Vintage clothing has been around the block a few times (one of the reasons we love it!), so it’s important to take care of your pieces.
To properly clean your vintage jacket, you first have to familiarize yourself with the kind of leather your jacket is made of, the kind of stain you’re dealing with, and what cleaning methods your leather best responds to.
To take the stress out of laundry day for good, keep reading on for all the insider tips and tricks on how to get the best clean for your leather jacket.
Genuine Leather
If your beloved vintage jacket is made of the classic, tough Italian material we most commonly associate with leather jackets, there are several different methods you can use to successfully and safely clean your coat.
Let’s break them down one by one:
Soapy Water Mixture
If you prefer to do things the old-fashioned way, handwashing with soap and water is definitely possible.
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Fill a large container with a few ounces of warm water
- Add two teaspoons of liquid dish detergent and stir until the soap has completely dissolved
- Note: too much detergent will cause the leather to deteriorate and create a discoloration pattern on your jacket.
- Wet a paper towel with the solution
- Make sure the towel is damp, not soaking wet. Too much water will permanently saturate the pigment of the leather.
- Soft cloths and sponges are also acceptable. Any use of rough fabrics, however, may leave noticeable scratches on the surface of your jacket.
- Gently clean the leather by sweeping the towel along the jacket in long, smooth motions
- Do not scrub problem areas. Scrubbing can cause scratches, peeling, or discoloration.
- When you’ve finished washing, use a new towel and wet it slightly with clean water to absorb any remaining soap residue.
- Pat dry with a clean towel
- Hang your jacket in a cool, temperature-controlled closet to allow it to finish drying
- Applying heat is never the answer to drying leather; direct heat can dry out your jacket and create cracks and breaks in the material.
Household Items Save the Day
If you’re in a pinch to spot-treat your vintage leather jacket, there are a number of different household cleaning supplies you can use to make your jacket look brand new.
Toothpaste
Believe it or not, toothpaste makes for a great leather cleaner. However, toothpaste should only be used to lift deep, prominent stains rather than to clean a jacket in its entirety.
Apply the non-gel toothpaste to your fingertip and rub tenderly in a circular motion to cover the spot. Leave the paste on for ten seconds as it lifts the stain, then remove it carefully with a soft washcloth.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has been known to permanently reverse the effects of grease stains, which is why this method should be used on grease stains only.
Sprinkle some baking soda onto the stain, then use a soft, damp cloth to rub it into the stain further. Let the powder do all the work overnight, and remove with a damp cloth in the morning.
Finally, use a dry towel to pat your jacket dry, and you’ll be off to the races!
Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover is the perfect solution for all those difficult stains and scuffs that have stood the test of time.
All you need to do is apply the remover onto a cotton swab and rub it into any scuffs, scratches, or ink stains you may have. Keep doing so until the spot has lifted, and use a dry towel to remove any excess when finished.
Rubbing Alcohol
Don’t be so quick to throw out your vintage jacket just because it has mold on it! If you have some rubbing alcohol, the holy grail of cleaners, around the house, your jacket can still have a chance at life.
Mix half a cup of rubbing alcohol with an equal amount of water and apply to a soft washcloth. Rub the problem area in a circular motion with very minimal pressure. After the stain has lifted, use a damp rag to wipe off the remainder of the alcohol solution.
- Note: never apply rubbing alcohol directly to leather. Always dilute with water first.
Designated Leather Cleaner
Leather cleaners are another gentle, easy, and safe way to clean your vintage leather jacket without damaging its integrity. Leather cleaners are made with ingredients that can eliminate your jacket’s most harsh stains and dirt without all the harsh chemicals.
Leather cleaners also contain oils that are meant to soften the leather and keep it healthy, so you can rest assured knowing your priceless vintage find is in good hands.
Here’s how you should go about using a leather cleaner:
- Apply a minimal amount of cleaner onto a dry washcloth
- Gently massage the cleaner into the jacket with slow, circular motions
- Rub until the cleaner has been absorbed
- Use a separate cloth to wipe off any excess cleaner
- Don’t worry about wetting the cloth beforehand--leather cleaners are designed to soak into dry leather to help give your jacket a shiny new coating.
When it comes to cleaning leather jackets, always remember that less is more. If you’re unsure of which method to try, always check the label for recommended cleaning instructions before making any commitments.
Suede Leather
Compared to other leathers, suede can be a little trickier to clean (though absolutely beautiful and 100% worth it!). To keep your suede leather jacket in mint condition, it’s best to keep up with maintenance all year long.
Here’s what you need to know:
General Cleaning
The best way to make your vintage suede jacket last for years to come is to keep a consistent cleaning schedule and clean it with a suede brush every month or so. The brush will collect any unwanted pieces of lint, fluff, or dust. It will also help loosen any dirt or debris on the surface, making for an easier deep clean down the line.
If you need, you can focus more of your attention on the noticeably dirtier spots by increasing the pressure with which you brush, but just remember that suede is extremely delicate. Too much pressure could do irreversible damage to your jacket.
After you’ve finished your usual cleaning, it’s always smart to spray your jacket with a suede protector. This will help keep your jacket looking fresh and polished by protecting it from any water or oil stains.
However, it is important to note that a suede protector doesn’t make your jacket invincible. It won’t prevent any heavy stains from sitting in, like blood, ink, or mud, so be careful wherever and whenever you wear it.
Spot Treatments
Still can’t quite get those tough stains out? Luckily for you, there are spot treatments and cleaning methods that can help with that.
A suede eraser, for example, can lift the trickiest of suede stains; you just have to be patient. You could even opt for a regular pencil eraser on short notice. Just like the suede brush, make sure you’re not applying too much pressure in order to preserve the fabric.
A white vinegar solution also makes for a solid stain removal possibility. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a bowl. Dab a soft cloth or cotton ball into the solution until damp and lightly massage into the designated area.
These methods work best on older discolored stains, but there are ways to treat newer, more time-sensitive stains as well.
Liquid Stains
Make sure to blot a liquid stain as soon as possible so that it doesn’t permeate the fabric. Blotting will soak up the liquid, whereas pressing will only set it in further.
After the liquid has dried, run a suede brush over the dark spot to remove the remains of the stain.
Water Stains
It might seem counterintuitive, but the best way to treat a water stain is to add more water. Dampen a soft cloth and lightly envelop the area. Then, soak up the water with a sponge or paper towel, and don’t forget to freshen up the spot with your trusty suede brush after it has dried.
- A general note: water should not be used to treat any other sort of suede stains, so take that into consideration before throwing your suede leather jacket in the wash.
Oil Stains
Just like the baking soda hack mentioned earlier, corn starch is great for lifting oil and sweat stains. Sprinkle a thin layer over the problem area and let it sit overnight.
Remove the cornstarch in the morning with a suede brush, and your jacket will be left looking better than ever!
Let’s Love Leather
Not all leather was created equal. Some leathers can handle just about anything, while others can’t even get wet with the risk of staining. For that reason, cleaning leather can be intimidating.
But lucky for you, you just took the crash course in all things leather, which means you should finally have the confidence you need to give your favorite vintage leather jacket the proper cleaning it deserves.
Happy washing and happy wearing!
Sources:
How the Leather Jacket Became Iconic | Business Insider
What Is Suede Fabric? | MasterClass
Why Baking Soda Is Your Best Tool for a Clean Home | The Spruce