We’re tackling those nasty stains on your leather jacket at home. These solutions come in handy as getting your leather cleaned by a professional is expensive and you don't want to throw the jacket out either.

Oil Stains

Sprinkling baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum powder on oil stains helps in getting rid of them. This is because the powder acts as a dehydrating agent to do damage control. Use a damp cloth to rub lightly over the spot. Leave it to dry overnight or at least for a couple of hours. The soda, powder, or starch will absorb the oil.

Sweat Stains

Mix mild soap with slightly warm water. Swish to create lots of suds. Apply a layer of foam only with a sponge and wipe it down with a clean dry cloth. This process followed by a cleaner such as Tannery’s Vintage Leather Cleaner and Conditioner or saddle soap to condition the leather will make it look brand new.

Color Stains

A gentle application of GOLD solvent with a white cloth on the dye transfer spots will do the job. Start by testing in a less noticeable area prior. The basic purpose of it is to dissolve a degree of the color coating. But this comes at the risk of the leather losing its color in the process as well.

Alcohol Stains

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in 2 teaspoons of lukewarm water. Apply a small quantity of this mixture and spot clean to neutralize any other stains. Put a sponge or pad over the problem area covered with weight to keep it in place for an extended period. Make sure it dries thoroughly. After this, dampen the stained area again and apply mild soap to remove the smell of vinegar. Use a soft hand to brush the spot and voila! Your leather is back to looking as good as new.

Ball Pen Stains

Ink stains on leather usually come off with the help of rubbing or isopropyl alcohol. Dip a sponge or cotton pad in a little rubbing alcohol and lightly press it around the stained area. As you go, the ink should be reappearing on the pad from the leather. Use a dry cloth or paper towel when you’re done.

Mold Stains

A clean white cloth dipped in equal parts rubbing alcohol and water for wiping down mold-stained areas will work miraculously. Conclude by wiping the leather with a clean cloth dipped in water.

Perfume Stains

A pump of milk liquid soap added to a soap and water solution will create the solvent you need to eradicate obvious perfume stains. Make sure to make suds by shaking the bowl or using your hand in the solution. Scoop the foam out onto a clean sponge. Pat the sponge onto the stains directly but remember to be gentle in the movement.

Red Wine Stain

Use blotting paper, newspaper, or tissues to absorb the excess wine. Mix the soap in lukewarm water. Creating suds is again crucial in this process too. Apply the foam with the help of a sponge. Rinse properly with a clean, damp cloth and wipe dry. Remember to condition it with a leather cleaner or saddle soap at the end.

Yellow Stains

These are a result of oils/ fats, dyes, or plasticizers migrating to the surface of the leather and changing forms. Unsaturated oils have more fluidity which translates into mostly that type migrating. Degreasing a portion of the stained leather will mitigate if the cause is the former or something else entirely.

Half a cup of olive oil diluted in 1/4th cup of vinegar added to a spray bottle is a great solution to restore the color of your leather. Spray on the stain, let it sit for no longer than 5 minutes, and then wipe dry. Thoroughly ensure you are staying away from bleach or ammonia-based cleaners that can damage the quality of the leather.

No matter how careful you try to be with your leather jacket, it's hard to prevent it from getting dirty at some point. You could be out eating and salad dressing could spill on your coat. You have nothing to worry about as long as you’ve got any of the household items mentioned above. Whatever you do, don’t panic. Keep calm and clean!