Can you Dry Clean Leather Jackets?

We’re often asked by our clients whether its possible to dry clean leather jackets for general cleans, stain removal or even colour restoration.

designer sole protects after

Advice on Dry Cleaning Leather Jackets

The idea that stained leather jackets can be dry cleaned is a common misconception. Dry cleaning is the opposite to what leather requires to maintain suppleness and in good condition – hydration.

Unfortunately it is not unusual for people to rush to their local dry cleaner with the hopes of a quick process for cleaning their stained leather goods. This is unsurprising as it is well known that dry cleaners use special chemical solvents for cleaning hydrophobic and delicate fabrics.

While effective on textiles these organic chemicals are highly damaging to most leathers. This is because such chemicals are not designed for leather and actually dry out the microscopic fibres that make up the leather particles.

dry cleaning leather jackets
Entrusting your high quality leather goods to a dry cleaner is therefore risky business as many lack the specialised chemicals required for professional cleaning and leather restoration.

Furthermore a dry cleaner does not have the specialist skills to recolour or dye stained leather, which can create all sorts of problems and awkward confrontations.

The consequences of dry cleaning leather are observed by our staff on a daily basis.

In many cases an inexperienced dry cleaner will attempt to clean a leather stain and much to the horror of the customer cause either discolouration or intensification of the stained area. The dry cleaner is often forced to pay liabilities on behalf of the customer.

Such situations can be avoided by consulting a professional and appreciating that leathers requires very specific chemicals, dyes and specialist skills for treatment.

Of course, some dry cleaners advertise leather and suede cleaning services but be sure to check the credibility of the business and if uncertain remember that its never worth risking your valuable leather goods.

Our Leather Jacket Restoration Services

Our workshop specialises in leather jacket cleaning and restoration. Please see a list of common leather jacket restorative services provided by our specialists below.

• Waterproofing & Stain Resistance

• Restorative Cleaning & Nourishing

• Hydration of Dry Leather

• Stain Removal & Restoration

• Colour Retouching for Stains

• Recolouring, Refinishing or Redyeing

• Dyeing & Colour Change

• Suede Cleaning & Restoration