Sure you can put a leather jacket in the wash. That is what we will get into in detail the short answer is a complex “try at your own risk, and only when all else has failed”. For the most part machine washing is out of the question for real leather which may result in permanent damage. But also included in this is the why which brought us to this issue, and what very rare circumstances may present in which this may be tried, which is important for any leather garment owner to know.
This in depth guide will go into the details cleaning of Classic leather jackets out in great depth, will separate what is real from what is faux leather care, we will also go over what may go wrong with machine wash and will put forth a step by step approach for those that want to give it a go which we must note includes that professional leather cleaning is still the best and safest method.
1. The Fundamental Flaw: Why Leather and The Washing Machine Don’t Get Along.
To see why machine washing a real leather jacket is usually out — of — the question, you have to know what leather is. Leather is tanned animal skin which has gone through chemical treatment to prevent decay, which in turn makes it strong and flexible. That said the tanning process does not make it as resistant to water and chemicals as synthetic materials do.
Loss of Natural Oils: Leather benefits from natural oils (and also from applied conditioning oils) which improve its suppleness and prevent cracking.
Hot water and harsh detergents remove these oils out very quickly.
- Shrinkage and Stiffness: Once these oils leave the leather which is at the effect of heat from hot water the collagen fibers in the leather shrink. As the leather dries out it becomes stiff and brittle also which in turn causes it to reduce in size at time to the point of being unwearable. This shrinkage is permanent.
- Colour Bleeding and Discolouration: Dye used in leather products is known to bleed greatly in wash which in turn stains other items or causes a uneven faded look on the jacket.
- Damage to Lining and Hardware: Machine wash is not a gentle process. Zippers may catch, buttons come off, and fine fabrics may tear or unravel at which point repair will be very costly.
- Water Stains and Streaks: Even at full size water leaves behind permanent marks and streaks which affect certain leathers more which include lighter colors and aniline finishes.
Spot clean, hand wash with care, or take to a leather professional for dry cleaning.
2. At What Point Do You Put In The Machine Wash (And a Big Disclaimer).
Despite the warnings which is to say that there are in certain limited cases machine washing which may be an option though still not for high value or very personal items. This section also will go into the different types of leather which is a key issue for most people that ask “can I wash my leather jacket.
PVC is a different material. Also many faux leather jackets may go in the wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Do check the care label for your individual faux leather piece.
This is the only kind of “leather” jacket which does put up with machine wash.
For an old put together at low cost leather jacket which you know is a goer and which other cleaning methods have given up on, some people will put it in the washing machine. This is a “we have nothing to lose” type of play and the expectation is that the jacket will change which may be greatly, in terms of texture, size and appearance. This is not for your top of the line biker jacket or high end piece.
- Only for Specific Finishes (Rarely): Very rarely we may see natural undyed or specially treated skins included in our leather which has been pre shrunk and made resistant to water like in certain sueded or nubuck leathers. But what is very unusual for the every day jacket is this and would be put out on the care label. If you don’t see it on the label then do not expect it.
Disclaimer: Continuing on to machine wash a real leather jacket as detailed in this section is at your own risk. Author and all related parties are not responsible for any damage to your garment.
3. A How To (Faux Leather Recommended).
If after our many warnings you are still set on machine washing that leather (which really should be faux leather) here is the most safe method we have found. This is for the reports of people which put in ‘how to machine wash premium faux leather jacket’ in to google or for that die hard machine washing you’ve given up on a real leather piece.
- reparation is Key:
- Check the Care Label: This is a hard line. If it says “Dry Clean Only” on real leather do as it says. For faux leather look for “Machine Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle.
- Empty Pockets: Erase everything.
- Turn Inside Out: This which in turn protects the leather’s outer surface during the wash cycle.
- Close Zippers and Fasteners: Zip up all your zippers and fasten every button and snap to avoid snagging or damage to the jacket and machine.
- For added protection against stretching, snagging, or hardware damage put the jacket in a large mesh laundry bag. This is also great for faux leather or lighter weight genuine leather.
4. Washing Cycle Settings
- Prevention of shrinkage and color bleeding requires cold water.
- Choose the most gentle cycle your machine provides.This will reduce agitation.
