Leather Jacket Cleaning: When to Clean It Yourself and When to Call a Professional

A leather jacket can last for years, but the wrong cleaning method can stiffen, fade or mark it. Here is how to look after one, what to avoid, and when it is time to hand it to a professional.

Know your material first

Smooth leather, suede and nubuck are cared for differently. Suede and nubuck are napped surfaces that mark easily and should not be treated like smooth leather. Check the care label if there is one, and if you are unsure of the material, assume it needs gentle handling.

Everyday care

• Wipe off dust and light dirt with a soft, dry cloth.
• Let a damp jacket air dry naturally, away from heaters, radiators and direct sun.
• Store it on a wide, padded hanger in a breathable garment bag. Avoid plastic covers that trap moisture.
• Keep it away from perfume, hairspray and oils, which can leave marks.

What to avoid

• Do not machine wash a leather or suede jacket.
• Do not use heat such as a hairdryer or iron to dry or smooth it.
• Do not scrub stains. Rubbing can spread a mark or damage the finish.
• Do not use household cleaners that are not made for leather.

When to use a professional

Consider professional leather cleaning if:

• the jacket has set-in stains, oil marks or ink;
• it has an odor that airing does not remove;
• it is suede or nubuck and has water or grease marks;
• it looks dull, stiff or dirty all over after a season of wear;
• it is a valuable or sentimental piece you do not want to risk.

At Top Hat Cleaners, leather and fur cleaning starts at $74.99 per item. We inspect each item first and tell you what cleaning can and cannot achieve. Results depend on the leather, the stain and how long it has been there.

What we clean

• Leather and suede jackets and coats
• Fur garments
• Leather handbags and purses

Cost, pickup and delivery

Final pricing is confirmed after inspection. Pickup and delivery is available for qualifying orders in participating DFW areas, with a $45 minimum. Find your nearest store on our locations page, book a pickup, or call 214-348-0666. You can also see our full price list.