How to Wash a Leather Bomber Jacket?

Leather Bomber jackets have remained an enduring symbol of timeless style and versatility since their inception. Whether it's a classic leather design or a modern fabric variant, they effortlessly blend fashion with functionality. However, the question of how to wash a bomber jacket often arises, especially when it comes to preserving the quality and longevity of these iconic garments! 

Wash Your Jacket in Five Easy Steps

At Finest Leathers, we understand the importance of maintaining its pristine condition. To ensure your beloved outerwear remains in top-notch condition, here's a comprehensive guide on how to wash a bomber jacket!

1. Check the Care Label

The care label on your bomber is an invaluable guide to understanding the specific cleaning instructions and maintenance tips recommended by the manufacturer. This label typically provides essential information regarding the fabric or material composition and offers guidelines on how to clean and care for it without compromising its quality. Here's what to look for and how to interpret the care label:

• Material Composition: The care label will often detail the primary materials used in constructing the clothes. This information is crucial as different materials require distinct cleaning methods. Finest Leathers only uses Real Leather for outer shells and therefore we recommend not to fully immerse leather garments in a tub or a washing machine.
• Cleaning Instructions: Care labels usually feature symbols or written instructions. Look for symbols such as a hand, machine, or tub of water to determine the suitable method. For example: a hand in a tub of water indicates that hand washing is recommended. Since our products are made with all real leather, dry cleaning by leather specialist is recommended, however if you would like to know what we use to clean and restore our jackets, please contact customer service to obtain the brand name. Finest Leathers is currently looking into launching its own conditioner to be available to our customer very soon.
• Water Temperature: Adhering to the recommended temperature can prevent shrinking or damaging the material. Always use warm water to begin with.
• Drying Instructions: The label might guide how to dry it, whether by air drying, tumble drying, or line drying. It avoids damaging the fabric.
• Bleaching and Ironing Instructions: A crossed-out triangle indicates that bleaching should be avoided, while an iron symbol signifies the appropriate ironing settings.If you would like to remove creases from your old leather jacket, after cleaning the jacket, a large poleyester cloth can be used to cover the jacket and the iron carefully on low heat setting. Ensure not to iron over hidden zippers or buttons which can cause more creases on the outer shell. Great care must be taken while doing so and if you are not sure, simply contact your local leather specialist.

Always take the time to read and follow the care label's recommendations thoroughly. If unsure about any instructions or symbols, consult a professional cleaner or reach out to the manufacturer for clarification on how to wash a bomber jacket! 

Before reading further, our choice of leather bomber jackets might be the best option for you. Feel free to browse!

2. Pre-Treat Stain

For minor stains or dirt, opt for spot cleaning instead of a full wash. Gently dab the affected area with a mild detergent solution and a clean cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could harm the jacket's surface.

Materials Needed

• Suitable Leather Cleaner. When we say "suitable", always ask yourself what kind of leather is that and then buy accordingly. For Example, if we make jackets with Semi-Aniline leather, only cleaners which are suitable to clean Semi-Aniline leather, must be used or decoloration may occur.
• Clean, soft cloth or sponge. No hard sponge please.
• Mild Warm water
• Small bowl or container

Steps to Pre-Treat Stains

• Identify the Stain Type: Different stains may require specific treatment methods. 
• Blot Excess Stain: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the stain gently. 
• Prepare the Pre-Treatment Solution: Dilute a small amount of mild detergent or stain remover in cold water. Ensure the solution is well mixed.
• Spot Test: Before applying the solution directly to the stain, perform a spot test on a less visible area to ensure the detergent doesn’t cause damage.
• Apply the Pre-Treatment Solution: Dip a clean, soft cloth or sponge into the prepared solution. Gently dab the stained area with the cloth and avoid excessive scrubbing.
• Allow Soaking Time: Allow the pretreatment solution to remain over the stain for several minutes so that it can permeate and dissolve the spotty dirt.
• Blot and Rinse: Then remove excess cleaning liquid with a paper town or soft cloth carefully 
• Check for Stain Removal: Assess the treated area to determine if the stain has been sufficiently removed. 

Effective pre-treatment of stains helps increase the chances of successful stain removal during the washing process! Also. check out our black leather bomber jacket!

