How to Clean a Leather Jacket – Complete Guide to Keep It Looking New

A real leather jacket isn’t just a fashion piece — it’s an investment. Whether you own a full-grain biker jacket or a classic café racer, proper care is the secret to making it last for decades.

Unlike synthetic or vegan leather, real leather needs a careful, regular cleaning routine that preserves its natural texture, shine, and durability — without cracking or drying it out.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to clean your leather jacket at home, the right products to use, what to avoid, and tips to keep it looking brand new for years..

Understand the Leather Type First

Before you start, check what type of leather your jacket is made of:

• Full-grain leather: Most natural, unaltered surface

• Top-grain leather: Slightly sanded, smoother texture

• Suede/Nubuck: Requires special care — do not apply liquid cleaners

• PU/faux leather: See our vegan leather cleaning guide

LuxeAura uses premium full-grain and top-grain leather — both respond well to gentle cleaning and occasional conditioning.

What You'll Need

• Soft, dry microfiber cloth

• Mild soap (baby shampoo or saddle soap)

• Lukewarm water

• Leather conditioner (or natural leather balm)

• Sponge or soft brush

• Hanger for drying

Step by Step: How to Clean a Leather Jacket

Step 1: Wipe Down the Surface

Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove:

• Dust

• Dirt

• Lint
  Focus especially on the collar, sleeves, underarms, and zipper folds.

Avoid using wet wipes or alcohol-based cleaners — they can dry out or stain real leather.

Step 2: Create a Gentle Soap Solution

In a small bowl:

• Mix a few drops of baby shampoo or mild dish soap into 1 cup of lukewarm water

• Avoid strong detergents or anything with alcohol or bleach

Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and wring out thoroughly.

Step 3: Clean in Small Sections

Wipe the jacket gently in circular motions, section by section:

• Start with the sleeves

• Move to the chest and back panels

• Don’t oversaturate — a damp cloth is all you need

For stains: Lightly dab (don’t scrub) and let it dry before repeating.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Use a separate clean cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue.
Then:

• Hang the jacket on a padded or wooden hanger

• Let it air dry in shade — no direct sunlight or heat sources

• Do not use a dryer, heater, or hairdryer

Step 5: Apply Leather Conditioner

Once the jacket is fully dry (after ~12–24 hours), apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and shine.

How to do it:

• Use a soft cloth or your fingers to apply a small amount

• Rub gently into the leather in circular motions

• Let it absorb for 15–30 minutes

• Buff lightly with a dry cloth

Do this every 3–6 months, depending on wear and climate.

Bonus: How to Remove Specific Stains

• Oil stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder, let sit overnight, then brush off

• Ink stains: Use a cotton swab with a small amount of rubbing alcohol (test first!)

• Salt stains: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar, dab gently, then dry

For deep stains or mold, take your jacket to a professional leather cleaner.

Storage Tips to Prevent Damage:

Proper storage is part of cleaning too. Here’s how to keep your jacket in top shape:

• Store on a wide hanger (never wire)

• Keep in a cool, dry place — no humidity or direct sunlight

• Use a breathable garment bag (not plastic)

• Avoid folding — leather creases are permanent

What to Avoid When Cleaning Leather

❌ No bleach, harsh detergents, or all-purpose sprays
❌ No machine wash or tumble drying
❌ No vinegar or lemon directly on leather
❌ No wet wipes or hand sanitizers

Always test any product on a hidden area first.

Conclusion: Clean Is the New Classic

A well-maintained leather jacket doesn’t just look good — it lasts longer, ages better, and reflects how much you value quality.

At LuxeAura, our jackets are built from ethically sourced, full-grain leather that’s designed to evolve with time — but with a little care, they’ll look just as stunning on day 1,000 as they did on day one.