Cleaning and care of leather clothing
Leather - the oldest clothing material
Along with fur and wool, leather is one of the oldest clothing materials in the world. Thousands of years ago, it was already valued for its natural properties: leather is tough, relatively waterproof, supple and breathable. Even today, the natural material is not only a popular fashion classic, but also has the reputation of being particularly durable and resistant. In fact, leather clothing convinces not only with its characteristic look and feel, but also with one thing in particular: durability.
Cleaning leather clothing
Whether it's a leather jacket, leather trousers, a leather shirt or a leather skirt - a garment made of high-quality leather can definitely last for several decades. Worn frequently, leather clothing adapts perfectly to your figure and fits comfortably like a second skin. However, in order to maintain the typical material properties of leather, such as suppleness and durability, it requires careful care. To enjoy your new garment for as long as possible, you should pay attention to the correct cleaning and care of leather clothing. We have summarised the most important information for you below.
Can leather be washed?
First things first: leather should not be washed in a washing machine! Even though leather is considered indestructible, it might not survive a machine wash. Why? Leather is not a textile, but the skin of an animal and therefore an organic natural material. Just as you would not subject your own skin to the spin cycle and chemical mace, you should not do the same with your leather clothing. What could happen when washing leather jackets, trousers and the like in the washing machine? The seams in the leather could become so warped that the fit of your garment changes dramatically and, in the worst case, you can no longer wear it. The water could rinse out natural leather grease, tannins and pigments and make the leather hard and brittle. In addition, chemical substances in detergents attack the top protective layer of the leather, which can reduce the durability of your garment by many years. Depending on the colour treatment of the leather, it could also lead to unwanted washing out, which would impair the appearance of your favourite piece. Once damage has occurred, it is often impossible to repair it, so care should be taken when washing leather. The good news is that in most cases, extensive cleaning of leather is not necessary! Find out what you can do instead to keep your leather clothing clean and well cared for.
Leather impregnation - simple prevention of soiling
We recommend that you impregnate your leather clothing before wearing it for the first time. Treatment with an impregnating spray is child's play and effectively protects your leather clothing from the elements. Use a colourless leather impregnation spray and spray your garment thoroughly on all sides - preferably outdoors. Impregnation gives the leather water-repellent properties, which greatly reduces the risk of stains. It is particularly useful to impregnate sensitive suede leather, such as suede and nubuck. Moisture and stains no longer penetrate the pores of the leather so quickly, protecting your garment from moisture and dirt. But smooth leather, such as lamb nappa or cowhide, also benefits from impregnation: protected from wind and weather, which would make it hard and brittle in the long run, it remains hard-wearing and supple thanks to impregnation. The resulting "protective layer" supports the natural barrier function of leather and also makes it easier to remove stains later. You should impregnate your leather garment once or twice a year, depending on its use.
Air leather regularly
Whether it's a night of dancing, a barbecue or a campfire - often it's just a matter of getting an unpleasant smell out of your leather jacket, leather trousers and the like. In such a case, it is usually enough to let leather clothing air out well. After a few hours in the fresh air, your favourite item will smell like new.