Leather – Dry Cleaning Versus Home Cleaning
How to clean leather trousers at home, inside and out, with white vinegar or mild soap, so that they need dry cleaning less often.
Leather trousers can be cleaned at home, but it takes gentle care or you will damage the leather. Here is how to do it safely, step by step, starting on the inside.
What you’ll need
- Mild soap, such as baby shampoo or a gentle washing-up liquid
- White vinegar
- Distilled water
- Two soft, lint-free cloths
- Leather conditioner (optional, to keep the leather supple)
Steps
- Turn the trousers inside out. This exposes the lining, where most of the body oils and sweat collect, and protects the outer leather.
- Prepare a cleaning solution. In a small bowl, mix equal parts distilled water and white vinegar, or add a few drops of mild soap to distilled water. Vinegar helps to get rid of odour and bacteria. Mild soap lifts dirt and oils.
- Dampen a cloth. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution, but don’t soak it. Too much water harms leather, so wring the cloth out well.
- Wipe the lining. Gently wipe down the lining and the inner seams. Don’t saturate the fabric. Light pressure and a quick wipe will do. Pay attention to the places that collect sweat, such as the waistband and the inner thigh.
- Dry with a clean cloth. Use the second, dry cloth to blot away any moisture left on the lining. This speeds up the drying and prevents water spots.
- Turn to the outer leather, if needed. Lightly dampen the cloth again with the solution and gently wipe any areas with visible dirt or marks. Keep to quick wipes, especially on the knees and the seat.
- Let them air dry. Hang the trousers in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and heat, which can dry out and crack the leather.
- Condition the leather (optional). Once the trousers are completely dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to the outside to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking. Follow the instructions on the conditioner carefully.
Regular care like this keeps leather trousers fresh and clean without frequent dry cleaning.
This is how I clean my own leather, the red skirt in the photographs included. I finish with a leather lotion made in Italy.
