When it comes to timeless winter fashion clothing pieces or wardrobe staples, a leather jacket makes it to the top few spots. But, as we all know, leather goods require special care and maintenance to keep looking their best, which makes people wonder about the extra cost of cleaning a leather jacket.
How much does cleaning a leather jacket cost?
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Quick Answer
Having a leather jacket cleaned by a professional can cost anywhere from $35 to $100. The exact price can vary depending on multiple factors, such as the type of leather, size and condition of the jacket, the cleaner you’re working with, the area you live in, and the cleaning method used.
Keep reading for a more detailed discussion on professional leather jacket cleaning costs, factors affecting it, and possible alternatives.
How Much Does it Cost to Have a Leather Jacket Professionally Cleaned?
There is no single, fixed price for professional cleaning of a leather jacket. It depends on multiple factors. Let’s take a look at some of the major ones and see how they affect the price of cleaning:
- The Type of Leather: Different types of leather jackets are available on the market, each requiring a unique cleaning approach. Here are some of the most common types of leather jackets and their average cost for professional cleaning:
- Faux Leather Jacket – $40 to $70
- Suede Leather Jacket – $ 50 to $100
- Real Leather Jacket – $40 to $100
- The Condition of Jacket: It only makes sense that the condition of your jacket can affect the price of cleaning. The dirtier the jacket is, the more time and effort it requires to clean properly. Moreover, if your jacket has stubborn stains, is ripped, discolored, or damaged in any other way, the cost of cleaning it can increase even further, as fixing these issues require additional procedures, which are not covered under normal leather jacket cleaning price. Since multiple factors need to be considered here, the price varies from case to case and is quoted individually.
- The Length of the Jacket: It’s not difficult to understand why the cost of cleaning a leather jacket varies with its length. There isn’t typically a huge price difference, though. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for different standard sizes of leather jackets:
- Under 30 Inches (Regular Length) – $40 to $90
- 30 to 36 Inches (3/4 Length) – $50 to $90
- Knee-Length or Full-Length – $60 to $100
In addition to these primary factors, the professional cleaner you’re working with also affects the cost of leather jacket cleaning. The more experienced, reputable, and popular a professional cleaner is, the higher it tends to charge for its services.
The city or area you live in can also influence the cleaning cost of your leather jacket.
How Much Does Repair and Maintenance of a Leather Jacket Can Cost?
Leather jacket cleaning typically only includes removing the dust, dirt, and stains that it may have got from regular wear. Any additional procedure, such as repairing damage, refreshing the color, or removing tougher stains, will be charged separately.
While only a cleaner can give you an exact quote, here is a rough estimate for some leather jacket repair procedures to give you an idea:
- Recoloring or fixing discoloration of a leather jacket can cost anywhere between $40 and $80.
- If your jacket has rips, tears, or holes, it can cost $25 to $50 on average to fix them.
- Alterations, changing the zipper, or replacing the lining can cost $40 to $80.
These are just average cost estimates. The exact cost can be lower or higher, depending on the condition of your leather jacket and what exactly does it need to be maintained or restored to its previous glory.
How Do Professionals Clean Leather Jackets?
There are two professional cleaning methods primarily used for cleaning leather jackets. These include:
- Dry Cleaning: As the name suggests, this type of cleaning is carried out without water. It involves using a chemical cleaner to remove the dirt, dust, and strains from the leather. However, the cleaner needs to be selected with special care, as general cleaners can damage the leather, causing it to crack and discolor.
- Wet Cleaning: Since this process involves the use of water, it’s typically only offered by professionals who specialize in leather cleaning. They know how to use water on the leather without getting it damaged.
Is Dry Cleaning Safe for Leather Jackets?
Standard dry cleaning is generally not recommended for leather jackets because it removes the natural oils of the leather, which, if not replenished, makes the leather more prone to cracks and damage.
A better and safer alternative is to have your jacket cleaned by a professional that specializes in leather cleaning.
How Often Should You Clean a Leather Jacket?
There is no fixed cleaning schedule for the leather jacket. Just like any other piece of clothing, the frequency of cleaning a leather jacket depends on how often you wear it and how dirty it gets.
Having said that, it’s recommended to have your leather jacket cleaned every month if you wear it once a week. But, you may want to clean it every two weeks if you wear it more frequently or every day.
You will need to clean your leather jacket less often if you wear it only occasionally.
Can You Clean a Leather Jacket at Home?
While it’s not typically recommended to clean a leather jacket at home, as it can be a little tricky and using the wrong procedure or product can damage the material, it is not impossible to do. With the right knowledge, products, and little care, you can clean your leather jacket at home effectively and save some money.
There are numerous ways you can clean a leather jacket at home. Here’s one of the simplest methods:
Step 1 – Treat the stains on your leather jacket by dampening a soft cloth with a cleaner specifically meant for leather and wiping the affected areas with it. Make sure to do it gently and not rub too hard.
Step 2 – Take another soft cloth and dampen it with water. Wipe down the entire jacket with it to remove the dust and dirt. You can re-soak the cloth in water as needed.
Step 3 – Pat dry the jacket with a soft towel. Be gentle and make sure you’re not scrubbing the jacket with the towel.
Step 4 – Hang the jacket to let it fully dry. Keep it out of direct sunlight.
Step 5 – Apply a leather conditioner to your jacket every few months to make sure it doesn’t completely dry out and retain its moisture. Conditioning twice a year is generally recommended.
Wrap Up
The cost of professional leather jacket cleaning can range anywhere from $40 to $100. It can be more if your jacket needs additional repair and maintenance work. While professional cleaning is recommended, cleaning a leather jacket at home is not impossible. All you need is little knowledge, care, and the right products.
Do you get your leather jacket professionally cleaned, or do you prefer to DIY it? Let us know in the comments below.