How to wash leather properly: How and with what?

Can I wash my leather jacket in the washing machine ?

You can't wash leather, right?

You ask yourself these questions while your leather leggings urgently need a proper wash.

We may surprise you with this news, but yes, you can wash your leather.

But there are a few important things you should keep in mind and we want to tell you exactly what they are.

Can you wash leather?

In most cases, leather can be washed in the same way as most textiles. However, there are types of leather that do not tolerate machine washing so well , such as suede .

Suede is best cleaned by hand, as are nubuck and suede. Leather bags are also best cleaned by hand.

Leather bags are not made exclusively of leather; different inner materials and closures are used, which can be damaged during machine washing.

We generally recommend that you do not wash your leather bag in the washing machine.

The same applies to artificial leather, because here too, different materials are used which do not tolerate washing in the washing machine so well.

But there are many different everyday companions made of leather, such as leather leggings, leather jackets, leather shoes , which need to be properly cleaned and pampered from time to time.

Maybe you want to clean your traditional costume properly after Oktoberfest, or your leather motorcycle suit at the end of the motorcycle season. You can easily do this in the washing machine or by hand washing.

There are many myths about leather washing and care, but also really important and correct things that you should know before you start cleaning. That is exactly why we are writing this article for you.

So let’s get started!

What is the best way to wash leather?

You have decided to give your leather garment a proper deep clean and then pamper it properly.

Look at the washing label on your garment to find out how to clean it.

Now you just have to decide whether you want to wash it by hand or in the washing machine.

In both cases, it is best to get a special leather cleaner for washing machines or hand washing. Please make sure that it is tailored to your leather and be sure to follow the instructions for use .

Cleaning leather by hand washing

You have got the right cleaner specifically for your leather, now it's time to tackle the leather.

Don't worry, it will surely be satisfied with the hand washing and subsequent care.

Please always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use . It is also advisable to read the washing label carefully beforehand. This is where you will always find information about which washing is recommended.

1. Prepare a large tub (laundry basket, baby bathtub), sponge, brush (suitable for your leather) and enough rags and towels .
   
   You can lay out the towels for the drying process, as leather dries best when lying down and at room temperature. Please never place it on the heater or in direct sunlight.
   
2. Mix the cleaner with water as indicated on the product (for best results, follow the quantities indicated).
   
3. Place the leather to be washed in the tub and let it soak. How long the leather should soak can be found in the application instructions.
   
   
4. Then clean the leather by hand from top to bottom. If it is very dirty, use a sponge or brush (please never rub the leather too hard, as this can damage the surface.
   
5. Pour away the dirty water and rinse the leather with clean water.
   
6. Lay the leather on the towels provided to dry and be patient, the drying process will take a little time. So don't be surprised if the leather is still a little damp after 1-3 days .
   
7. While the leather is drying, you can “massage” it while it is still damp, or in technical terms , “walk” it .
   
8. You should brush rough leather, such as nubuck or suede, well after it has dried to get it back into shape .
   
9. After cleaning and drying, the fresh leather will especially appreciate an extra portion of leather balm and waterproofing protection.
   
   If your piece of leather is made of suede, please make sure to use care products specifically for suede, as suede does not like fats and oils.

If you have leather that is dyed in different colors , you may want to use a color fixer and test it first.

You can also find this information in the manufacturer’s application instructions.

Washing leather in the washing machine

The washing machine is ready for its big appearance, most likely it is washing your favorite leather for the first time.

You have already got the special cleaner for your leather and the laundry in the washing machine, great, then you can now get started.

1. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before you start washing.
   
2. Have towels ready on which you can spread the piece of leather to dry .
   
3. Leather should be washed on a gentle/wool cycle , not higher than 35° and, if possible, turn off the spin cycle.
   
4. After machine washing, spread the piece of leather out on the towels and let it dry .
   
5. You can massage it again and again while it is drying .
   
6. After cleaning and drying, the leather will benefit from an extra dose of care and waterproofing protection.

Which household remedies are suitable for washing leather?

