How To Wash A Faux Leather Jacket [4 Easy Steps]

Faux leather is an excellent alternative to leather, as it is inexpensive and typically easier to care for. If you are considering purchasing a faux leather jacket or have one and are unsure how to clean it, the post can help. We have researched the proper way to wash your faux leather jacket so that you can effectively treat stains and get it cleaned up in no time.

Here are the steps to wash a faux leather jacket:

1. Inspect the jacket for stains
2. Toss the jacket in the washer
3. Air-dry the jacket
4. Apply oil to condition the jacket

Washing a faux leather jacket is a fairly straightforward process. However, care should be taken to ensure that the material is not damaged during the process. The first step of doing this is to check the jacket's care tag to determine the recommended cleaning methods from the manufacturer. Continue reading to learn about a general way to clean faux leather jackets.

Steps To Wash A Faux Leather Jacket

Even though faux leather is not real leather, it can become distorted or crack if not properly maintained. Over time, the leather's finish can become brittle and start to flake off, especially if you wash it improperly. Here's how to clean faux leather to ensure that it lasts as longest possible.

Things you'll need:

• Mild detergent or dish soap
• Microfiber cloth
• Baby, olive, or coconut oil
• Faux leather cleaner
• Iron cloth
• Spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Alcohol
• Baking soda
• Iron

1. Inspect the jacket for stains

Often, everyday stains can be removed from faux leather fabrics with just a bit of warm water alone. Other times, however, the garment will need to be completely washed, especially if it's soiled. If your faux leather jacket is due for a good washing, the first thing that you'll want to do is inspect it for small and large stains.

Next, pre-treat any stains on the jacket with a gentle stain remover. Work the pre-treatment with a microfiber cloth to lift the stains from the jacket. Once the stains have lifted, wipe away any remaining solution before tossing the jacket in the washer (rinse the area if necessary).

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Note: There are several pre-treating solutions that you can make right at home, and we will discuss them a bit later.

2. Toss the jacket in the washer

If you will machine-wash your faux leather jacket, be sure to place it in a mesh laundry bag to help protect it during the wash. Also, set the washer to a warm or cold water setting and use mild detergent for the garment. If the jacket is heavily soiled, set the washer to a pre-soak setting on cold water. It's best to turn jackets inside out to help protect the leather during the spin cycle. It will also help the water to reach the interior of the jacket more easily.

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3. Air-dry the jacket

Once the jacket completes the wash cycle, remove it and lay it on a flat surface to dry--turn it inside out before you do. It's not a good idea to throw leather in the dryer, whether it's genuine leather or faux. If you're going to hang dry the jacket, be sure to use a reliable hanger.

If you are laying the jacket flat to dry, try to turn it over every 4 hours so that each side has time to dry. Note that it may take up to 24 hours for the jacket to dry completely, depending on how thick it is and the room's temperature. To speed up the drying time, dab the jacket with a dry towel or microfiber cloth to absorb some of the water.

4. Apply oil to condition the jacket

After the jacket has completely dried, use a small amount of oil (coconut, olive, or baby oil) to condition the jacket. Place a few drops on a microfiber cloth and run it over the exterior of the jacket. You can also use a leather conditioner as well. This will keep the faux leather supple and prevent it from peeling and cracking after the wash. Once you have conditioned the jacket, hang it up and allow the conditioner to sit on the jacket for about 15-20 minutes before you buff it off.

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Quick Tips For Stain Removal

Have stubborn stains that won't seem to lift? Here are a few ways to remove stains from your can your faux leather jacket.

Toothpaste

You can use non-gel toothpaste to remove everyday stains from your faux leather jacket. Apply the toothpaste to a soft cloth and work it into the stain, starting from the outer areas and working your way into the middle. Be sure not to rub the spot too vigorously, as you don't want to mess up the leather's finish. Use a damp cloth and wipe the area gently to remove the toothpaste.

Nail Polish Remover

For stains such as permanent marker or ink, nail polish remover is a great solution. To apply it, take a soft or microfiber cloth, or a cotton swab and apply the nail polish remover directly to the stain, gently blotting it until the stain is gone. Afterward, be sure to wipe down the area with a damp cloth to remove the polish. Since nail polish remover has drying effects, be sure to apply oil or a leather conditioner to your jacket after removing the stain.

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Baking Soda & Cornstarch

Baking soda and cornstarch work best on oil-based stains, as they can absorb the oil and lifted from the fabric. To apply, sprinkle either on the stain so that it is completely covered. Allow the baking soda or cornstarch to stay on the stain for about an hour or two and then wipe it off with a damp cloth or towel. If the affected area still feels greasy to the touch, re-apply the solution and repeat the same steps.

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Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is also a great way to remove stains from your faux-leather jacket. It works incredibly well on paint, ink, or permanent marker. To apply the alcohol, mix it with one part of water and then use a cotton swab or towel, dampen the fabric with the alcohol. Next, wipe the solution on the affected area until the stain has lifted.

After you have applied the solution to the jacket, be sure to apply a leather conditioner or oil to keep the jacket from cracking or drying out. You can also help to make it more resistant to future stains. You can also make your own DIY leather conditioner using two parts of linseed oil and one part vinegar. Apply the solution using a soft cloth and let it sit on the jacket for about 10 to 15 minutes. Next, use another soft cloth to buff the jacket and remove the oil.

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Does Faux Leather Shrink In The Wash?

No. Garments don't typically shrink in the washer, but more so in the dryer. Faux leather it's no different. It's generally advisable not to place faux leather garments in the dryer as it may not only shrink the leather but can also ruin the finish, causing it to peel and crack.

The best way to dry faux leather is by air drying it. You can use a clothesline to hang it outside or lay it on a flat table to dry in your home. When drying the faux leather garment on a clothesline, be sure to use several clippers (or a sturdy hanger), as it may be fairly weighty while it is still wet.

Can Faux Leather Jackets Get Wet?

It depends on the grade of the faux leather and its specific finish. It's always best to check the care tag on the full leather jacket before applying any water or other solutions to it. Sometimes water can cause the jacket's poly-based finish to break down, completely ruining the leather surface. However, some jackets are hand or machine-washable. In which case, getting wet from rain or washing sessions would not ruin them.

How Many Years Does Faux Leather Last?

On average, faux leather products (apparel, furniture, shoes, etc.) can last anywhere from two to ten years, depending on the grade of the leather and its maintenance.

What Type Of Faux Leather Is Best?

Well, all faux leather isn't created equal. And generally, the more you pay for your faux leather garment or furniture, the better the quality. The main two types of faux leather products include PVC leather and Poly-faux leather. PVC leather is more difficult to clean, isn't breathable, and is a bit cheaper overall.

Unsurprisingly, this synthetic leather isn't that durable. On the other hand, poly-faux leather, Is highly durable and doesn't have genuine leather constraints. Overall is easier to clean and maintain and tends to last a bit longer than PVC leather.

Wrapping things up

In many ways, cleaning a faux leather jacket can be done using the same process as cleaning a genuine leather jacket. To sum things up, it's best to use a mild detergent and to avoid placing the jacket in the dryer to ensure safe cleaning. We hope this post has provided you with all of the details you need to safely and effectively clean your faux leather jacket. Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts.

How To Paint Leather Furniture [5 Steps]

My Faux Leather Sofa Is Peeling – What To Do?