How to Clean and Restore a Leather Jacket 
If you have a leather jacket that needs to be restored to its original glory, you may need to clean it. You can apply leather lotion or oil to restore the shine and color. You can use olive oil or vegetable oil for this purpose. You should not apply shoe polish or other products designed to restore shine to leather.
Avoid applying shoe polish to restore the shine of a leather jacket
Applied shoe polish can damage the leather, dulling its appearance. It will also cause the jacket to lose its shine over time. A better solution to restoring the shine of a leather jacket is to use specialist leather balsam instead. This product is specially formulated for leather, and it is non-abrasive. It also has a neutral colour. To apply it, use a soft cloth.
If you do decide to apply shoe polish to a leather jacket, be careful not to rub the leather with your fingers. Applying too much pressure could cause your leather to crack. The goal is to fill in the leather pores and create a flat, mirror-like finish. After applying the polish, let it dry for 10 to 20 minutes.
Applying conditioner to areas which are squeaking
One of the most common problems that people face is sticky leather. They get up and notice that the leather is slick and sticky. This can really ruin the texture of the leather. Luckily, leather conditioner is available in the market and can help restore the sheen and suppleness of your leather jacket.
It is important to apply conditioner to areas which are squeaky. The conditioner should be applied in a light coat and allowed to soak into the leather. The leather conditioner will make it softer and reduce the amount of squeaking in the leather. Moreover, it will prevent the leather from getting a smelly and unpleasant smell.
Another method to stop squeaking on a leather garment is to apply silicone spray to the squeaking area. This is effective because it creates a barrier between the leather and the air, which can cause the leather to squeak. You can also use a hairdryer to make the leather soft.
Inspecting for water damage
Before cleaning a leather jacket, you need to check for any water damage. Humidity is one of the biggest causes of damage, and if it is too high, it can affect the leather. The normal humidity level in a house is around 40-60%, so if it is too high, you will risk damaging your jacket.
It is also important to know the type of leather your jacket is made from. If you don’t know, you should ask the manufacturer for details. Natural leather does not have a protective coating, while treated leather does. If the jacket is soft or is pliable, it indicates it has not been treated.
Cleaning with saddle soap
Several manufacturers produce saddle soap, but the key ingredient is Lye. Lye is a caustic compound that is highly soluble in water. It is also known as caustic soda or sodium hydroxide. You want to avoid this substance on leather, since it can deform the material.
You can use saddle soap to remove dirt, polish the leather, and apply a protective layer of waterproofing to your jacket. It is available at your local tack store or online. Just apply a small amount to a washcloth and wipe the coat with a dry cloth.
Saddle soap contains ingredients that provide moisture to leather and are effective at removing stubborn stains. This type of cleaning agent is not recommended for delicate, suede, or nubuck leather. However, it is an excellent choice for cleaning soiled leather jackets and other leather goods. To use saddle soap, simply apply it to the jacket with a damp cloth, work it into a lather, and then wipe it dry with a cloth.
Using leather conditioner to repair cracks
If you have cracks in your leather jacket, you can use a leather conditioner to make them less noticeable. You can use a sponge, finger, or even the back of a spoon to apply the conditioner to the leather. You will need to work the leather conditioner into the crack until you reach the desired depth. Once you have reached this point, wipe the conditioner off. Make sure to let the leather rest for at least 2 hours before using the jacket again.
When using a leather conditioner, you should first test it on a hidden area to make sure it will not leave any residue behind. You can also use a fine-bristled brush to gently scrub the cracks with the conditioner. After the cleaning is complete, use the conditioner on a clean cloth.
