How to Clean and Condition Leather? What Do Professional Leather Cleaners Use?
Table of Contents
→Leather Deserves Care — Here’s How to Do It Right
→How to Clean Leather at Home – Step-by-Step
→What Do Professional Leather Cleaners Use?
→What Is the Best Way to Clean Really Dirty Leather?
→How to Condition Leather Properly
→Final Thoughts: Leather Care is Leather Love
Leather Deserves Care — Here’s How to Do It Right
Real leather isn't just a material — it's a long-term investment in style, durability, and confidence. But over time, even the finest leather can lose its luster, especially if it’s not properly cleaned or conditioned. Whether you’ve spilled coffee on your lambskin jacket or your moto leather jacket is looking a bit dull, this guide will walk you through how to clean and condition leather the right way — and what pros use to keep it looking brand new.
How to Clean Leather at Home – Step-by-Step
Cleaning leather isn't complicated, but it does require the right approach.
Step-by-step method:
Step1: Dust off surface dirt: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove any loose dirt or particles.
Step2: Mix a mild cleaner: Combine a few drops of baby shampoo or saddle soap with warm distilled water. Avoid harsh detergents!
Step3: Test a small area first: Always check the cleaning solution on a hidden corner.
Step4: Wipe gently: Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring it out, and wipe the leather in small circular motions.
Step5: Dry it properly: Use a clean towel to blot excess moisture — then let it air dry away from heat or sunlight.
💡 Pro tip: Never soak leather — moisture can damage the grain or cause it to warp.
What Do Professional Leather Cleaners Use?
When it comes to high-end leather jackets, furniture, or car interiors, pros trust specialized products and tools:
Commonly used by professionals:
Lexol Leather Cleaner & Conditioner – gentle yet effective
Chamberlain’s Leather Milk – natural oils, ideal for full-grain leather
Leather Honey – used for deep conditioning
Horsehair brushes – for gentle buffing
pH-balanced foaming cleaners – safe for delicate lambskin
For best results, apply a high-quality conditioner after cleaning. If you're looking for a jacket that’s easy to maintain, check out our real lambskin leather jacket that stay soft and supple with minimal care
Pros also avoid:
Bleach
Alcohol-based cleaners
Silicone sprays (they can clog leather pores)
What Is the Best Way to Clean Really Dirty Leather?
For heavily soiled or stained leather, you’ll need a little more time and care.
Deep cleaning process:
Vacuum using a soft brush attachment to lift deep dirt.
Apply a leather foam cleaner (pH-balanced) and let it sit briefly.
Gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush to loosen grime.
Wipe with a damp cloth, then dry.
Condition the leather immediately after deep cleaning.
📌 Remember: Dirty leather tends to dry out fast. Conditioning it afterward is non-negotiable.
Recommended Jackets to Care For
Discover our full-grain, handmade leather jackets—designed to last, made to be cared for.
👉 Shop Men's Jackets
👉 Shop Women's Jackets
How to Condition Leather Properly
Conditioning keeps leather supple and resistant to cracking — especially for full-grain or lambskin jackets.
Steps to condition:
Use a clean microfiber cloth
Apply a pea-sized amount of conditioner
Rub in circular motion (don't overdo it)
Let it absorb for 1–2 hours
Buff off any residue with a dry cloth
Do this every 3–6 months depending on usage and climate.
Final Thoughts: Leather Care is Leather Love
Learning how to clean and condition your leather doesn’t just maintain its look — it extends its life. Whether you use DIY methods or opt for professional-grade products, the secret lies in being gentle, consistent, and informed.
So next time your jacket looks a little tired, just remember: with the right care, leather always bounces back.
Ready to protect your style investment?
Browse our handmade full-grain leather jackets — crafted with care, built to last.
