How to Clean Leather Pants

23.03.10 / Leather Pants / Author: LeatherFemme
Tags: black leather pants, how to clean leather pants, soft leather pants

Leather pants need to be cleaned in a special manner than from other clothing items. Stains happen, but that doesn’t mean you have toss your pants in the garbage. Make sure you try every cleaning option before you toss them. You can take them to a professional or you might want to try a few of the tips below first. Enjoy your leather pants for years to come with the right cleaning methods.

There are many types of leather out there. Cattle, alligators, pigs, buffalo, ostrich, snake skin, and more. Right when you buy leather pants, spray them with a leather protector, in order to keep them protected from the elements and stains right off the bat. Different types of leather call for different types of cleaning. Make sure to read the tag inside the pants for cleaning instructions and the type of leather your pants are made of. Follow the directions of the manufacture. You do not want to use something that may damage the leather permanently. Different leather items call for different types of cleaning as well. A hard leather shoe is different than soft leather pants. Some leather items may call for soap and water, where water may completely stain and ruin another item.   

You can clean the pants yourself. However, going to a professional will take any worries away. You will not have any mistakes that may ruin your pants forever. Although, make sure you choose an professional that knows what they are doing. Shop around, ask around, and read reviews for a dry cleaning professional that has experience with leather. Professionals are expensive, but they may be worth it. If you want to do it yourself it will take time to learn how to clean your particular leather and then the actual time it takes to clean the pants. However, if you want to trade your time, instead of money, then keep reading for a few tips to clean your own black leather pants.

Research all about the type of leather that your pants are made of. How you clean your pants, depends how dirty the pants are. Before you start any type of cleaning, always test it on a small area that is not noticeable, such as the inside of the waist band. Treat your pants gently, like they are your own skin. Don’t rub at your pants to hard, where you could damage them. If the pants have a smooth finish, you can clean dust them off with a soft dampened sponge. Other stains may take a little more work. There are several different cleaning options out there, some can even be found right in your own home. You could try non-acetone nail polish remover on ink stains or you could even try tooth paste on lighter stains. You could also try aerosol hair spray on tougher stains. Spray the hair spray right on the stain and wipe away. Make sure you are using a soft white cloth and make sure none of the color is being transfer from the leather pants onto the cloth. Gently rub the stain out in circular motions. 

Leather Pants Cleaning Kits

However, perhaps it is better to buy a special leather cleaning kit for your precious soft leather pants. You can buy these leather kits at department stores or specialty leather pants stores. The kits usually consist of a cloth, brush, and cleaning solution. It must be a soft brush, because brushes can be too abrasive and rough for leather. Any old leather cleaner meant for leather furniture may not work the same as a special leather cleaner made for pants. So make sure that the cleaner is made for your type of leather.

Cleaning biker leather pants is different than regular leather pants. Motorcycle leather suits can take a tougher cleaning, such as the washing machine. Only use the washing machine, after you have used other methods first. Since, motorcycle pants on made of processed leather, soap and water will work just fine. Use a mild non-detergent soap and gently blot the stain out. You could also try using a leather cleaner, you may be surprised to find that is all you need to get out those stains. Then condition your pants with a leather balm or butter. If the stains don’t budge then you can venture with the washing machine. Turn the pants inside out and close the zippers. Remove all armor, which is not washable. Only wash one item. Set the machine for maximum water level at cold wash and cold rinse. Wash the pants on the delicate slow cycle.

Drying leather is a process as well. Condition the pants with a conditioning leather balm and sponge, while the pants are still wet from the washing machine. Hang the pants up away from any sun or heat. This is very important! Keep the pants away from heat, because it can cause the leather to crack. Every once in awhile pat of shake the leather, so the leather remains flexible and soft. Once the leather is completely dry, condition the leather again and then after the condition dries, wipe off any excess.  

The conditioners that you use matters as well. Don’t just use any balm or oils to condition your pants, because their pH may not balanced for the leather. Read the label and the ingredients and make sure that they are made for leather, specifically leather pants. Apply the conditioner at least every year, in order to keep your pants looking sharp for years. Leather balm will make your pants shine and feel soft, so take the time to treat them right.

Leather pants take some extra tender loving care, but it is worth it. You can have these pants for years, if you take care of them right. Read the labels and know your type of leather. Find the right cleaning solutions and leather balms. Take care of your pants every year when you are doing your spring cleaning. Make it a habit. If you can’t bear to clean the pants yourself, then take them to a professional leather cleaner. No matter, how you decide to clean your pants, they are worth it. Leather pants will always be in style and you will be happy you took care of them properly.

Bookmarks: