Contrary to common opinion, maintaining leather jackets and coats is not extremely difficult. The longer you got to enjoy them, the greater care you gave them. Although leather jackets are undoubtedly the best investment for your wardrobe, you must take good care of them if you want them to last a lifetime. Discover the best practices and essential steps on how to store a leather jacket effectively, ensuring its longevity and pristine condition.
It costs quite a bit to purchase a high-quality, reasonably priced leather jacket, therefore not caring for it properly would be a waste. You enjoy the look of a leather jacket. In your social group, flaunt it, but what happens next? When we need some time away from it, what do we do? How to store a leather jacket at home and how should You store it when it’s not in use? Don’t worry; we’ve got you and your leather jacket protected. showcasing steps for storing a leather jacket so you may enjoy it for a long time.
Necessary Steps for Storing a Leather Jacket!
Step 1: Clean Your Leather Jacket
Cleaning your leather jacket is the first thing you should do before storing it. It’s crucial to do this because if you don’t, dirt and dust will get stuck in the leather of your jacket and eventually harm it. In other words, cleaning your jacket before storing it away helps to get rid of stains, body oils, sweat, food, and drink stains that may otherwise attract bugs to the leather.
There are numerous ways to clean a leather jacket, but I’ll suggest using a soft cloth and a mild solution like saddle soap. When cleaning them, be careful not to completely soak the leather jacket. For more instructions, see our article on how to clean a leather jacket.
Dry Clean Your Leather from a Professional (Optional)
Large stains and unpleasant odors can be removed by expert cleaners who specialize in handling leather and suede clothing. Before hiring a specialist, ask your nearby dry cleaner if they can take care of your jacket. Untreated stains and spills oxidize and become tough to clean up. This is why thoroughly cleaning your jacket before storing it is so important.
Step 2: Condition the Jacket
To keep the leather smooth, use a cotton swab to apply the leather conditioner. The conditioner keeps the leather moisturized and stops it from cracking and drying out. Utilizing the cotton swab, apply a tiny amount of the conditioner evenly to your jacket.
The strength of the fabric will be harmed if you use too much conditioner or use it more frequently than once per several months. Applying the conditioner once every two to three months is an excellent general rule of thumb.
Any extra conditioner should be removed with a dry cloth.
Step 3: Stuff and Wrap Your Leather Jacket
Insert acid-free paper inside your leather jacket. Close all the buttons and zippers after putting the paper into your jacket’s pockets and sleeves. (The zippers can also be wrapped to prevent scratching the leather.) The acid-free paper aids in establishing a barrier against moisture, dirt, and dust. It also aids in the jacket’s shape retention.
Wrap a breathable fabric around your leather jacket. To do this, use a white bed sheet, a clothing bag made of cloth, or a netting-wrapped bag. Avoid wrapping your jacket in plastic; doing so will cause the leather to dry out. When wrapping or covering your jacket, avoid folding it since with time, the folds will cause the leather to permanently wrinkle, damaging the jacket’s natural form and appearance.
Step 4: Hang the Leather Jacket
You will require a wooden hanger made especially for leather Jackets. I advise using a well-padded padded hanger if you don’t have a wooden hanger made specifically for leather jackets. Use of wire hangers should be avoided because they eventually cause shape damage to your leather jacket. Additionally, you should ensure that the hanger you choose has a broad enough width to handle the width of your jacket.
If you don’t have ample space to hang your jacket properly, you can store it in a suitcase or a wooden (ideally cedar) trunk. Be careful to lay the jacket flat and wrinkle-free, just as when you package it. Moreover, ensuring that air may enter and exit the container. Leather shouldn’t be kept in a plastic container since it won’t be able to breathe.
Step 5: Choose a Suitable Storage Location
Take into account the following aspects while deciding where to store your leather jacket. First, pick a location with a steady, moderate temperature instead of one that is prone to excessive heat or cold. The leather may become harmed by temperature changes. Control the humidity level next. Low humidity might cause the leather to dry up, while excessive wetness can encourage the growth of mold or mildew. Aim for a relative humidity of 40% to 50%.
Third, shield the jacket from direct sunshine to prevent fading and leather damage. To protect it from UV rays, keep it away from windows or cover it. Fourth, make sure there is adequate ventilation to stop moisture buildup. The freshness of the leather is maintained by proper air movement. Finally, use natural repellents like cedar balls or lavender sachets to protect the jacket from insects.
Step 6: Recover, Air-Out, and/or Condition
It’s time to remove the leather jackets from storage, condition them, or air them out after roughly 3 to 6 months. It is crucial that you do this because else, the leather will start becoming cracked and dry. To let your leather jacket breathe, Take it out of the garment bag and hang it somewhere with good ventilation. You may either condition it or just let them air out. When doing this, make sure there isn’t any sunshine or dampness around. After hanging it for 12 to 24 hours, put it back in storage or, if cold weather has already arrived, start wearing it again.
People Also Ask!
How do you store a leather jacket in humid weather?
If you like to store stuff in bags, make an investment in breathable garment bags. You can buy breathable bags online or at most grocery stores. Second, natural items like leather will be impacted by temperature and humidity. Keep your leather jacket in a room with air conditioning that has a closet.
How long will leather last?
Genuine leather may last for years if treated well. Many artisans who use superior leather provide lifetime warranties on their creations, some of which go as high as 100 years. This is due to the natural durability of real leather, which is simply meant to last.
How often should I check and air out my stored leather jacket?
It is recommended to periodically check your stored leather jacket every few months. Take it out of storage, inspect for any issues, refold or rehang it differently to prevent creasing, and let it air out for a few hours to prevent musty odors and allow the leather to breathe.
Final Thoughts
You can’t imagine if a leather jacket that has been improperly stored may experience several types of issues. While extreme heat can dry up the leather, leaving it brittle and prone to cracking, high humidity can promote the growth of mold and mildew. Additionally, improper storage might lead to the jacket losing its shape and smelling bad.
It’s critical to store your leather jacket in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight with adequate ventilation in order to prevent these issues. The jacket can be kept safe during storage by being cleaned, conditioned, and covered. By following these recommendations, you can make sure that your leather jacket stays in fantastic condition and is prepared to be worn when the weather cools off once more.