Leather jackets are popular wardrobe items that have been around for a long and aren’t leaving anytime soon. Even though these beautiful fashion items complement various outfits, proper maintenance and cleaning of leather jackets is the prerequisite to making them stay attractive and glossy.
But, spills and trips might be inescapable at some point, and a visible stain could be the mishap you face for the day. Whether it is water, food, ink, or salt stain, it will appear nasty. Hence, the need for you to know how to remove stains from leather jackets.
While a suitable leather jacket cleaner and conditioner might do the trick, you would need more effective supplies to get off tougher stains. We’ll show you tangible ways to tackle stains on your favorite leather jacket.
How to Remove Stain from Leather Jacket: 5 Helpful Methods
Leather jackets often risk getting stains even if you wear them occasionally. In some cases, your leather jacket cleaner wouldn’t be enough to rid of such stains, and you would need a more “active” solution.
The first thing to look out for is determining the type of stain on the jacket. Once you know what stain it is, you can employ the appropriate method to get it off. Below are five practical approaches to consider.
1. Getting Rid of Water Stain from Leather Jackets
Do you know that even the slightest raindrop can leave some stain marks on your leather jacket? If you have water stains on this fashion attire, it is best to handle it appropriately using a solution of vinegar and water.
Kindly note that this mixture is one effective leather stain removal “home remedy” that would leave your jacket as good as new. Dip a soft cloth/sponge into the solution, wring out excesses, and wipe the affected area gently. Then, hang the coat in a well-ventilated area and let it dry.
2. Removing Ink/Pen Marks from Leather Jackets
Ink stains on your treasured leather jacket can cause severe panic. Not to worry, you can salvage this situation in the most convenient way possible. Isopropyl alcohol remains a helpful solution to get pen off leather, as a minute amount diluted with water does the trick.
Apply on the marks using a soft cloth or cotton ball in small circular motions, and let it dry. Move further to wipe with a damp cloth. If there are still visible ink stains, repeat this process using acetone (apply in thin layers and leave overnight). Be sure to condition your leather jacket afterward to prevent drying.
3. Taking Out Grease or Oil Stains on Leather Jackets
While grease and oil stains may be one of the trickiest spots you encounter when cleaning leather jackets, you can get out as much residue as you can use talcum powder or cornstarch. However, it is crucial to first wipe out the oil with a cloth quickly.
Then, pour a sufficient amount of cornstarch or talcum powder on the residue and let it sit for a few hours. Once done, wipe with a paper towel, and watch the stain disappear. If this isn’t enough, you should wipe the stain with a soft sponge damped with baking soda + water solution.
4. Removing Alcohol Stains
Alcohol can be pretty harsh on leather and worse for low-quality leather items. It is best to soak the excess liquid with a dry cloth to prevent such ruin. Then, mix a small quantity of denatured alcohol with water to help remove the stain left behind.
Damp a cloth with the water-denatured alcohol mixture and wipe the affected part of the jacket. By now, you should know that alcohol dries leather, and it is helpful to make your leather jacket retain its hydration. So, ensure to moisturize or condition this clothing item afterward.
5. Eliminating Dark Stains on Brightly-Colored Leather Jackets
Dark stains on light-colored leather jackets can spoil your whole mood. You have no option but to rescue this clothing item in the best way possible to prevent the coat from looking trashy. Mix lemon and cream of tartar in equal amounts, and apply to the dark marks.
Let this potent sit for a few minutes, and wipe later with a damp cloth. You can repeat this technique if the stain persists, and be sure to get the stain off completely.
Tips for Cleaning White Leather Jackets
It is common for white clothing to be harder to clean, and the intimidation is real for leather jackets. Dirt and scuffs are common after wearing a white leather jacket through a hectic day, but you wouldn’t want this fashion piece to hold a permanent discoloration.
Thus, you should attend to stains on white leather jackets urgently, and here are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Start with the basic cleaning using a mild soap or leather cleaner and water – wipe thoroughly with a microfiber cloth, and hang the piece to air dry.
- Employ a Magic Eraser to get rid of scuff marks quickly
- Damp a cotton pad with isopropyl alcohol to eliminate ink or pen stains.
- Absorb grease or oil stains by sprinkling a generous amount of talcum powder or cornstarch.
- A mixed solution of lemon and cream of tartar should help out with juice, ketchup, coffee, and other water-based stains.
- If there are mildews on your white leather jacket, conduct a deep cleaning using a solution of water and white vinegar (3:1).
- You can use denatured alcohol to restore the vibrant appearance of your white leather jackets.
- Be sure to clean heavily soiled jackets with a solution of baking soda + water.
- Always condition your leather jacket frequently with a suitable leather conditioner – this should keep your white leather jacket soft and repel likely stains in the future.
- Avoid using saddle soap, olive oil, and linseed oil on white leather jackets, as they can darken the leather.
- Ensure you store leather jackets away from heat.
Final Words
“How to clean leather jacket at home” and “how to clean leather jacket lining” are common topics for most folks. This issue becomes more pressing when tough stains are involved – stains can easily ruin your most treasured leather jackets.
Not to worry, this article on how to remove stains from leather jackets should help you out of this annoying situation. If you have stains on your most adored leather jacket, check out the methods explained in this piece to get rid of them.
