LEATHER CLEANING HELP
Household
Motor Sports
Equestrian
Household
Motor Sports
Equestrian
Household
Motor Sports
Equestrian
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Dirty Leather Jackets Wash Well in the Washing Machine!
- Important Information Concerning Leather in a Washing Machine
- For Best Results
- How to Machine Wash Leather Jackets
- Post-Washing Care
Yes, you can machine wash many smooth and suede leather jackets—all in your home laundry! Leather Therapy Leather Infusion Wash and Leather Therapy Leather Infusion Rinse are patented products specifically for the home laundering of many leather garments.
Leather Infustion Wash and Leather Infustion Rinse have made it possible to conveniently refresh, clean and condition many smooth and suede leather garments—all in your home laundry. Garments that were once “unwearable” because of staining, the elements, and odours, can now be “brought back” to useful life.
Important Information Concerning Leather in a Washing Machine
Leather Infusion has been extensively tested on all types of leather garments, in all colours and design treatments. However, as worldwide tanning and dying processes vary, so does the quality of the leather they produce. For this reason, there are some leather garments which should not be washed in a washing machine.
Extreme care should be taken when washing some of the following examples:
- delicate “thinly sliced” or high-fashion leathers
- brightly coloured leathers or garments containing several colours
- leather garments constructed with lightweight threads and delicate lining
- fragile closures and decorative ornamentation
For Best Results
- always TEST FIRST in a hidden area for colourfastness using a dampened white cloth. If significant colour is removed from the leather, then DO NOT WASH that item
- NEVER use HOT water—ALWAYS use COLD water
- ALWAYS SEPARATE colours
- USE A MESH LAUNDRY BAG to protect the garment
- Add products to water BEFORE adding item—or add to detergent dispenser
- AIR DRY on a FLAT SURFACE away from direct sunlight or heat source. Use towels to minimise creasing. When item is nearly dry use a padded hanger if applicable. Be careful—leather can shrink and become stiff when dried near heat
Note: If applicable, closely follow manufacturer’s Care Label Instructions for cleaning in washing machine. We suggest “Gentle” or “Delicate” cycles, Cold temperature, Small Load settings.
Note: Because leather is porous and stains easily, it is possible that some stains or discolourations will not be removed.
Care Tip: For serious mould and mildew problems, and to deeply condition leather, we recommend 2oz (59ml) Leather Therapy Restorer/Conditioner be added to the washing solution. You can find a more in-depth article on removing mould and mildew from leather here.
How to Machine Wash Leather Jackets
To protect leather from washing machine damage during laundering, use a mesh laundry bag large enough so the garment is able to loosely fit within the bag.
DO NOT WASH MORE THAN ONE ARTICLE PER WASH.
1) Pre-Testing is Required to Ensure Best Results
- COLOURFAST TEST: Dampen a white cloth towel and gently rub on a hidden area of leather and lining to see if any dyes “bleed”. This is especially important on multi-coloured motorcycle leather suits where colours could possibly migrate to adjoining areas
- GARMENT STRENGTH TEST: Lightly tug on seams, buttons and fabrics used as lining to ensure that the article is strong enough to be machine washed
Note: Because linings are made of many types of fabrics, it’s important to determine whether the lining is washable or subject to shrinking. For example, if wool is washed, special care must be taken to prevent shrinkage by choosing wool washing machine settings. Please read manufacturer’s care instructions on garment label.
2) Empty Pockets and Secure Zippers and Buttons
Empty pockets and secure zippers and buttons to avoid leather/fabric damage. If not using a mesh bag, turn garment inside-out before washing.
3) Place Garment Loosely In Washing Machine
Place garment loosely in washing machine. Add 2 to 6 oz (59 ml to 177 ml) of Infusion Wash and Infusion Rinse depending on the type and water volume of the washing machine liquid dispensers.
Do not add products directly onto leather garments.
Care Tip: For serious mould and mildew problems, and to deeply condition leather, we recommend 2oz (59ml) Leather Therapy Restorer/Conditioner be added to the washing solution. You can find a more in-depth article on removing mould and mildew from leather here.
4) General Washing Machine Settings
Set your washing machine to:
Gentle or Delicate Wash
Cold Temperature
Medium Spin Cycle
Small Wash Load
Use these settings for either lightly soiled or heavily soiled leathers.
5) Remove Jacket Immediately after Washing
Remove jacket immediately after washing and shake to reshape garment. Place on a flat surface, pad garment with toweling to prevent creasing. Several times throughout the drying process it’s advisable to lightly shake, reposition and pat the leather to keep it from stiffening.
Note: If garment still contains excessive water, extend spin cycle or place in dryer on Air Fluff for 3 to 6 minutes. Check progress periodically. And remember, NO HEAT!
6) (For Smooth Leather Garments ONLY)
For Smooth leather garments ONLY: To help maintain leather flexibility while garment is drying, you may wish to apply Leather Infusion Rinse directly onto leather using a clean sponge. This “Dressing” step helps leather to remain flexible while drying.
7) Drying Tips
When the garment is nearly dry it may be hung on a well-padded hanger and gently stretched to restore shape and softness. Rolled up terry towels over the hanger and in sleeves will help drying while preventing creasing.
Care Tip on Suede: Use a suede brush to restore the nap on totally dry garments.
Post-Washing Care
Leather Therapy Finish
Leather Therapy Finish is a clear protective formula to shield your leather jacket from the elements while giving it a great new shine. Not recommended for use on leather intended to have a non-shiny appearance.
Leather Therapy Water Repellant
Leather Therapy Water Repellant protects leather, suede and nubuck from water, wine, tea, coffee, dirt, mud and salt. It will not change the colour, gloss, feel or breathability of leather and there are no silicones, waxes, oils or hydrocarbons. Unlike Finish, the repellant will not make the leather look shiny. If anything it tends to give the leather a more matt finish so is best not used on anything you want to look glossy.
Leather Therapy Touchup Dye (Black Only)
The Touchup Dye is only available in black, but is perfect for touching up nicks, scratches and dings on jackets, gloves, pants, racing suits, car and motorcycle seats, saddles, boots, belts, saddlebags, luggage, lounges, and any other black leather items you may own. Touchup is a genuine leather dye and very permanent. It will not add any stiffness to the leather and dries to a matt-semi gloss finish.