How to Clean Leather Products: A Step-by-Step Guide
You’ve worked hard for your leather gear — whether it’s a jacket, bag, or wallet — so it deserves to look its best.
If you’re wondering how to keep it clean without damaging the finish, this guide will walk you through simple, safe steps
to care for your leather at home.
Why Cleaning Leather Matters
A good leather product isn’t just something you wear — it’s an investment. Over time, dust, sweat, and oils can build up
and cause the leather to lose its shine. Cleaning it regularly helps it stay soft, look better with age, and last for years.
Before you start, gather these essentials:
- Soft, clean cloth
- Mild detergent or gentle soap
- Cold water
- Sponge
- Leather conditioner
- Lint-free towel
Having the right tools makes the job quicker, easier, and safer for your leather.
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Start by reading the care label or tag that came with your leather item.
It tells you what type of leather you’re working with and which cleaning methods are safe.
Following the label helps you avoid accidental damage.
Step 2: Do a Quick Spot Test
Before cleaning the whole item, test a small, hidden patch first.
Dab a bit of your cleaning mix on it — if the colour and texture stay the same, you’re good to go.
If not, it’s best to get it cleaned professionally.
Step 3: Clean Any Fabric or Wool Parts
If your product has fabric or wool panels, they’ll need a softer touch.
Mix one part vinegar with eight parts cold water, adding a few drops of mild soap.
Dampen a cloth and gently dab the area — don’t scrub.
Rubbing can stretch or damage the fibres.
Step 4: Clean the Leather Sections
Use a damp sponge with a small amount of mild detergent to wipe the leather surface gently.
Avoid soaking it. Once you’ve lifted any dirt, apply a small amount of leather conditioner using a clean cloth.
This keeps the leather soft and prevents cracking.
If your leather is synthetic or vinyl, you can use a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to remove marks like ink.
Looking for Leather That’s Built to Last?
Proper care is essential, but starting with quality leather makes all the difference.
At FProducts, our
Men’s and
Women’s Varsity Products
are made to stay soft, stylish, and durable with minimal upkeep.
Invest in leather that ages beautifully and handles everyday wear with ease.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Wipe off any leftover soap using a clean, damp cloth.
Pat the leather dry with a lint-free towel — don’t wring or twist it, as this can warp the shape or damage the seams.
Step 6: Air Dry Properly
Let your leather air-dry naturally in a cool, ventilated area.
Avoid sunlight or heaters, which can dry out and fade the leather.
Slow drying keeps the texture smooth and prevents cracking.
Step 7: Store It the Right Way
Once dry, hang or store your leather item properly.
Use a padded hanger for jackets and keep smaller goods in a breathable cotton bag.
Avoid plastic covers — leather needs to breathe to stay in good shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Hot water: It can shrink or warp leather and fabric.
- Machine washing: The spin cycle can ruin stitching and structure.
- Harsh cleaners: Strong detergents strip natural oils and fade colour.
Wrapping It Up
Cleaning leather isn’t complicated — it just takes a gentle approach and a few minutes of care.
By following these steps, you’ll keep your leather looking great and lasting longer.
Quality leather only gets better with time when it’s looked after properly.
Also, check out our
Men’s Varsity Products |
Women’s Varsity Products
