No, you should never wash a leather jacket in the washing machine. Leather is a natural material that reacts badly to water, heat and spinning. A single wash can permanently damage the jacket: the leather dries out, warps or cracks. Fortunately, there are good alternatives for keeping your jacket clean at home and looking great for a long time.
What happens to leather when it goes in the washing machine?
If you put a leather jacket in the washing machine, the material is irreversibly damaged. When leather comes into contact with a lot of water, it loses its natural oils and elasticity. The result: the jacket shrinks, warps, cracks or discolors. No cycle, not even the gentlest one, makes a washing machine suitable for leather.
Here is what specifically goes wrong during a wash:
- Drying out and cracking: Water draws the natural oils out of the leather. After drying, cracks appear and the surface becomes dry and dull.
- Warping: The jacket loses its shape from soaking and spinning. Shoulder panels, lapels and sleeves get pulled out of line.
- Discoloration: Black leather and brown leather can develop stains and streaks that can no longer be removed.
- Damage to the inside: The lining, zippers and buttons can come loose or get damaged by the mechanical strain of the drum.
This also applies to micro suede and suede-look materials made of polyester. Although these fabrics are somewhat more robust than real leather, they are not suitable for the washing machine either, unless the label expressly allows it. Always check the care label before doing anything.
How can you clean a leather jacket at home without a washing machine?
You can clean a leather jacket well at home with a damp cloth, mild soap and the right care products. Most stains and dirt will disappear this way without you having to take the jacket to a professional. It’s a matter of using the right technique and the right products.
Removing surface dirt
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe dust and surface dirt off the jacket. Don’t rub too hard and always move in the direction of the grain of the material. Then let the jacket dry completely at room temperature, away from direct heat sources such as a radiator or the sun.
Tackling stubborn stains
Mix a small amount of mild soap with lukewarm water and apply it to the stain with a soft cloth. Work in small, circular motions and use as little moisture as possible. Then remove the soap residue with a clean, damp cloth and let the jacket dry. Never use acetone, alcohol or other strong solvents, as they attack the leather immediately.
For suede or micro suede, a special suede brush works better than a damp cloth. Gently brush the stain loose with short, light strokes. Here too, don’t use water unless the label allows it.
When should a leather jacket go to the dry cleaner?
A leather jacket needs professional cleaning when there are deep stains, strong odors or visible damage that you can’t fix at home. Think of oil or grease stains, mold, or a jacket that needs a thorough refresh after years of use. A specialized dry cleaner has the right products and techniques for leather.
Take your jacket to the dry cleaner in the following situations:
- The jacket has oil or grease stains that don’t respond to mild soap and water.
- There is mold or a musty smell that doesn’t go away after airing.
- The leather is severely dried out or cracked and needs professional treatment.
- The jacket has color loss or discoloration that you can’t correct yourself.
- You want the jacket thoroughly cleaned and refreshed at the beginning or end of the season.
Always choose a dry cleaner with specific experience with leather. When you drop off the jacket, clearly state what kind of material it is and where the stains come from. This helps the professional choose the right approach.
How do you care for a leather jacket so it lasts a long time?
A leather jacket lasts for years if you regularly condition it, protect it and store it properly. Good care prevents drying out, cracking and discoloration. With a few simple habits, and a good leather protection set, you can keep a black or brown leather jacket in excellent condition, season after season.
Follow this basic leather care schedule:
- Clean the jacket after each use lightly with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
- Condition the leather two to three times a year with a suitable leather cream or balm. This keeps the material supple and prevents cracking.
- Protect the jacket with a water-repellent spray for leather, especially at the start of the wet season. This helps you keep raindrops and stains at bay. A leather protection set brings the right products together in one place.
- Hang the jacket on a wide hanger so that it keeps its shape. Don’t use narrow plastic hangers, as they pull the shoulders out of shape.
- Store the jacket in a breathable garment bag, not in a plastic bag. Leather needs air circulation to prevent mold.
- Keep the jacket at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Extreme heat or cold damages the material.
Also pay attention to small details: zip up the zippers before hanging the jacket, always let a wet jacket dry first before putting it away, and treat small scuffs immediately with leather cream before they get bigger.
How Donders 1860 helps you care for your leather jacket
We know how important it is to keep a good leather jacket in top condition for a long time. More than 165 years of experience in making premium jackets has taught us that the quality of the material and the care afterwards go hand in hand. That’s why we not only offer high-quality leather jackets, but also help you enjoy them for as long as possible.
Here is what you’ll find with us:
- Premium leather jackets in black and brown leather, expertly designed for everyday use and multiple seasons.
- Bomber jackets and transitional jackets in leather and micro suede, with attention to fit and material strength.
- Style advice and buying guides that help you choose the right jacket for your lifestyle and budget.
- Information on maintenance and care, so you know how to protect your investment, including our leather protection sets.
Looking for a leather jacket that lasts for years and looks great season after season? View our full range at Donders 1860 or discover our men’s collection right away for the latest styles in leather, suede and more.