Leather jacket are one of the timeless fashion items. The models are now increasingly diverse, can be easily combined and matched with various outfits and used as a fashion statement on our appearance.
So that leather jackets are durable and not easily damaged, of course, proper care is needed. One of the treatments that you should know is how to wash a leather jacket properly.
Wash with warm water
One thing you have to remember when you want to wash a leather jacket is not to soak the leather jacket in cold water because it can damage the leather texture. Use warm water to keep the skin moist. Make sure the water temperature is not too hot, so as not to damage the fibers of the fabric on the jacket. Warm water with a temperature of 32 degrees Celsius is suitable for washing genuine and synthetic leather jackets, or other outfits such as jeans and knitwear. Do soaking the leather jacket in warm water for a maximum of 10 minutes, yes!
Use baby soap instead of detergent
To remove stains on leather jackets, you can use baby soap or baby shampoo. Avoid using detergents because they contain high surfactants which cause the surface of the jacket to be more easily damaged. In fact, the texture of the jacket can be stiffer to the point of changing the color. Baby soap is a safe choice because it is usually free of harsh chemicals and contains jojoba, coconut, or almond oil, which can increase the moisture in the leather.
Check whether the leather jacket is faded or not
If the leather jacket is not too stained, you can just wipe it with warm water. Dip a clean cloth first in the soap solution to wipe the hidden areas on the jacket. If it doesn’t fade, you can soak the leather jacket. If it fades, there is a possibility that the leather jacket you bought is an imitation.
Sometimes if the leather jacket is stored for too long, moldy stains will arise which spoil the appearance of the jacket. How to clean it, you simply wipe the moldy part with a sponge until there are no imprints of stains.
If stubborn stains don’t go away, you can also do another alternative, namely brushing them with a horsehair brush. But remember, do not brush too hard so that the surface of the leather jacket is not damaged, OK!
Dry the leather jacket
After removing the stain, the next step is to wipe the leather jacket using a soft textured towel. Dry the leather jacket by aerating the leather jacket. If you want to be more efficient, you can spray dry steam or use a hair dryer to dry the surface of the jacket. Avoid drying leather jackets in the sun, because exposure to UV rays that are too strong can reduce the moisture in the leather on the jacket so that the leather is easy to crack and peel.
Apply lotion
To keep the leather jacket moist, one way you can apply lotion or olive oil, you know! This method can also keep the color of the jacket shiny, and maintain the flexibility of the jacket.
Storing leather jackets
When the jacket is dry, you can store the leather jacket in the closet by hanging it. Do not fold a leather jacket as this can create crease marks that can change its shape. Store the jacket in a cool place, not in a place that is too humid because it can invite mold.
Those are some ways to wash a leather jacket properly and correctly. By doing the right care, of course, can make a leather jacket durable and can be used for a long time. Good luck!