How to condition a leather jacket? Step-by-step guide:

You just purchased a high-end leather jacket that is now your everyday go-to style. No doubt, a leather jacket is an investment. It's meant to be worn for years and years to come, so you want to look as good as possible, whether it’s a casual outing, a ride downtown, or a venture to big cities. 

However, leather is naturally porous, which means that the leather needs to be cleaned and conditioned every now and then to keep it safe from getting dry or cracking.

In this guide, we'll talk about how to clean and condition a leather jacket so that it stays looking beautiful for years to come.

So what's the best way to keep it looking brand new? I’ve got some conditioning tips for keeping your new leather jacket in its original look.

Things you need to buy for leather jacket cleaning and conditioning

1. Leather Conditioner.
2. Soft cloth/towel.
3. Warm water
4. Sponge (included with the kit)

Test it in a small area.

Before conditioning the jacket, first, test the conditioner on smaller areas like the armpit, hems, or underneath the collar to see if it’s not staining the leather. Once you are 100% sure it’s not staining or leaving weird marks, it’s time to apply it overall. 

Remove dirt and particles first.

What we've learned from experience is that cleaning before conditioning is important. Dust off any remaining particles with a soft brush to ensure they are not mixed with the conditioner’s cream.

Now apply the best leather conditioner for jackets.

Once the jacket is completely cleaned and dusted off, apply a thin layer of quality leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple. 

I recommend using Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner, which is a NON-TOXIC, GENTLE LEATHER CLEANER designed for all types of leather, and most importantly, it’s odorless. It has over 1,218 ratings on Amazon. Not only it cleans the jacket, but it also makes it look better.  These works as a leather softener for jackets.

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Work it into the jacket using a clean cloth or sponge, then let it soak for 20 minutes and wipe away any excess with a second clean cloth or sponge. This comes with a free sponge. 

Here’s an image of the jacket after it’s conditioned.

Update after one year: My leather jacket is still in good condition :)

Leather Cleaner and Conditioner for Jackets

Here are the top customers' recommended cleaners and conditioners to use

1. Leather Honey Cleaner

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This ready-to-use cleaner is the best out there. Recommended by both influencers and customers due to its non-toxic and touch stain-removing power. It’s affordable and gives any leather jacket a luxury look. 

1. Bick 4 Leather Conditioner

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It has the formula to extend any leather product's life. Perfect for restoring old worn-out leather jackets to their original condition. Plus, this will not darken the leather at all. 

1. Leather Milk Conditioner and Cleaner 

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Our second item is the premium Chamberlain’s Leather Milk Conditioner which deep conditions, restores, and cleans to make any leather jacket look good as new. Contain vital oils that nourish and strengthen the leather. 

1. Chemical Guy Leather Conditioner Kit

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This kit is an all-rounder. It can be used to bring back any leather to life. Your leather jacket will feel smooth and silky, smell fresh and luxurious thanks to this kit. 

Why do leather jackets need to be cleaned and conditioned?

Cleaning and conditioning a leather jacket will not only extend its life expectancy but also make it look great! In addition to that, the protective layer of conditioner can help protect against stains and spills, which means you won’t have to worry about ruining your investment. 

The goal for anyone who owns a luxurious piece of clothing like this should be preserving the stunning look as well as protecting their pockets from costly repairs down the road. 

We recommend doing it at least twice a year, but if it sits in your closet for too long, then once every two years is enough.

What destroys a leather jacket? It has two common enemies. 

1. Sunlight:
2. Water

Sunlight! 

The sun's rays have powerful effects on nearly anything outdoors, and because of its natural oils, the hide in leather doesn't take kindly to UV radiation either (unlike synthetic materials). Over time this exposure leads to drying out or cracking in certain areas, which completely destroys the appearance and structural integrity of your once beloved item.

Water Damage!

Leather is a natural material and can be very susceptible to water damage. If a leather jacket gets wet, the water can saturate the fibers and weaken them. This can cause the leather to become brittle and crack, ruining the jacket's look. It can also damage any protective treatments that have been applied to the leather, like dye or waterproofing.

Water can also cause mold and mildew to form on leather jackets, leading to further damage and discoloration. Even if the leather is able to dry out completely, it may never look the same again.

To prevent water damage to your leather jacket, make sure you keep it away from moisture sources like rain. When it does get wet, make sure you let it dry out completely before wearing or storing it again. 

What happens if you don't clean or condition the leather jacket?

Over time, the leather jacket can start to look dry, cracked, and discolored. It can also start to lose its shape and become stiff. Additionally, dirt and debris can build up on the surface of the leather, making it more susceptible to water damage and further deterioration. 

If you don't take proper care of the leather jacket, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. This not only makes it unpleasant to wear but can also ruin your overall style and personality — not to mention skin rashes!

Hope this guide helps you understand why it’s important to clean and condition a leather jacket at least once a year. Also, check out this blog on how to remove wrinkles from a leather jacket.