Leather is a good investment as it never goes out of style. Its versatility can stand time when properly taken care of.
Leather fabric requires extra attention and extra care, but it does not necessarily mean you have to go through a tedious process each time. By learning how to clean leather clothes and how to protect them, you are keeping them in their best condition.
Leather Garment Care
1. Keep your leather jacket dry.
Never immerse leather in water, and as much as possible, do not let it get wet under the rain. Contact with moisture can make leather stiff. If in case it does get wet, hang it to dry at room temperature and make sure it is away from sunlight.
2. Keep it away from heat.
Do not dry leather garments using heating devices. Let it air-dry. Do not iron or steam. If you do, your leather will crack and will get brittle.
3. Read the care label.
Make it a habit to read the care label, especially when it comes to leather clothing. The manufacturer knows best how to properly clean the specific type of leather you have.
4. Do not use strong detergents.
Never use ammonia or bleach-based products. Use a reliable leather conditioner for a finished leather (not suede or nubuck). Start only with a minimal amount (increase as needed) and rub it in the leather with a soft towel. Use another towel to remove the excess solution. There is no need to rinse once the cleaner has been applied.
You can also follow these cleaning tips using items you can already find in your home:
- Dip a soft cloth in a mixture of warm water and dish soap.
- Wring the soft cloth and use it to wipe down the jacket.
- Wipe again to remove the residue until it is completely dry.
5. Hang it properly.
To avoid cracks, do not fold your leather jacket. Use a wide and padded hanger and store it in a well-ventilated area. Do not let it slip together with your other coats. Again, do not place in direct sunlight to avoid discoloration.
6. Weatherproof before use.
Wipe your leather garments with a damp cloth and spray them with a leather protectant before use. This will prepare your leather garments for bad weather conditions outside your house. If this is the first time you’re using leather protectant on a particular garment, do a spot test first to see if the leather will react negatively to it.
7. Store it properly.
Before storing, make sure that stains and odor have been taken care of. As much as possible, store it by hanging it in your closet. Leave enough space in between clothes. If you need to keep it inside a bag, do not use plastic. Instead, invest in a breathable cloth garment bag.
8. Removing Stains
As soon as you see a stain, blot it immediately to prevent it from setting deep within. As mentioned earlier, do not use laundry detergent. However, if you are unsure, it is best to seek for professional cleaner’s help.
Leave your leather garments to the experts.
If you are in need of Durango laundry services for your leather clothing, Kelly’s Dry Cleaners is here for you. We care for leather as we employ our gentle Green Earth cleaning process to preserve the beauty and functionality of your leather. Call us at 970-903-1624. We are open from Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
