How to Clean Leather Clothes and Accessories

Clean, repair, and refresh your leather pieces so they look good as new.

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Leather clothing and accessories, including bags, belts, shoes, and boots, are wardrobe staples that are always in style. But these investment pieces can be tricky to care for. While leather is resilient, it is also a finicky material prone to scratching, drying, and cracking.

To learn how to clean leather clothes (without ruining them) we turned to an expert. "Routine maintenance is a must," says Jason M. Angsuvarn, the founder of leather care brand Jason Markk. "Leather suffers when it is forgotten about or neglected."

Angsuvarn to shares his best tips for cleaning and storing leather goods, including the products you'll need to care for leather pieces to ensure they can be worn for many years to come.

Leather goods, including bags, billfolds and wallets, belts, footwear, and clothing should be cleaned regularly, as routine cleaning and conditioning will significantly extend the lifespan of leather pieces. Leather is highly prone to drying and cracking, particularly when its pores are clogged with dirt and other soils. "Leather needs to be routinely cared for every three months, or sooner if needed," Angsuvarn says. "Just like human skin, leather has pores that need to breathe and be regularly moisturized."

Angsuvarn suggests using a system he calls a "one-two clean and condition combo" to effectively care for your leather pieces and to ensure they last a long time. "If you keep your leather clean and conditioned, it will age gracefully," he says. "If not, the leather will eventually dry out and crack. Just remember, leather is skin. Skin needs to be regularly cared for."

"There are a ton of options—and differing opinions—when it comes to leather care," Angsuvarn says. "In my opinion, the process of first cleaning then conditioning the leather is absolutely necessary. Cleaning the leather first unclogs its pores, readying it to accept a healthy dose of conditioner." While all-in-one leather cleaner-conditioners are available, you will get better results from using a leather cleaner first, then following it with a leather conditioner once the pores are clean and ready to accept the conditioning balm.

"Leather cleaner typically is a gentle soap with a neutral pH level which temporarily relaxes the pores of the leather then lifts and cleans soils and dirt," Angsuvarn explains. "Leather conditioner comes in various forms such as balms, creams, lotions or liquids. Whichever you choose, I suggest using a conditioning product that is high quality, made from natural ingredients, and free of harsh chemicals."

Selecting the right tools for the job is as important as choosing the right cleaning products. Angsuvarn recommends including the following items in your leather care kit:

Before cleaning leather goods, spot test the products to make sure they will not cause damage, as some types of leather should not be cleaned using standard methods and products. "I do not recommend cleaning raw, unsealed leather such as vegetable-tanned leather," Angsuvarn says. "When wet, it will permanently stain the material. If you are unsure, always test in an inconspicuous area first."

Use a soft bristled brush to dry brush the entire surface area, which will remove the top layer dust and dirt from the leather. Do not skip this step, as applying leather cleaner to a gritty surface can create microscratches that will leave the leather looking dull and worn out.

Apply the leather cleaner to the soft bristled brush; do not apply the cleaner directly onto the leather. Using a circular motion and light pressure, gently scrub the leather. Wipe clean.

After cleaning, the leather's pores are primed to accept an application of protective and restorative leather conditioner. Apply a thin, even layer of conditioner over the entire surface of the leather. Using a circular motion, rub the conditioner thoroughly into the leather, including all of the seams. Allow 30 minutes for the leather to absorb the conditioner.

After allowing 30 minutes for the leather to absorb the conditioner, use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe any excess balm and buff the leather.

Most scuff marks on leather clothing and accessories will come out after cleaning and buffing a small amount of conditioner into the leather. If, however, there is still a scratch after routine cleaning, a paste of baking soda and water or white toothpaste that does not contain any bleaching or whitening agents can be used to remove scuffs from leather. Rub the paste into the scuff with a soft cloth or soft bristled brush, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and allow to dry.

To remove oily or greasy stains on leather or suede material, use an absorbent powder like cornstarch or talcum powder to pull the oily splotch out of the leather. Flour and baking soda can also be used, but they are not as effective as cornstarch or talcum powder. Pour a mound of cornstarch on the grease stain and allow it to sit for 12 hours. Then, brush the powder off the leather into a trashcan, and use a soft cloth to wipe away any residue.

A simple DIY cleaner is the secret to removing road salt stains on leather shoes or boots. Make a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Dip a soft cloth in the solution, and wipe the affected areas. After cleaning road salt off of leather, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to rehydrate the hide, as both salt and vinegar can be drying.

To keep leather goods in tip-top shape, including bags, shoes, boots, belts, jackets, and pants, Angsuvarn says, "proper storage of leather is key." He recommends storing leather pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. "Also, protecting the items from dust is important," he says, and encourages the use of breathable dust bags for storage when leather goods are not in use.

How to store leather bags: Clean and condition leather bags before storing. Remove all contents to prevent imprinting, then lightly stuff the bag with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creasing and help retain the bag’s shape. Store the bag in a dust bag made of a breathable fabric, such as cotton or linen.

How to store leather boots and shoes: Clean and condition leather shoes or boots before storing. Lightly stuff the shoe with acid-free tissue paper, or use shoe or boot trees, to maintain the shape of the shoe. Store leather footwear in a breathable dust bag.

How to store leather clothing: Clean and condition leather clothes before storing. Once they're dry, use padded hangers with adjustable clips to store leather jackets, pants or skirts. Place leather garments in a breathable garment bag to protect them from dust.