The most common issue with a leather jacket is, like any other piece of clothing, keeping it stain free. The dirt, dust and oils that accumulate from simply wearing your jacket on a daily basis, while not an immediate threat, can cause irreparable harm if not properly dealt with. In order to circumvent any potential issues, it’s best to attack stains the moment they appear. That said, wiping down the jacket regularly may wear down the skin leading to tears, so unless the spot is truly noticeable, show restraint. The less you stress the leather, the better. Lastly, remember the following method is for stains in general and dust. For more specific stains such as ink or oil, simply swap out the cleaning solution with nail polish remover or baking soda, respectively. With that said, follow the steps below to properly address any stains should they appear.

1. The First Towel:
Dampen a soft washcloth (preferably micro-fiber) with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Make sure the cloth is damp, not wet. Leather is porous, and any extraneous liquid may seep in, leading to additional stains. Note: considering using vinegar as opposed to dish soap for a less harmful (if effective) alternative.

2. Scrub it down:
Apply the damp washcloth to the affected area. Scrub diligently—however not too firmly to avoid seepage—until the stain/dirt/dust disappears.

3. The Second Towel:
Once the jacket has been scrubbed, dampen a second cloth, this time just in warm water.

4. Scrub, Rinse, Repeat:
Repeat Step 2, with the second cloth with only warm water.

5. Let It Breathe:
Once the jacket has been thoroughly wiped down, let dry for at least 24 hours. If the jacket was severely stained and considerable cleaning liquid was applied, conditioning (see below) is mandatory.

If your leather jacket ever gets slightly damp—due to spot removal or other wet conditions—leather conditioning may be in order. If you are ever caught in the rain, it’s a must. Remember, leather is simply animal skin, more similar to our skin than any other organic or synthetic fabric. Just like humans get dry skin, leather does too. Think of it like this: What do you do when your skin is dry? Moisturize! Analogies aside, finding a suitable leather conditioner is tricky and all depends on the desired effect. Our tip? Go to respectable cobbler who works with high-end leather shoes. They will know exactly what it is you need, given that they work with worn out leather on a daily basis. Once you find a suitable leather conditioner, simply follow the guidelines below.

1. Spot Clean First:
Before moisturizing your leather, spot cleaning is essential (see above). Once your jacket is properly cleaned and dried, you can begin moisturizing.

2. Test your moisturizer:
This is essential, particularly if you are using a brand new product or have never used said product on this particular leather jacket. Moisturizes can cause discoloration and significantly alter leather’s texture and handful, so before you commit make sure you are aware of the consequences. Rub in a small dab to an imperceptible part of the jacket—the backside of the collar or inside the cuff, for instance—and then remove with a soft cloth. Let the jacket sit for 24 hours and then check for results. If there is no discoloration, you’re good to go. If there is, a different product is in order.

3. Apply
Once you have tested your moisturizer and are satisfied, you are ready to apply. Thoughtfully spread the leather conditioner across the surface of the jacket, making sure to rub in diligently. Remember to not be too liberal with the cream, as once again leather is porous and will absorb as much of the conditioner as it can, potentially harming the skin. Once you adequately applied the product, run a soft washcloth over the leather to polish and pick up any extraneous cream. Lastly, let sit for 24 hours.

Note: Repeat process every six to 12 months, or whenever leather begins to feel dull. Testing is only necessary when using a new product or leather/product combination for the first time.