clean, damp cloth.
Let it dry naturally. Leave it on the hanger at room temperature, away from radiators, heaters and direct sun. Never use a hair dryer.
Condition. Once it's completely dry, rub a small amount of conditioner into the leather with a soft cloth, let it soak in, and buff off any excess. This puts back the oils that cleaning can remove.

How to deal with common stains

Water spots: with a barely damp cloth, lightly moisten the whole panel from seam to seam so it dries evenly, then let it dry naturally. This usually blends the mark away.
Salt marks from winter streets: mix equal parts white vinegar and water, dab it on with a cloth, wipe with a clean damp cloth, let it dry, then condition. Test it on a hidden spot first.
Grease or oil: blot it straight away. Don't rub. For a fresh spot, sprinkle on a little cornstarch or talc, leave it for a few hours to draw the oil out, then brush it off.
Ink: don't try water, alcohol or hairspray at home. They can spread the ink or lift the color of the leather. Take it to a leather specialist.
Mildew: brush it off outdoors, wipe the area with leather cleaner, let the jacket dry fully, and store it somewhere drier. If it comes back, see a professional.

Cleaning suede and nubuck

Suede and nubuck don't like water or creams, so keep things dry:

Brush the nap in one direction with a suede brush to lift dust and restore the texture.
Rub small marks gently with a suede eraser, then brush again.
For stubborn marks, use a cleaner made specifically for suede and follow its instructions.
Don't use leather conditioner on suede or nubuck. It will darken and flatten the nap.

Cleaning the lining and removing odors

Linings pick up sweat and smells long before the leather looks dirty.

Spot clean the lining with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water, keeping the water away from the leather, then hang the jacket to dry.
To freshen it, air it out on a hanger somewhere well ventilated and out of direct sun.
For a stubborn smell, hang it in a breathable garment bag with an open box of baking soda near the jacket (not touching it) for a few days.
Don't spray perfume or fabric fresheners onto leather. They can stain it.

Shearling linings are best brushed gently and spot cleaned. For a deeper clean, go to a professional.

How often should you clean a leather jacket?

After wearing: a quick wipe with a dry cloth when it's been out in dust or grime.
Every few weeks in the season you wear it most: a damp-cloth wipe-down.
Two to four times a year: condition smooth leather, or sooner if it starts to look dry.
Only when needed: a full clean with a leather cleaner.

What not to use

Household cleaners, baby wipes, rubbing alcohol or undiluted vinegar
Kitchen oils such as olive or coconut oil, which can darken leather and go rancid
Heavy saddle soaps on soft lambskin, as these are better suited to sturdy work leathers
Heat of any kind to speed up drying

When to call a professional

For large or old stains, ink, heavy soiling, color loss or a badly soiled lining, take your jacket to a cleaner who specializes in leather. It costs less than replacing a good jacket.

Keep reading

Our leather care guide, covering everyday care, conditioning and storage
Can you wear a leather jacket in the rain?
How to soften and break in a stiff leather jacket
Real vs fake leather: how to tell the difference

Looking for a jacket that's easy to live with? Browse our handmade leather jackets.

Written by the White Buraq team. Our family workshop has made leather goods by hand since 1998.

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