How to Clean and Care for Your Leather Jacket

November 21, 2025

🩼 How to Clean & Care for Your Leather Jacket

Keep Your Leather Looking New for Years

Few things age as beautifully as a real leather jacket—if you treat it right. Whether you wear yours daily or just on special nights out, proper care keeps the leather soft, rich, and ready for every season.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to clean, condition, and store your jacket like a pro.

🩽 1. Know Your Leather Type

Before cleaning, check what kind of leather you have.
At Sunfyre, we use full-grain sheepskin and cowhide leather, both of which need gentle, oil-based care.

Full-grain: Most durable and ages with a natural patina.
Sheepskin: Lightweight and buttery soft—needs extra hydration.
Aniline or semi-aniline: More delicate; avoid harsh cleaners.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, spot-test any product on a hidden inner panel first.

🧴 2. What You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment—just a few essentials:

Soft microfiber cloths
Leather cleaner or mild saddle soap
Leather conditioner or cream
A padded hanger
Breathable garment bag (no plastic!)

🧹 3. Step-by-Step: Cleaning Your Leather Jacket

Step 1: Dust & Surface Clean

Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away dust and light dirt.
Move in small circles to lift particles without scratching.

Step 2: Spot-Treat Stains

Dampen a clean cloth slightly with lukewarm water and mild leather cleaner.
Gently dab—never rub—on the stain.
For oil marks, sprinkle a little cornstarch, leave overnight, and brush off gently.

Step 3: Let It Air Dry

Always air-dry naturally at room temperature.
Avoid heaters, hairdryers, or sunlight; they draw out essential oils from the leather.

💧 4. Conditioning – The Secret to Soft, Supple Leather

Once your jacket is clean and dry, apply a leather conditioner with a soft cloth.
Massage it into the surface using circular motions and let it absorb for 10–15 minutes.

Conditioning:

Restores natural oils lost during wear
Prevents cracking or stiffness
Deepens the color and sheen

🕓 Do this every 3–4 months if you wear your jacket often, or twice a year for occasional use.

🧵 5. How to Store Your Leather Jacket Properly

Your jacket deserves a good home too.

✅ Do:

Hang on a wide, padded hanger to maintain shoulder shape.
Store in a cool, dry place with airflow.
Use a breathable fabric or cotton garment bag.

🚫 Don’t:

Fold tightly—it will crease permanently.
Keep in direct sunlight or near radiators.
Store in plastic—it traps moisture and causes mildew.

⚠️ 6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using baby wipes or alcohol cleaners — they strip the finish.
Leaving water spots to dry — always blot gently.
Ironing or steaming wrinkles — instead, hang it in a steamy bathroom for 10 minutes to relax the leather naturally.

🐑 7. Caring for Sheepskin & Full-Grain Leather

Sheepskin leather, used in many Sunfyre racer and bomber jackets, benefits from richer conditioning.
Use lanolin-based creams or specialized sheepskin conditioners, and always keep it lightly oiled.

The more you wear it, the better it looks—full-grain leather develops character, not wear.

❓ 8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I machine-wash my leather jacket?

No. Machine washing removes oils and ruins the structure. Always hand-clean gently.

What’s the best way to remove odor?

Hang it outdoors in shade for a few hours or use a fabric-safe deodorizing spray designed for leather.

How do I make my leather jacket shiny again?

Apply conditioner and buff lightly with a dry microfiber cloth—avoid wax polishes unless they’re made for leather apparel.

❤️ 9. Extend Its Life with Consistent Care

Think of your leather jacket like good skin—it needs cleaning, moisture, and protection.
Regular light maintenance beats heavy restoration every time.
Follow these steps, and your jacket will stay smooth, bold, and beautiful for decades.