Your favorite leather jacket—the one that makes you look sharp, confident, and effortlessly stylish—gets dirty right before a date or business trip. Maybe it’s rainwater, an oil stain from takeout, or dust from a subway seat. Suddenly, it looks dull and stiff, ruining your entire outfit. So you start wondering: Can I just toss it in the washing machine? Not so fast. The truth is, real leather can easily crack or warp when exposed to water and heat, but PU or faux/vegan leather can, under certain conditions, be safely machine washed and restored to its original look. This practical guide will show you how to quickly identify your jacket’s material, how to safely clean it in the washing machine (if possible), and how to care for it afterward—so you can keep your favorite jacket looking great for years to come.

1. Check the Care Label

If the label says “Dry Clean Only” or “Do Not Wash,” do not machine wash.“Hand Wash Cold” or “Machine Wash Cold Gentle Cycle” usually means the jacket is washable—this is more common for faux leather.

2. Identify the Material

Tip: Lightly use a damp cloth on a hidden area of the jacket and gently rub for 3–5 seconds. Observe how the surface reacts.

• If it’s genuine leather: The surface may darken slightly or absorb water. As it dries, the color gradually returns, and the texture might feel a bit stiffer.

• If it’s faux / PU / vegan leather: Water tends to bead up on the surface without absorption. The cloth may pick up a little dye, but the material itself won’t change color or texture.

How to Wash a Leather Jacket in the Home?

1. Remove Surface Dust and Dirt

Use a soft-bristle brush or microfiber cloth to gently brush along the grain, or use a vacuum with a soft attachment to clean pockets and seams. For dusty areas, lightly dab with a slightly damp cloth from the outer edge toward the center (avoid scrubbing). This prevents pushing dirt deeper into the material.

2. Remove Detachable Parts

Detach removable belts, fur collars, or large decorative buttons.

If you can’t remove them, wrap metal pieces in a small cloth and secure them with thread to prevent scratching.

3. Protect the Jacket with a Laundry Bag

Place the jacket flat inside a large mesh laundry bag or an anti-scratch garment bag, and zip it closed. To prevent the drum from becoming unbalanced (especially in front-loading washers), toss in 1–2 large towels to balance the load and reduce friction and tumbling force.

4. Choose the Right Detergent

Use a mild, neutral laundry detergent such as Woolite or The Laundress Delicate Wash. Avoid detergents with bleach, fabric softeners, or alcohol, which can cause PU leather to loosen, turn white, or become sticky.

What Setting should You Wash a Leather Jacket on?

Cycle Settings

• Cycle: Gentle / Delicate / Hand Wash Cycle — these have slower drum movements and fewer rotations, reducing friction and pulling. If your washer has a “Hand Wash” or “Wool” mode, that’s also suitable.

• Water Temperature: Cold Water — it effectively cleans most dirt without causing shrinkage, fading, or cracking.

• Spin: Low speed or no spin. Choose the lowest spin speed and shorten the duration. High-speed spinning can cause distortion, stretch the seams, or create surface wrinkles.

Wash Time

Keep the total wash time within 10–15 minutes. Avoid prolonged soaking.

Step 4: Drying and Post-Wash Care

Never use a dryer! Heat will cause the leather surface to crack or peel.

Proper Air-Drying Method

Gently press out excess water with a towel, then hang the jacket to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. While drying, lightly pat or reshape the jacket to prevent stiffness and preserve its structure.

Conditioning to Restore Softness

Once dry, apply a leather conditioner or a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) evenly across the surface to keep it soft and glossy.

Extra Tips and Common Mistakes

✅ Tips

• Wash only once or twice per season; for routine care, spot-clean with a damp cloth.

• Store your jacket on a hanger in a ventilated area—avoid folding or stacking it tightly.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not wash or spin at high temperatures.

• Do not use alkaline detergents or bleach.

• Do not soak or expose to direct sunlight for long periods.

Make Your Leather Jacket Last Longer and Look Better

• With proper machine washing and care, a faux leather jacket can look brand new again.

• For genuine leather, it’s still best to use professional dry cleaning.

• By following these steps, your leather jacket will stay glossy, supple, and stylish—ready to accompany you through many more seasons.

Leather Jackets Worth Considering

The Cicy Bell Women's Brown Faux Leather Jacket is lightweight, water-resistant, windproof, has a loose fit, practical pockets, and is reasonably priced. It's machine washable, and with a little care (using the gentle cycle, a laundry bag, low speed, and cold water), it can become a versatile, everyday piece in your wardrobe.

Conclusion

Keeping your leather jacket looking fresh and long-lasting isn’t complicated. With the right machine washing steps and care methods, a faux or vegan leather jacket can be safely cleaned, softened, and restored to its original shine, extending its lifespan. If your jacket is genuine leather, it’s best to leave it to a professional cleaner to prevent damage to its natural texture and oils. No matter the material, following this leather jacket care guide will help preserve its shape, color, and texture—letting you wear it confidently through every season, in both style and comfort.