3. Turn Inside Out

Turning your bombers inside out before washing is a simple yet effective step that can help preserve their outer appearance and protect delicate elements during the cleaning process. 

Reasons to Turn Inside Out

• Preserve Outer Appearance: By turning inside out, the exterior surface, which often bears the design details and colour, is shielded. This helps maintain the vibrancy of the fabric.
• Reduces Friction and Abrasion: It reduces friction and abrasion, as they can cause wear or fading to the visible outer layer.

How to Turn Inside Out

• Zip Up or Button Up: This helps protect elements and prevents them from snagging or causing damage to the inner fabric or lining.
• Carefully Reverse the Jacket: Be cautious when reversing the jacket to prevent stretching or stressing seams.
• Adjust Pockets and Collar: Straighten pockets, collars, or hoods to avoid unnecessary creasing or potential damage during the process.

Turning your bombers inside out is a simple yet effective precautionary step that can help maintain their outer appearance and protect delicate components during the whole process. Check out our collection of men’s leather jackets!

4. Use a Gentle Cycle and Cold Water

Using a gentle cycle and cold water is a recommended approach when washing many types of bomber jackets, especially those made from delicate fabrics or featuring sensitive materials. Here's how to use a gentle cycle with cold water:

• Prepare the Washing Machine: Select the washing machine's gentle cycle setting. 
• Sort Similar Fabrics: Group your bombers with similar fabrics and colours to prevent colour transfer or damage.
• Add Cold Water: Cold water helps preserve the integrity of the fabric and prevents potential damage caused by hot water.
• Use Mild Detergent: Choose a mild detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. 
• Load the Jacket: Place the turned inside-out jacket into the washing machine. Fasten any closures to prevent damage to the jacket or other garments.
• Initiate the Wash Cycle: Start the gentle cycle and allow the machine to complete the process.
• Air Dry or Follow Care Label Instructions: Follow the care label instructions for drying. For most, it's advisable to air dry them away from direct sunlight.

Why This Step is Important?

Using a gentle cycle and cold water offers several advantages. Firstly, the gentle cycle's slower agitation and shorter duration help avoid excessive stress on delicate fabric fibres like silk, satin, or synthetic blends. Secondly, cold water significantly reduces the likelihood of colour bleeding or fading. Lastly, cold water minimizes the risk of shrinkage in fabrics.

Before reading further, check out our collection of rose gold leather jackets!

5. Air Dry

Air drying is a gentle and effective method for drying your bombers after washing. Whether it is made of fabric or leather, air drying helps preserve its quality and avoids potential damage that can occur from high heat in dryers. 

• Gently Remove Excess Water: Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can distort its shape.
• Lay the Jacket on a Towel: Place the jacket on the towel, smoothing out any wrinkles or folds. 
• Reshape if Necessary: If the jacket's shape appears distorted, gently reshape it by smoothing out the fabric to its original form.
• Allow Air Drying: Hang it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid using clothespins or clips that might leave marks or indentations on the jacket.
• Check for Dryness: Ensure it is completely dry before storing it. Feel the fabric or leather to confirm there is no lingering dampness. 
• Storage: Once dry, store it appropriately. For leather jackets, you can hang them on thick hangers to help maintain their shape. Do you know that you can also buy these thick hangers designed to keep your jacket in shape. If you need one, simply add to cart when making a purchase for a very minimal price.

Always refer to the care label instructions for any specific recommendations regarding drying methods for your jacket's material

Finest Leathers - Take Care of Your Bombers for Longevity 

Caring for a bomber jacket is essential in preserving its beauty and quality. Regular maintenance, proper cleaning, and storage practices can significantly prolong its lifespan, allowing you to enjoy its style and functionality for years to come. Remember, each piece is unique, so it's crucial to tailor your cleaning approach based on the material and manufacturer's recommendations. By following these steps in our guide “How to wash a bomber jacket” you can keep it looking as good as new while ensuring it remains a cherished part of your wardrobe for years ahead.

At Finest Leathers, not only do we appreciate the quality of our products but also we treasure our customers’ satisfaction and the lifelong pleasure brought by their investments. Take proper care of your bombers – They’ll be a stylish and sturdy item worth keeping for many years!