How to Clean a Leather Jacket From a Thrift Store
If you have a leather jacket from a thrift store that has developed some stains, you can clean it with a damp cloth and wax or polish. If the stains are stubborn, you can use saddle soap to remove them. This product can also be used to clean tough stains, such as ink.
Saddle soap removes tough stains
Whether you’re looking to clean a thrift store leather jacket or a vintage leather coat, saddle soap can help. Available in most stores and sometimes sold alongside polishes, saddle soap is a great all-purpose cleaning and conditioning product. This product is also ideal for leather furniture and can be applied using a soft cloth or brush.
First, make sure the leather is clean. It may have tough stains, but saddle soap will get rid of them. Rub the soap into the stain using a clockwise motion, removing it from the entire surface of the leather. Next, condition the leather to protect it from further stains.
Applying a coat of wax to leather jackets
Before you can use a leather jacket, you have to make sure that it’s in good condition. It might be a bit worn and stained, but that doesn’t mean it’s beyond repair. If the jacket is old and has seen better days, you can restore its finish with a coat of wax.
Before you begin, warm up your leather jacket and the wax by placing it in the sun or a microwave. When it’s warm, use your hands to rub the wax into the leather. If the wax is too stiff, you can use baking soda to remove it. You can also rub a piece of paper or a toothbrush through the wax to remove tough odors.
You can also use an Otter bar to apply the wax in hard-to-reach areas, such as corners and cuffs. Be sure to avoid excessive water, as it can damage the leather even further. After you have finished applying the wax, you can gently wipe the jacket with a rag or cloth.
Cleaning ink stains
Ink stains are difficult to remove from a leather jacket from a thrift store, but luckily, there are a few ways to remove them quickly. If the stain is fresh, it should be fairly easy to remove. If it has dried, however, it will need multiple treatments. You can dampen a white cotton cloth with rubbing alcohol, which will transfer the stain’s color to the fabric. You can repeat this process as necessary to remove the stain.
The first step is to blot the area with a clean cloth to get rid of any excess liquid or grease. For stubborn ink stains, you can try a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. This will remove any ink stain, but you must be sure not to rub the stain with the cloth. Another option is to use hairspray, which contains alcohol.
Applying a coat of saddle soap
Before applying saddle soap, it is important to first wipe the leather dry with a clean, dry cloth. It is very important to wipe off any excess saddle soap, as this can damage the surface. Then, apply a coat of conditioner. This will help protect the leather from future wear and tear.
Depending on the type of leather, you may have to use a different type of soap. You should avoid using saddle soap on suede, nubuck, and other types of delicate leather. This is because the saddle soap will provide the leather with moisture and remove stubborn stains.
Once the jacket has been cleaned with saddle soap, you should apply a coat of leather conditioner. You may also want to apply olive oil or vinegar. However, be sure to test the cleaning solution on a small part of the jacket first to ensure that it won’t cause any damage. Once the jacket has dried, you can apply a coat of wax to give it a shiny, protective finish. There are many commercial waxes available that are specifically designed for leather items. Beeswax is an example of a natural wax that will work for a leather jacket.
Spot dirt easier than stains
It is easier to spot dirt on a leather jacket than to remove stains. Light dirt can be removed using a sponge and soap. For heavier dirt, you’ll need a more powerful cleaning agent. For this, you can buy a leather cleaner designed to remove stains and dirt. Test the cleaner on a small area first to ensure it’s safe for the leather. You can also use a leather moisturizer or conditioner to further protect the leather.
A distilled water solution is an excellent choice for cleaning your leather jacket. You can also use regular tap water but you should be careful because it can contain minerals that can damage your leather. Make sure to clean your leather jacket every month or when it looks dirty.
