Top Tips on How to Care For Your Vintage Leather

Leather can be virtually indestructible if treated properly. With a little bit of care and attention your vintage leather jackets, trousers, purses and skirts will last a long, long time.

Proper storage, cleaning, and conditioning will keep any leather looking as good as new no matter how old it is.

Storing Leather

Storing leather properly when it is not being used is the most important thing you can do to keep it in its best condition. When leather is stored it should not be in extreme hot or cold, or in excessive dryness or humidity. Humidity causes mould, which can ruin the jacket. Keep your jacket out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources because this can dry out the jacket, leaving it cracked and brittle. Always keep your jacket on a wide, preferably wooden hanger. If you leave the jacket folded for a long period of time, the folds will stick and the jacket will be ruined. Stuff the arms of the jacket with acid free paper to help maintain its shape and avoid moisture. Never cover the jacket in a plastic or a non-breathable cover because leather needs to breathe.

Cleaning Leather

Keeping leather clean and conditioned only takes a few minutes, but it will make a big difference in how good it looks and how long it will last.

Cleaning and conditioning leather is very simple if you just think of leather as skin. Just as you need to clean and moisturize your own skin, leather needs to be maintained in the same way to stay supple, pliable, and resilient.

Cleaning leather at home

In most cases all you need to clean leather is a damp cloth or a store bought leather cleaner. This will remove any surface dust or dirt. (Always follow manufacturer's instructions when using a cleaner specifically for leather.)

If the leather has been in contact with perspiration, water, or is stiff, you may need a more substantial method to cleanse it.

Hand Washing

1. Treat or remove any stains on the leather before washing it.

2. Using warm soapy water made with a gentle cleanser like baby shampoo or unscented soap, rub the leather with a soft cloth to produce lather in any area you want to clean.

3. Wipe away excess lather with a clean cloth.

4. Rinse leather thoroughly either by running through warm water or wiping several times with a damp cloth.

5. Pat leather dry with a clean towel to remove excess water.

6. Allow leather to dry flat in a warm place out of direct sunlight and away from a strong heat source (fire, heater, etc.)

Once the leather has completely dried, then it is time to condition it.

Conditioning Leather
Conditioning leather replaces the tanning oils that are depleted over time through wear, heat, and moisture. Reconditioning leather every 6-9 months will ensure that it never becomes stiff, dry, or cracked.

A leather conditioner is necessary for this step. There are hundreds of products available for this task, so be sure to read the label before using a leather conditioner to be sure that that particular product is suitable for your vintage leather item.

Do not use leather conditioners that contain waxes or silicone which do not allow the leather to breathe.

1. Always use a lint free soft cloth when conditioning leather; microfiber cloths are ideal.

2. Dampen the cloth with water before applying the conditioner to it so that there is not too much conditioner applied to the leather.

3. NEVER apply conditioner directly to the leather, apply to cloth first.

4. Apply conditioner to leather by gently rubbing into the lie or nap of the leather until the entire surface has been covered.

5. Several light applications are preferred over a heavy soaking of conditioner.

6. Allow conditioner to penetrate the leather for at least 30 minutes before applying another coat.
As strong and durable as leather might be, it is fairly easy to ruin it's appearance.

NEVER use the following chemicals or substances on leather:

- Bleach
- Alcohol
- Household cleaners
- Turpentine and mineral spirits
- Waxes or silicone (prevent leather from breathing)

Rule of Thumb: Leather is skin; if it would harm your skin it is going to harm the leather.

This how to guide was written by Rokit to celebrate their range of vintage clothing including vintage leather and vintage leather jackets.