Leather jackets are some of the most durable pieces of outerwear you can buy. But as with any piece of clothing, they will get dirty after tons of wear. And when your jacket gets dirty, it’s normal to wonder how you can and should clean it. For most people, this means wondering if it’s okay to wash their jackets with the rest of their laundry in a standard washing machine. Here’s what you need to know to keep your leather jacket looking its best.

You Can Toss Your Jacket in the Wash, But You Shouldn’t
Technically, you can toss your leather jacket in a washing machine and run it through the standard cycle, but doing so will wreck the look and feel of your jacket. Washing machines soak every piece of clothing you put in them. Getting your jacket drenched in water and soap can lead to major discoloration of the leather itself. Worse, the agitation the machine produces to remove dirt will damage the leather and could leave your jacket misshapen and almost impossible to wear.

If you’re tempted to wash your leather jacket in your washing machine, don’t. You’ll thank yourself in the future.

Dry Cleaning Isn’t Ideal Either
When clothing isn’t safe to toss in the washing machine, most people assume that it’s okay to dry clean. This may be true for that fancy suit jacket or your wool sweaters, but it’s not the best idea for your leather jacket. Most dry cleaners lack the experience and the supplies needed to safely clean leather. If they use their normal products on your leather apparel, the chemicals and dry cleaning process can wreck your jacket and leave it looking almost as bad as it would if you washed it at home.

Spot-Clean as Needed Instead
The best way to keep your jacket looking great is to spot clean stains and dirt away as needed. Use a dedicated leather cleaning solution and follow the instructions on the label. Be sure to test the product you’re using on an inconspicuous spot like under the collar before applying it to more visible areas. Many leather cleaning products end up causing some discoloration in the leather. This isn’t necessarily bad, and it doesn’t mean your jacket is damaged beyond repair, but it does mean your jacket could look different after you clean it. If you’re not comfortable with the color change, stop what you’re doing and seek help.

Leave the Deep Cleaning to a Leather Care Specialist
Leather jackets can be difficult to clean. That’s why it’s always best to leave the deep cleaning and repair work to an experienced leather care specialist. They have the tools and training needed to restore your jacket without damaging the leather or the look and feel you’ve come to love. 

Let Jonval Leather and Furs Help
If you’re worried about a buildup of dirt and grime on your leather jacket, don’t try to clean it on your own. Instead, leave the cleaning to the experts at Jonval Leather and Furs. Our team will get your jacket looking like new in no time. Contact us today for more information.