Leather jackets are garments that have timeless appeal and durability. However, to maintain the condition of a leather jacket, proper care is very important.
Leather jackets can dry out and crack if not cared for properly. Therefore, it is important to understand how and tips for caring for a leather jacket so that it lasts for years and doesn’t peel.
For those of you who have a leather jacket, you need to follow tips on caring for a leather jacket properly. Check out the following information!
Tips for Caring for Leather Jackets
Summarized from the book Comprehensive Guide to Leather Repair and Restoration (2019) by Kevin Gillan and Jason Murray, here’s how to care for a leather jacket so that it lasts.
1. Clean Regularly
The way to care for a leather jacket that you definitely have to do to keep its appearance smooth is to clean it regularly. For your information, cleaning a leather jacket from dust and dirt is the best way to maintain its quality.
You can use a soft, dry cloth, such as flannel, to wipe dirt and dust from the surface of the leather jacket. Please remember, do not use water or water-based ingredients. Because, this can make the skin rough and make the color fade.
2. Avoid exposure to UV rays from the sun
For your information, the sun’s UV rays are the biggest enemy of leather jackets. Jackets that are exposed to excessive UV light can cause the bright colors on your jacket to fade slowly, giving a dull impression.
Apart from that, UV rays can also affect the quality of the leather material, making it easily damaged. To protect your leather jacket from UV rays when using it, you can use a UV protectant for your jacket periodically. So, make sure to store your leather jacket in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
3. Don’t Use Chemical Cleaning Products
Chemical cleaning products can damage the surface of a leather jacket and cause the color to fade. You can use special cleaning products for leather or natural ingredients, such as olive oil to clean leather jackets.
4. Avoid contact with water
The next tip for caring for a leather jacket is to protect it from water. Please note that leather jackets are not water resistant. So, avoid contact with water and don’t store your leather jacket in a damp place.
If your leather jacket gets wet, dry it immediately with a soft cloth and let it air dry. Do not use a heat source such as a hairdryer to speed up the drying process because it can cause damage to the skin surface.
5. Apply Leather Lubricant
Skin lubricants can help maintain good skin texture. Use an appropriate skin lubricant and apply evenly, but avoid overdoing it. Because, this can cause the skin to become slippery and make the leather jacket look rougher.
6. Repair
The next tip for caring for a leather jacket is to repair it immediately if damage occurs. If there is damage, such as cracks or tears, then immediately repair the leather jacket as quickly as possible with professional help.
Please remember, don’t try to repair it yourself if there is damage. Because, this can worsen the situation and reduce the value of the leather jacket.
7. Update Colors
If the color of your leather jacket has faded, you can update the color by using leather paint or leather ink that suits the type of leather on your jacket. Apply paint or ink carefully and let dry before use.
8. Using Leather Cleanser
If there are stubborn stains that are difficult to remove using a dry cloth, use a special leather cleaner suitable for the jacket’s leather type. This method of caring for a leather jacket can be applied to clean the leather jacket regularly. Be sure to read the label and instructions for use before using cleaning products.
9. Save the Right Way
The next tip for caring for a leather jacket is to store it in the right way. Use leather protection, such as a storage bag or cover to keep your leather jacket from dust and dirt when not in use.
Store your leather jacket in a cupboard that is not damp and clean. Keep in mind, make sure to avoid hanging leather jackets. Because, this can make the skin rough and cause the leather jacket to lose its shape.
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Things to Avoid to Make Your Leather Jacket Last
Based on information from the Leather Skill page, the following are common mistakes that are often made when caring for leather jackets or things that need to be avoided:
Avoid washing leather jackets in the washing machine
Avoid drying leather jackets in the dryer
Avoid storing leather jackets on wire or plastic hangers that are not sturdy
Avoid using direct heat or ironing a leather jacket
This is information regarding tips for caring for a leather jacket so that it lasts for years and doesn’t peel. Hope it’s useful, Dab!
source: https://www.detik.com/jogja/kota-pelajar/d-7148034/9-tips-merawat-jaket-kulit-awet-tahunan-dan-tak-mengelupas.