Cleaning the Lining of Your Leather Jacket: A Step-by-Step Guide

May 22, 2025

Over time, we tend to become desensitized to familiar smells, and the same applies to your leather accessories. After a while, you may stop noticing the odor or dirt that accumulates on them. Sweat from the interior of your jacket can also break down both the lining and leather, leading to long-term, sometimes irreversible damage.

Cleaning the inside of your jacket is just as easy as caring for the outside. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when cleaning your leather jacket lining:

Turn the jacket inside out and hang it up.
Use a fabric cleaner on the interior.
Pay extra attention to areas like the underarms and cuffs.
Allow the jacket to air-dry in a cool, dry place.
Avoid spraying perfume directly on the jacket, as the chemicals can cause damage.

Cleaning the interior should only take a minute or two. However, if you encounter stubborn stains, you may need to apply a special detergent for a more thorough clean.

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How to Clean a Leather Jacket Lining

Cleaning the exterior of your leather jacket is one thing, but cleaning the lining requires a completely different approach. Since the lining is typically made of different materials, it needs special care to avoid damage. Fortunately, cleaning the lining is a simple task you can do at home, and it won’t take much time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you keep the lining of your jacket as fresh as when you first bought it:

1. Make the Cleaning Solution

To avoid damaging your jacket, dilute the detergent before use. Mix 3 cups of warm water with 1 cup of liquid soap. Make sure to use a soap designed specifically for leather products to clean the inner areas. This ensures that even if some cleaner touches the outer leather, it won’t cause harm. While liquid dish detergent may work, it's not the ideal choice.

2. Prepare the Jacket

When turning your jacket inside out, make sure to pull out the sleeves as well. This will make it much easier to clean the entire lining effectively.

3. Clean the Surface

Dip a cleaning cloth into the soapy water solution and wring out the excess liquid. The cloth should be damp, not soaking wet. Use a microfiber or soft cotton cloth to gently wipe the lining. Avoid scrubbing too hard—gentle motions are key to protecting the fabric.

4. Focus on Problem Areas

Pay extra attention to areas that are more exposed to dirt, heat, and moisture, like the wrists, armpits, and collar. These spots tend to collect oils and grime. Carefully clean these areas with your damp cloth.

5. Rinse Off the Soap

Once you've cleaned the lining, use a second damp cloth soaked in warm water to rinse off any soap residue from the jacket. This will ensure all the cleaning solution is removed, leaving your jacket fresh.

6. Let it Dry

Allow the lining to air dry completely before turning the sleeves back out and wearing or hanging your jacket. Avoid using a hairdryer, as heat can damage the fabric. Instead, let it dry naturally in a well-ventilated space.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your leather jacket lining clean and well-maintained for years to come!

How to Remove Tough Stains from a Leather Jacket

No matter how well you care for your leather jacket, stains are bound to happen. Whether you missed it at first or a sudden spill (like ketchup at a BBQ or an unexpected bird droppings incident) caught you off guard, tough stains can be a real challenge.

The key to dealing with stains is acting quickly, but that’s not always possible. If the stain has had time to settle, don’t worry. With the right approach and tips, you can still tackle the problem. However, if the stain is particularly stubborn, seeking professional help might be your best option.

Liquid Stains

Fresh liquid stains are easier to deal with. Start by using a clean, soft sponge along with soap and water. Gently dab the stained area with the damp sponge in a circular motion. Once the stain is removed, repeat the process with a clean dry cloth to soak up any remaining moisture.

Ink Stains

Ink stains are a common issue and can be tricky to remove. Saddle soap, originally designed to clean tough stains from saddles, is often effective on ink marks as well. Use it sparingly, and if the stain persists, professional assistance may be necessary.

Oils & Grease

Leather jackets are prone to oil and grease stains, which can be tricky to clean. To absorb the stain before cleaning, sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch on the affected area. Let it sit and absorb the oil, then brush it off. Afterward, clean the remaining residue with soapy water.

Sweat and Other Stains

Perspiration and similar stains can build up in the jacket lining over time, leading to odors. Regular cleaning of the lining will prevent these stains from setting into the fabric and causing long-term unpleasant smells.