How to Clean a Leather Jacket So It Always Looks New

A well-cared jacket can last a lifetime.

A good leather jacket will quickly become the most-used item in your closet—and, as a result, one of the dirtiest items in your closet. Through consistent wear, your jacket’s once-pristine leather might start to fade or stain and the lining will probably develop a bit of a smell. (If your jacket is vintage, it might have come with one or all of these charming features already.)

With any other fabric, these issues are easy to solve—just pop down to your local dry cleaner and let them do the hard work. But with leather, small defects like these can pose a major problem because most dry cleaners will reject any form of leather or suede (believe me, I’ve done the research). That means that you’re going to have to do it yourself.

Thankfully, a leather jacket can withstand decades of wear, but the key is all in the upkeep. “Whether it's a new or vintage leather product, proper care is essential to make sure the product can be passed down for generations,” says Josh McPherson, senior retail operations coordinator at Tecovas. “Ten minutes of proper care per year can go a long way."

Ahead, McPherson and more leather industry experts share their top tips for leather jacket longevity. Here is the right (and wrong) way to clean a leather jacket. 

How Often to Wash a Leather Jacket

Leather has been used for thousands of years because of its durability and easy wear, so you don’t need to overdo it. But if your jacket is looking a little worse for wear, David Mesquita, vice president of Leather Spa, says: “A leather jacket should be professionally cleaned only as needed, generally once a year or less. Over-cleaning can dry out the leather, so it’s best to clean only when necessary.”

On the other hand, leather conditioning should be a bit more frequent: every three-to-six months is the sweet spot for maintaining softness and flexibility. In addition to regular treatment, Mesquita recommends storing leather items of any kind in a cool, dry place. Prolonged sun exposure should also be kept to a minimum.

Can You Dry Clean a Leather Jacket?

According to McPherson, you can’t dry clean a leather jacket, but capable cleaners will be able to work on it using other tools—but they’re few and far between. “Not every dry cleaner has the tools to properly do so,” he tells InStyle. “Most higher-end dry cleaners that focus on specialty products will offer these services. For the safest route, self-care and cleaning would be suggested.”

One of the places you can count on for quality service is Leather Spa. The New York-based leather repair and cleaning service is renowned among fashion editors for its respiration capabilities. “We specialize in leather care and repair, with years of expertise handling leather jackets, shoes, bags, and luxury items,” says Mesquita. “We clean all garments by hand; No dry-cleaning machinery is involved.” If you’re not NYC-based, consider shipping your jacket in for cleaning.

Both Mesquita and McPherson agree that washing leather jackets at home is your best bet. “Traditional dry cleaning isn’t suitable for luxury leather,” Mesquita explains. “Leather requires specialized cleaning to maintain its natural oils and integrity."

How to Clean a Leather Jacket at Home

Most leather jacket upkeep is divided into two categories: the outer layer and the lining. Techniques for each differ, depending on what kind of fabric you’re working with. “For cleaning the liner, you're mostly trying to get rid of bacteria and odors,” says McPherson. “This can be accomplished with baking soda or talcum powder. Let it rest, and then brush it off.” He also recommends whipping out your trusty Tide Pen for any stains on the lining.

Mesquita also says: “If the lining is polyester or cotton, it can be gently spot-cleaned with a mild detergent solution.” Just be careful to avoid wetting the leather itself. The outside, on the other hand, should be wiped down with a soft cloth to remove dirt. “For tougher spots, a leather spot cleaner can be applied sparingly,” he says.

As for what to avoid, McPherson advises against gels and liquids. “There are a lot of different products out there, so it’s important to ensure you’re using products that are specifically made for what you are trying to accomplish,” he says. “I would highly recommend the Tecovas Basics Care Kit. It has everything you need for cleaning and conditioning your leather products.”

Mesquita warns against polishes meant for shoes. "They are typically too heavy for jacket leather,” he says. “Avoid generic cleaners, as they can strip essential oils. Look for cleaners and conditioners specifically formulated for leather.”

How to Clean a Leather Jacket That Smells

I love a good vintage find as much as the next person, but there is a major downside: the smell. Leather is the toughest fabric to remove smell from because it can’t be washed like normal fabrics. However, McPherson suggests the Tecovas Refresher Spray. “It works great to remove bacteria that cause odors.”

If your jacket’s lining is the problem (read: pit stains), Mesquita says fabric deodorizers are a great option—beyond that, it’s best to consult a professional. “We can often reduce about 50% of the smell, with the remainder being masked. Professional cleaning can help, but may not fully eliminate the smell,” he tells InStyle.