How to Clean and Restore Leather Jackets 
If you are looking to restore the original look of your leather jacket, you will want to follow a few simple steps. First, inspect the jacket to see any damage. While the leather may be smooth and shiny, it may have spots or holes. You should avoid using saddle soap or shoe polish to restore the jacket’s shine.
Avoid applying shoe polish to restore the shine of a leather jacket
There are a number of reasons why you should avoid applying shoe polish to a leather jacket. First, shoe polish can stain upholstery and clothing. To avoid this, make sure you protect the surfaces you are working on with newspaper or a rag before applying the polish. You should also wear an apron and latex gloves. This will prevent the polish from staining your fingers.
If you do decide to apply shoe polish to your leather jacket, make sure to use a neutral colour. Choosing the correct shade can make a huge difference in the appearance of your jacket. A neutral-toned polish will lighten a multi-colored patina, while a beeswax yellow will highlight a contrast in color.
First, you must clean the leather to remove any dirt specks that might cause the polish to scratch the leather. Use a dry rag to wipe away any dirt specks. Next, apply the wax polish in circular motions. The friction will help melt the polish and spread it evenly. The final effect should be a mirror-like shine. Finally, you can use a welt brush to apply wax polish to scuffed or neglected areas of the leather jacket. After applying the wax polish, allow it to dry for at least 10 minutes.
Finally, don’t forget to take your jacket indoors once you are finished wearing it. It will help protect it from the damaging effects of UV light. The UV rays from the sun can cause the leather to lose its shine and look dull.
Avoid applying saddle soap to clean a leather jacket
Before applying saddle soap to clean a leather jacket, you must ensure that the jacket is clean and free from debris. The soap should be made of all-natural ingredients, and should not contain any chemicals. It should also match the color of the leather. The best choice is a white soap, since it is more suitable for light-colored leather. If your jacket is made of dark-colored leather, however, you should use a yellow-colored soap instead, as it is less likely to cause fading.
While it is possible to apply saddle soap to clean a leather jacket, this process can damage the leather by stripping the tanning agents. This can cause cracks to form faster. The residue from the soap will also erode the natural oils of the leather. To avoid this, you should use a leather cleaning wipe, which is specially designed to remove dirt and other particles from leather. These wipes are pH balanced and do not leave residues and give a streak-free clean.
After you have thoroughly cleaned the leather parts of the jacket, you can now use a damp cloth to clean the metal parts. When you are finished, make sure that the moisture doesn’t reach the other parts of the jacket, and then allow it to dry in the sun. Sunlight helps kill bacteria present on the leather surfaces. Taking good care of your leather jacket will keep it looking great for many years.
Inspecting leather jacket for damage
When purchasing a leather jacket, it is important to inspect both the inside and outside of the garment for signs of damage. Make sure the seams are tight and the leather is not crumbling apart when touched. If the seams have come loose, this usually means the leather is untreated or has been processed improperly. Additionally, make sure to look closely at the lining fabric. If it is damaged, it will need to be repaired.
While high-quality leather jackets are naturally protected against damage, physical and environmental stress can cause them to wear down. Regularly inspect your leather jacket for signs of damage and make sure to repair it immediately. Look for discoloration or frayed stitching. Don’t use shoe polish, as it is not a suitable cleaning product for leather.
If you are unsure of how to clean your leather jacket, it’s best to consult the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the jacket. You can buy special leather cleaning solutions for different types of leather. Always test any product on a hidden area before applying it to the jacket. Make sure to leave the cleaning solution on the leather for at least five minutes before wiping it away. Suede and nubuck leather require special products, while aniline leather can be cleaned with a general leather cleaner.
If you see mold or fungus, you can remove it using a wet towel. Once the mold or fungus dries up, it should flake off, much like a piece of dry skin. If you find mildew or fungus on your jacket, you can remove it using a similar solution. This solution is composed of 1 part alcohol and one part water. You can also use a gentle cloth to clean any mildew or mold.