- Use a Mild Detergent: Dial in with detergents that are made for delicates or at most use a small amount of a mild pH neutral liquid detergent. Out of the bleaches and powders which don’t always break down completely we stay away. Also some put forth that you use specialty leather cleaners which are water soluble but you don’t see many of these for machine use.
- Wash Alone: Do not put the leather jacket in with the rest of your clothes, especially the light colored ones, to avoid dye transfer.
5. The Dry run (Key to Real Leather)
This is what you may term the key step, especially with regards to real leather. Do not put your leather jacket in the tumble dryer. High heat will definitely cause shrinkage, cracking and stiffness.
- Remove Immediately: As soon as the wash cycle ends take out the jacket from the machine. Don’t leave it in to dry.
- Gently Reshape: Place your jacket over a clean towel and gently press out excess water. Do not wring or twist.
- Hang on a Padded Hanger: Hang your jacket on a solid padded hanger (wire hangers are out as they cause shoulder indentation).
- Air Dry Away from Direct Heat/Sunlight: Allow your jacket to air out in a large open area away from direct sun light, radiators or any heat sources. Heat will cause it to shrink and stiffen.
- As real leather dries out it will tend to become stiff: Every few hours as it is drying out, gently stretch and flex the leather with your hands. Break up the fibers and restore some suppleness by working the material. It is a time consuming task but very important in to prevent stiffness. At times you may put it on briefly (if it still fits) to stretch it out.
- Condition (for Real Leather Only): Once you have allowed the jacket to dry through which may take a few days it is very important to re-condition it. Apply rich quality leather conditioner liberally, work it in fully across the whole of the surface. This will put back what oil was lost and help to restore some softness. May require multiple applications.
6. Safe Options for Cleaning Your Leather Jacket.
Given that we are dealing with high risk here are what I would term universal and safe methods for ‘cleaning your leather jacket at home’:.
- Spot Cleaning: For light marks and spills wipe the area with a damp cloth which should be only of water or a very diluted mild soap solution for the tough spots. Blot dry right away. For oil based stains we suggest you pour some cornstarch or talcum powder over the stain which will absorb the oil out over the night.
- Hand Washing (Cautious Approach): For big clean ups use a gentle hand wash with specialized leather cleaner (or very mild soap) in lukewarm water. Soak for a short while, gently rub in the cleaner, and rinse out quickly. This may still be a risk but it is by far the less aggressive option as compared to machine washing.
- Specialised Leather Cleaners/Wipes: Many products are available for leather care and cleaning. Carefully follow the instructions.
- Professional Leather Cleaning: For best results with very expensive, delicate, or very soiled real leather jackets take it to a professional leather cleaning service. They have the skill, the proper equipment, and the right solvents to clean and recondition leather without damage. This is also the best way to care for your investment.
Leather Jacket Cleaning FaQs: Get What You Are Looking For
Q1: Can you hand wash leather jacket
A: No, don’t hand wash a leather jacket. That may damage the leather use a damp cloth or take it to a professional for cleaning instead.
Q2: Can you dry clean a faux leather jacket
A: Yes, we do have that option to dry clean a faux leather jacket in which we go for it, out of which it is best to check the care label first or to use a cleaner that has experience with faux leather.
Q3: How to wash leather jacket inside
A: Turn the jacket inside out and use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the lining. Allow it to air dry fully do not soak or put in the washing machine.
Q4: How to soften stiff leather jacket
A: You can break in a stiff leather jacket by using a leather conditioner or natural oils (like mink or coconut oil) which you apply evenly then gently massage in. Also wear the jacket often which will help it break in naturally.
Q: How often should a leather jacket from Express Jackets be professionally cleaned?
A: A professional cleaning for the leather jacket is once a year, also if it gets stained or starts to smell in which case it should be done earlier. In between that, regular conditioning will do it do in very good health.
Conclusion: Reskining the Material.
It is a natural, organic material which requires special care. While synthetic faux leather gives you the ease of machine washing, full grain leather requires a more tender touch. The risk of permanent damage shrinkage, rigidity and discoloration is a high price to pay for that convenience. For your genuine leather jacket which you treasure, go for spot cleaning, hand wash as a gentle option, and also at the top of that list is the service of professional leather cleaners. It is an investment in the piece itself but also in its durability and look. By putting in the effort for proper leather jacket care you see to it that your classic piece will be a staple in your closet for many years.