How to Clean Leather Clothing

Leather clothing can get dirty, but unlike other garments, it’s important to use the right cleaners to avoid ruining the item. Without proper maintenance, leather can lose its quality and appearance.

Cleaning Leather Clothing

The Geist Rapid Leather & Vinyl Cleaner is an excellent maintenance cleaner for non absorbent leather garments. 

Many top grain leathers, such as motorcycle suits and jackets, have a pigmented protective coating that makes them waterproof and more resistant to fading and stains. These are easy to identify because moisture won’t penetrate or darken the leather. Minor scuffs and wear can be repaired with Geist Easy Colour Restorer. To prevent cracks and stains, apply Geist Leather Preserver twice a year.

Porous top grain leathers (aniline) are dyed through but have no coating, retaining their natural softness and flexibility. Moisture will penetrate and darken these types of leather. Aniline leather clothing should be treated with Geist Aniline Cream every 2-3 months to prevent water stains. Geist Aniline Conditioner revitalizes old aniline leather by adding softening oils, UV-filters, and intensifying dyes.

For suede and nubuck, light soiling can be removed with a Geist Leather Brush or Geist Nubuck Eraser. Treat suede and nubuck 1-2 times a year with Geist Aniline Conditioner, which protects against fading and dryness and helps restore colour after washing.

Repairing Leather Clothing

Scuffs or minor damage to smooth leather garments can be repaired using a Geist Leather Sanding Pad and Geist Easy Colour Restorer. Apply the product with a sponge on the damaged areas. For larger areas of fading or rips, consult a leather specialist.

Tears in suede or nubuck are often difficult to repair and may require replacement, depending on the extent of the damage.

Protecting Leather Clothing

The type of leather determines the best protection method. Smooth, pigmented leather should be treated 1-2 times a year with Geist Leather Preserver to keep it supple and protected from humidity.

Old and dry suede, nubuck, and aniline leather should be treated with Geist Aniline Conditioner 1-2 times a year to protect against aging and fading. Aniline leather should also be protected with Geist Fabric Protector.

These methods ensure that leather garments stay clean, protected, and last longer.