Green Biker Jacket

Whether you choose faux leather for the sake of fashion, your beliefs in animal rights, or because the price is usually lower than natural leather, you’ll be pleasantly pleased to find it’s usually easy to clean. You can clean faux leather by washing items with mild soap and warm water. Removing stains from faux leather is simple, requiring just a small amount of gentle soap and water. Even faux leather garments that have linings can often be cleaned at home.

Faux leather garments should be cleaned after a few uses or when they become stained. Sofas and furniture should be cleaned at least once per month, but sometimes more often if you have pets or children. Before you begin, take a moment to read the care label, as some linings may not be machine washable. If you are unsure, consult a dry cleaner. You can often hand-wash the garment at home.

Clean faux leather garments, including jackets and pants, in cold to warm water with a gentle detergent (warm water may shrink your items). Hand-wash or choose a delicate cycle in the washing machine, then allow the garment to air dry after wiping it down with a microfiber cloth to remove excess water. Remember to never put faux leather in the dryer, which can cause the material to come apart. You should never clean faux leather with harsh cleaning chemicals as it is the surest way to ruin the material.

Hand-Wash or Machine-Wash?

Faux leather jackets, leggings, or skirts can usually be hand-washed or machine-washed. The key to success is using the correct water temperature, detergent, and gentle agitation. If your garment says “hand-wash only” on its care label, follow these directions to prevent damage.

If you choose to machine-wash the garment, place it in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection, and reduce the speed for the final spin cycle to reduce wrinkling.

Use Cool or Warm Water

Set the washer or fill the sink with cool to warm water. Never use hot water, which can cause the faux leather to become misshapen or even melt.

Select a Gentle Detergent

A mild detergent is best for faux leather. If hand-washing, add the detergent to the water, and swish your hand around so it distributes evenly.

Turn the Garment Inside Out

Faux leather is usually the most soiled on the inside of the garment due to body oils. Whether machine-washing in a mesh bag or hand-washing, turn the garment inside out so that the detergent and water solution can reach the interior surface easily.

Use Gentle Agitation

If hand-washing, swish the garment through the water, and squeeze gently. Allow it to soak for five minutes. In a washer, select the delicate cycle, and reduce the spin speed for the final cycle.

Use a Cool Water Rinse

Rinse any hand-washed garments in cool water until no suds remain. Excessive detergent left on the faux leather can cause it to stiffen and crack. Do not wring. Always use a cold water rinse in the washer. Do not add any fabric softener.

Air-Dry Faux Leather

Never place faux leather in the dryer. Hang jackets inside out on a sturdy hanger, and allow them to drip-dry. Skirts and pants can either be hung or dried flat on absorbent towels. Drying can take up to 24 hours. Frequently turn items that are dried flat. To speed drying time, wipe down the garment with a soft, absorbent microfiber cloth.

Condition With Oil

When the garment is dry, use a tiny amount of baby, olive, or coconut oil on a soft cloth to condition the faux leather. This will keep the faux leather supple, prevent cracking and peeling, and help remove wrinkles.