A leather jacket never goes out of fashion and lasts for years, but only with proper care. Leather dislikes drying out, sudden temperature changes and moisture: after autumn rain and wet snow it develops stains, creases and cracks.
The hardware suffers too: metal zips and press studs darken, stick and can tarnish. Here is how to look after a jacket so it keeps looking good for many seasons.
What you will need
- leather cleaner
- leather conditioning cream, spray or wax
- microfibre cloth
- a fabric garment bag and a wide hanger
- WD-40 Smart Straw or WD-40 100 ml for zips and studs
Important: Apply WD-40 only to metal hardware, through the precision straw or with a cotton bud, never to the leather or lining. Test any leather product on a hidden area first, such as the inside of a front panel.
Step 1
Clean the jacket
Dampen a microfibre cloth, wring it out well and remove dust and light dirt from the whole surface. Work section by section with gentle circular movements, paying attention to the collar, cuffs and pockets.
Remove stubborn stains with a dedicated leather cleaner: it gently dissolves dirt without drying the material. Never scrub hard or soak the jacket.
Step 2
Let it dry naturally
Hang the jacket on a wide hanger somewhere airy and let it dry completely. Do not dry it on a radiator, near a heater or in direct sun: forced drying causes marks, stiffness and cracks.
The same goes for a jacket soaked by rain or snow: shape it on a hanger first and only then put it away.
Step 3
Condition the leather
Apply a thin layer of leather cream, spray or wax, spread it with a microfibre cloth and let it soak in. This restores softness and protects against moisture and dirt.
In winter, when heating dries the air indoors and the streets are full of salted snow, do this more often.
Step 4
Look after zips and press studs
Metal jacket zips often stick because of dirt and oxidation. Use the WD-40 Smart Straw to apply a tiny amount to the teeth, run the slider up and down a few times and wipe off the excess with a tissue.
Treat press studs and rivets with a cotton bud moistened from WD-40 100 ml. It displaces moisture and protects the metal from tarnishing, and the studs close easily again.
Step 5
Store it properly
Keep the jacket on a wide hanger in a breathable fabric cover, not in plastic, where leather sweats and can go mouldy. Leave a little room in the wardrobe so other clothes do not crush it.
Tip: If the leather has a water-repellent treatment, a drop of water should bead and roll off. Once water starts soaking in, it is time to renew the protective layer.
What next
Give the jacket a light clean after a few outings in bad weather, condition the leather every 2-3 months and treat the hardware before the rainy season. For leather bags and furniture, see our separate guides.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».