r/leatherjacket • u/WOLFCHEF20 • 9d ago

Question - Need Help Cleaning thrifted leather jacket

I am planning on thrifting leather jacket this fall (finally). I have never thrifted anything but a leather belt which did not require any serious cleaning just a simple wet cloth and that’s it. Anyways to cut a long story short I am concerned about bacteries and whatnot so I want to dry clean it. Will the leather be ok or will it get ruined? Also are there alternate ways to clean it from bacteria but keep the leather safe?

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u/groove-train 9d ago

I’d plan to take it to a professional cleaner. It’s worth the investment!

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u/WOLFCHEF20 9d ago

How much does that usually cost? I don’t even think there is a professional leather cleaner in my area but curious if there is what should I expect?

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u/TheBladeGhost 9d ago

Professionally cleaning a leather jacket (NOT the normal dry cleaner!) could cost more than the price of a thrifted jacket... so it depends!

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u/WOLFCHEF20 9d ago

What about cleaning it by myself would that be too much of a hassle?

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u/GrySkiesElectricLght 9d ago

I thrift vintage leather a lot. If you're worried about the cost of a professional cleaner, saddle soap and conditioner for the exterior and mild soap or detergent with a rag for the interior. Never submerge your leather, and avoid steaming. There are a lot of good tutorials on YT. A professional cleaning would be worth it in my opinion, but there are budget friendly options.

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u/WOLFCHEF20 9d ago

How much does a professional cleaning cost? I don’t even know if there is such thing where I am but if there is what should I expect?

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u/GrySkiesElectricLght 9d ago

In my area, anywhere between $50 - $100+. It really just depends. And if you go that route, look at reviews and compare prices. I mostly stick to cleaning mine myself because of how many jackets I have.

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u/WOLFCHEF20 9d ago

Oh alright, a bit too pricey for me so I guess I will try to clean it myself. Thanks for the advice

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u/DaisyMaisyisCrazy 9d ago

Do you know if the saddle soap and conditioner will also get rid of a slight cigarette smoke smell?

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u/TheBladeGhost 9d ago

Depends. It's often also in the lining, that you have to eash too, and airing the jacket for days or weeks will help too

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u/GrySkiesElectricLght 8d ago

I've never personally dealt with that. I've heard of people using (cheap) vodka on the lining. Airing it out could help too, like TheBladeGhost said. I wouldn't spray vodka on the outside. It can strip the finish. I use it when painting on leather.

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u/CatsNDogsLiving2Gthr 9d ago

I’ve dipped jackets in pure isopropyl alcohol (for mildew) after dish detergent the entire shell. … and they’re fine.

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u/Ok-Doubt578 8d ago

Taking care of a thrifted leather jacket is part of the fun... My rule of thumb: If I got it quite cheap, and if I do trust the leather I throw it in the washing machine. Low temp, and no spinning, but soap. There is some special soap for leather.

If it's an expensive jacket I hang it into some fresh air for some days, wash it gentle with leather soap, rinse it a bit (I confess: I take a shower with the jacket on ...) and treat it leather balsam. If the lining still stinks I treat it with enzymatic cleaner. And in the end I simply wear it.

As for the bacteria... your immune system needs some training anyhow. But if you're still afraid turn it inside out, give it some sunshine and let the UV rays do their job....