Leather jackets have become a staple in nearly every woman’s closet. Changes in the public attitude about leather have made vintage jackets more popular than every before, but leaves many women wondering “How do you clean a leather jacket so it looks good as new?” Since the problem with many vintage finds is that they haven’t been kept up, these three cleaning methods can help you jump on second hand or vintage finds even when they’re a bit worse for wear.[signy_about about_title=”How to Care for a Leather Jacket – Three Methods”][/signy_about]Leather isn’t exactly a forgiving fabric, so proper care and maintenance can be crucial to keeping it looking good for years. Many jackets sourced from second-hand shops, estate sales and other vintage outlets can arrive after years of neglect. While this outwardly shabby appearance can bring down the price, it can also put off buyers who think it’s too far gone to be helped. These cleaning and care methods could help you restore, revive and make the most out of jackets you have or have the confidence to buy a jacket in need of a little TLC.[signy_about about_title=”The Simple Wipe Down” about_title_color=”#0a0a0a”][/signy_about]A number of charity shops and second-hand stores steam garments, but they don’t clean them in any way. Since mud, dirt and dust can all easily discolor leather, a simple wipe down may be surprisingly effective. Dried mud, for example, can look like a huge mess at first glance, but usually wipes away clean with a damp (not wet) cloth. Simply wipe the entire jacket down with a damp cloth then dry immediately to see what the damage truly is. Most people find this alone works wonders.[signy_about about_title=”Simple Soap” about_title_color=”#0a0a0a”][/signy_about]For cleaning leather jacket material which is truly dirty you may need to use a mild detergent. Mix a mild dishwashing or clothes detergent with water and use a soft cotton cloth or towel to scrub lightly at the stains. For tougher stains, special leather staining sprays or soaps can be used but always sparingly. You can always go back and use more on a stain, but overdoing it right out of the gate could leave you with spotty results.[signy_about about_title=”Mind Your Own (Jacket’s) Beeswax” about_title_color=”#0a0a0a”][/signy_about]For both cleaning and maintenance, beeswax is a classic go to solution. Essentially, you rub and buff the wax into the coat as you would on a car. This is done after deep cleaning in order to condition and protect the leather from cracking, drying and discoloration. This routine should also be done once a year to protect your jacket from future problems.
Caring for a leather jacket takes some time and patience, but it’s well worth the trouble. The classic look these jackets offer go with any style and keeping them maintained and well cared for means keeping yourself fashionable and ethical at the same time. A green approach to a stylish look – the perfect union of smart fashion.