You will certainly find some soft soap in your household cupboard, which you can use as an alternative to professional cleaner for hand washing .

Please only use for smooth leather and do not apply pure to the leather to be cleaned.

The best thing to do is to mix soft soap or curd soap with lukewarm water and wash the leather as described above.

Expert tip: You can also use a gentle shampoo for smooth leather, but please use extreme caution and very little shampoo.

Dissolve a few drops of shampoo in lukewarm water and start cleaning.

Please never apply the shampoo to the leather in its pure form. Shampoo removes the oil from the leather. Therefore, you should always use a leather care product afterwards that is suitable for your leather and nourishes it.

How can I prevent leather from becoming hard after washing?

Massaging during the drying process helps the leather not to harden during drying.

However, we strongly recommend that you treat your leather with care after the major cleaning.

A professional leather care product specifically for your leather will soften and nourish the leather.

What can I do if leather smells after washing?

The smell often occurs because the leather has not dried completely and has already been worn. In this case, you should air the leather and let it dry properly.

Here are a few tips on how to remove annoying smells from leather .

• Newspaper eliminates odors
  
  Wrap your piece of leather tightly in newspaper and put it in a clean box . It is important that the leather is completely dry and you should not use this method on light-colored leather.
  
  Leave it in the box like this for 1-2 days , after which the smell should be gone.
• Fats can help
  
  You can also eliminate odors with a high-quality leather grease , but please only use this on smooth leather and not on suede.
  
  Greasing leather closes the pores in the leather through which the smell escapes. The leather grease also cares for and nourishes your leather.
• Baking soda or baking powder neutralizes odors
  
  The leather should be completely sprinkled with the powder and stored in a paper bag or plastic bag overnight.
  
  This should neutralize the smell, please never use fabric fresheners to freshen leather.

What should I pay attention to when washing leather?

• Pay attention to the type of leather - follow the washing instructions in the leather
  
  Before you start washing, take another look at the washing instructions.
  
  These will help you choose the right type of laundry (hand wash, machine wash) and find the right cleaner.
• Leather shoes - wash by hand
  
  For leather shoes and handbags, cleaning by hand is recommended.
• Colour mixes - treat with colour fixer beforehand
  
  If you have color mixes in the leather, you should carry out a color fixing wash cycle before washing.
  
  You can find these color fixers specifically for color mixes in specialist shops or online. Most retailers even offer washing sets consisting of detergent and fixer.
  
  
• Close zippers - helps avoid scratches
  
  Before washing, you should close the zippers on the leather jacket . Even if the leather is not spun, zippers can leave scratches
• After washing - carefully pull into shape
  
  After washing, you should gently pull the leather back into its original shape and leave it to dry lying down. Don't forget that the leather loves a massage while it is still damp.

Conclusion

In most cases, leather can be washed in the same way as textiles.

However , suede, leather bags and imitation leather should be cleaned by hand as they do not tolerate machine washing well.

When hand washing , it is important to use a special leather cleaner and to clean and rinse the leather thoroughly.

When washing in the washing machine , a gentle wash cycle should be selected. After cleaning, leather care is recommended to keep the leather supple.

FAQ

What is a leather detergent?

As the name suggests, leather detergents are special detergents for leather. Suitable detergents are available in drugstores and larger supermarkets.

Leather detergent is optimal to Cleaning of lightly soiled leather accessories.

Can you wash leather at all?

Yes, in most cases leather can be washed in the same way as textiles. However, suede, leather bags and imitation leather should be cleaned by hand as they do not tolerate machine washing well.

What is the best way to wash leather?

• Hand wash: Use a special leather cleaner that is tailored to your leather.
  
  Fill a tub with water and the cleaner, soak the leather, carefully clean it from top to bottom, rinse it and dry it lying down at room temperature.
• Machine wash: Use a special leather cleaner for the washing machine and select a gentle/wool wash cycle at a maximum of 35°C.
  
  After washing, dry the leather lying down and massage it gently.

Read on here:

• Leather bag smells of chemicals: 6 tips to combat the smell