Leather Jacket Cleaning in NYC: How to Keep Your Favorite Piece Looking Brand New

It’s a fact: leather jackets make you look cool and on trend, the very definition of “swagger”. (Think Marlon Brando (who?!) in the Wild Ones.) To keep your well-loved and well-worn leather jacket looking new, Cameo by Copeland Cleaners advises that you routinely bring it to us for professional leather jacket cleaning in NYC. Our leather experts recognize its importance and will carefully clean it with a damp cloth, condition it with a leather-specific conditioner, and insist that you store it properly on a padded hanger in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If and when it gets wet, we’ll advise that you let it air dry naturally instead of using heat, and contact Cameo by Copeland Cleaners immediately for advice.

Cleaning Advice From a Leather Dry Cleaner in NYC

• Clean regularly: Gently wipe the jacket with a soft, damp cloth after wearing it to remove surface dirt and dust.
• Use a mild cleaner: For smooth leathers only, if one of NYC’s fabled pigeons, or sauce from your food truck lunch stains your jacket, you can use a leather-specific cleaner or a cloth lightly dampened with a mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water and spot clean. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
• Condition the leather: Every season, apply a high-quality leather conditioner with a soft cloth to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking. Again, this is for smooth leathers only, never for suede, textured, or napped leathers.
• Air dry: Always let the jacket air dry naturally after cleaning or getting wet. Do not use a hairdryer or put it in a machine dryer, as this can damage the leather. Once your leather jacket is cracked, there are few repair options.
• Spot test first: Before applying any cleaner or conditioner, test it on a small, hidden area of the jacket to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
• Buff after conditioning: After applying conditioner, buff the jacket with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess and restore its shine.
• What to do if your jacket gets wet:  After your jacket has been exposed to rain, sleet, or snow, arrange to have Cameo by Copeland Cleaners’ leather treatment experts clean and restore your garment.

Protecting and Storing Your Leather Jackets

• Protect from the elements: If you live in a rainy area, consider applying a water-repellent spray specifically designed for leather. Again, this is for smooth leathers only, not suede or napped leathers.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leather to fade and crack. Once this happens, it will be expensive or impossible to restore.
• Store properly: Hang the jacket on a wide, padded hanger to maintain its shape and prevent creases. Avoid folding it for long periods.
• Keep it dry: Do not store a wet or damp jacket, as this can lead to mold or mildew. Instead, contact Cameo by Copeland Cleaners immediately and consult with our leather experts. As the top leather dry cleaner in NYC, the Cameo team will advise you on the next steps to take.
• Seasonal cleaning and storage: Avoid placement in an attic or basement. An uncrowded rod in a hall closet used for off-season clothing is best. Do not remove from the hanger and/or fold and place in a trunk or box. If you wish, speak with Cameo by Copeland Cleaners about our storage options on our premises for your off-season clothing.

Cameo by Copeland Cleaners knows how you value your supple leather jacket. And that as soon as the temperatures drop, it becomes your daily outerwear of choice. That’s why we recommended that you speak with our experts about maintaining and/or restoring it to like-new condition. Call today!