How to clean a synthetic leather jacket
Synthetic leather is a fabric that looks very similar to real leather but is usually more affordable. But even though it's a cheaper fabric, you should still look after it. In fact, because this type of leather is of inferior quality, you should take good care of it if you want it to last. If you have a synthetic leather jacket, in this OneHowTo.com article we'll tell you how to clean it so it always looks like new.
You'll need:
- Detergent for coloured clothing
- Dry and clean rags
- Washing-up liquid
- Wet wipes
- Alcohol and cotton
Steps to follow:
If you want to wash your synthetic leather jacket in the washing machine, you need to use a cold water cycle for delicates and a laundry capsule for coloured clothing. It's important to avoid hot water as it can cause the material to warp or crack over time.
Wash the garment for a maximum of 15 or 20 minutes and remove the jacket from the machine before the spin cycle. Then gently squeeze out the excess water with your hands. Always lay the jacket flat to dry, as hanging it may cause the synthetic leather to stretch.
If you prefer, you can wash your synthetic leather jacket by hand. To do so, add some mild liquid dish detergent to some warm water and stir until bubbles form. Hand washing is often gentler on the fabric and can help prolong the life of your jacket.
If the stained area is very large, try to wash it bit by bit to get the best result. Wet a soft clean cloth in the water, squeeze out the excess and wipe it over the stained areas of the garment, then wipe the jacket with a dry cloth. For added care, consider using a microfiber cloth which is less likely to scratch the surface.
If there are stubborn stains, such as ink or dye, take a cotton swab dipped in a little alcohol and gently rub the area until the stains disappear. Be sure to perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure the alcohol does not damage the fabric.
After using the alcohol, dip a clean cloth in some cold water and use it to remove any traces of soap or alcohol. Make sure you don't leave the alcohol on your jacket for long because it can discolour the synthetic leather. Additionally, consider applying a leather conditioner after cleaning to maintain the fabric's flexibility.
To prevent your synthetic leather jacket from getting dirty, you could maintain it by regularly wiping it with a cold damp cloth. This will remove dust and dirt accumulated during the day, keeping it clean and reducing the need to completely wash it with soap. Regular maintenance not only keeps it looking fresh but also extends the jacket's life.
It should be noted that using a protective spray specifically designed for synthetic leather can also help in repelling dirt and stains, providing an extra layer of defense.
If your synthetic leather jacket is starting to get smelly, air drying it for a few days should get rid of the smell. If this doesn't work, you could spray it with diluted white vinegar (2 parts water to one part vinegar), and wipe it off with a dry cloth. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can effectively neutralize unpleasant odors.
In addition, placing the jacket in a well-ventilated area or outdoors on a dry, sunny day can help eliminate odors, as sunlight naturally disinfects and refreshes fabrics.
If you want to read similar articles to How to clean a synthetic leather jacket, we recommend you visit our Home cleaning category.
Tips
- You can help avoid staining your synthetic leather jacket by carrying wet wipes with you. Then, if you have a mishap, you can use them to immediately wipe the fabric. Wet wipes are convenient for quick clean-ups and can prevent stains from setting in.
- Try to tackle stains as soon as they occur; the longer they are on the fabric, the harder they will be to remove. Acting swiftly can preserve the jacket's appearance and prevent permanent damage.
