The leather jacket is one of those versatile wear you can find in the market today. This is because they can be worn to match any fashion impression you wish to create. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to dress formally, or you just decide to go out in casual wear you will be always ready to go with your leather jacket. Plus regardless of the weather condition, there will always be a leather jacket for you to wear to keep you comfortable.
However, despite being popular wear, quite a several people don’t know how it can be properly cleaned and often wonder if it can be dry cleaned. So don’t be surprised if you see people asking questions like, can you dry clean a leather jacket? Can you dry clean a leather motorcycle jacket? I will be addressing those questions in this guide while also proffering 6 useful steps on how to dry clean leather jacket at home. Step no. 2 and 3 is important, read to understand.
Should leather jacket be dry cleaned?
Can you get a leather jacket dry cleaned? Yes, leather jackets can be dry cleaned. Well, you can dry clean your leather jacket to take advantage of the accompanying benefits.
If you dry clean your leather jacket, especially in a specialized dry cleaning company it will protect it from being exposed to heat that would have caused it to crack and brittle. Also, when you dry clean your jacket, it will help to remove any excess moisture that would have caused your leather jacket to appear moldy. However, you should know that dry cleaning a leather jacket may also lead to consequences.
Leather jackets have natural oils and when they are dry cleaned, these oil dries and if not replenished after washing, it will affect the lifespan of your leather jacket. As a result of this, many cleaning experts advised against having them dry cleaned and often suggest that it should only be resorted to when your jacket is heavily soiled.
Is it safe to dry a clean leather jacket?
Yes, it is safe to dry clean a leather jacket. Although some experts would argue against dry cleaning a leather jacket because of the possible consequence, however, the benefit far outweighs the complication which makes dry cleaning a safe option. And besides, the implication of dry cleaning a leather jacket can be remedied by a professional dry cleaner and that is why it is often suggested that you approach dry cleaners who specialize in the treatment of this kind of wear.
Can you put a leather jacket on the washing machine?
Yes, you can put your leather jacket in the washing machine, however, it should be done with caution as it may affect your jacket.
If a leather jacket is soaked in water for a long time, it absorbs water and shrinks especially when the water is mixed with a harsh detergent. Also, after washing them in the machine, you will want to squeeze it to remove excess water or moisture it may have absorbed, doing this may also cause your jacket to crack and maybe be destroyed as a result of that.
Therefore, because of the aforementioned condition, it is often suggested that you clean your leather jacket with a damp cloth and specialized leather cleaners or treat the stain directly with rubbing alcohol rather than washing it by hand or in a machine.
Can you dry clean a faux leather jacket?
No, you shouldn’t dry a clean faux leather jacket. Many cleaning experts advised against dry cleaning leather jackets because the chemical used can destroy the plastic film used in making this kind of leather jacket. Therefore, you must stay away from dry-cleaning your faux leather jacket if you want it to last longer.
Can you dry clean a leather motorcycle jacket?
Yes, you can dry clean your leather motorcycle as long as it is not exposed to heat. If you want to dry clean your leather jacket, it is advisable to take them to a dry cleaner that specializes in leather treatment. This kind of dry cleaning company knows the level of heat required to clean them without causing any damage.
How much does it cost to clean a leather jacket?
The average price of dry cleaning a leather jacket ranges between $40 to $100. However, some factors like the type of leather, the length of the jacket, and the condition of the jacket also play an important role in determining the price of the jacket. Check below for more details
Type of leather
The leather jacket is made with different kinds of leather which means they are not to be treated the same way. Some leather requires special treatment that could make the price of dry cleaning such leather to be higher than the others. Below are some types of leather and their dry cleaning cost.
- Faux leather: $40 – $70
- Suede leather: $50 – $100
- Real leather: $40 – $100
The length or size of the jacket
To determine how much you will be charged, dry cleaners will also consider the actual length of your jacket. The longer your jacket, the higher the amount you are expected to pay for their service. Here’s a quick breakdown of their price according to length.
- Length below 30 inches: $40 – $90
- 3/4 length, that is 30 inches to 36 inches: $50 – $90.
- Full length: $60 – $100
Condition of the jacket
To determine the price of dry cleaning your jacket, dry cleaners may also consider the condition of your jacket when you brought it to them. This includes how soiled the stain is, and whether your jacket needs some adjustments or special treatment. All these are considered and form a cumulative cost you are expected to pay as a price.
How long does it take to dry clean a leather jacket?
It takes just 2 to 3 days for a leather jacket to be dry cleaned.
How often should you dry clean a leather jacket?
As said earlier, dry cleaning a leather jacket comes with pros and cons, therefore, to be on the safer side it is advisable that you dry clean your leather jacket just once a year to maintain its quality appearance. Dry cleaning your leather jacket more than necessary will impact negatively on its lifespan.
Where to dry clean leather jacket
To dey clean your leather jacket, take it to a dry cleaning company that has a specialized way of treating leather.
How to dry clean leather jacket at home
Dry cleaning a leather jacket is very easy and it is something you can do by yourself at home. If you do not know how it can be done, just follow the simple steps listed below.
- Pour white petrol into a bowl or any container.
- Dip a clean towel or rag into the towel and wipe over the stained surfaces.
- Dip a 50 mm brush into the petrol and use it to wipe the inside of the jacket as quickly as possible.
- Clean the jacket from the inside using the same towel soaked in the white petrol or solvent.
- Repeat the process two to three times so that it can be effective.
- Hang the jacket in a shed for about an hour to dry.
“Your home is a representation of yourself, and it should only be filled with clean items that you enjoy and use”
Professional cleaning expert
