Care & Maintenance for a Leather Jacket

Protecting Your New Leather Jacket

• Each type of leather may require different care. Follow the garment manufacturer's directions that come with your new jacket. Spray the jacket with a protective leather product, but avoid those that contain silicone or wax. These chemicals will break down the natural oils in the leather, according to Good Housekeeping. Re-apply the protective coating every three months to keep the leather conditioned and to keep stains from setting. Do not use excessive amounts of oil or wax on leather. This will prevent the leather from allowing in air and keeping out moisture. Always test leather product on a small, hidden area to make sure it will not damage the material.

Routine Surface Cleaning

• Remove dirt, salt deposits and other material from your leather jacket with a moist cloth. Do not use harsh detergents on the leather fabric, and avoid using cleaning solvents on your jacket. Have the leather jacket cleaned professionally every year, according to Overstock.com. Ensure that the cleaning company specializing in caring for leather garments.

Water Damage

• If your leather jacket gets wet, allow it to air-dry away from heat sources. Leather jackets can develop mildew if not properly dried. Never use a hair dryer or other heating appliances to dry your leather jacket. Apply a leather conditioner when the jacket is almost fully dry. Re-apply the leather conditioner when the jacket is fully dry. Leather garments can get water-stained if not properly sealed. Consult with your local leather-cleaning professional to remove serious staining.

Leather Storage

• Store the jacket on wooden or wide, plastic hangers to help the garment keep its shape. Do not store your leather jacket in a plastic bag or other non-porous material, according to Taylor's Leatherwear. Keep your leather jacket out of direct sunlight, which will dry the leather and may lead to cracking.

Leather Care Products

• A wide variety of leather care products are on the market. Not all of these products do a good job of protecting or conditioning leather garments. Always test products on a small area before applying more, generally. Only use products specially formulated for use on leather clothing.