Tips for Cleaning & Caring for Your Vanson Leather Jacket
Your Vanson leather jacket is built to last—but proper care can extend its life even further. Follow these tips to keep it looking and performing its best:
1. Clean Off the Road Grime
Keeping your jacket clean is straightforward. Here's how:
Mild Cleaning: Use a soft terry washcloth and cool tap water to wipe away dirt and grime.
For Oily Grime: Apply a very small amount of mild dishwashing liquid and gently wipe the grime up and off. Avoid scrubbing, as this can push dirt deeper into the leather fibers.
Important: Skip commercial leather cleaners, which often contain solvents that can damage the leather's finish or drive dirt deeper into the material.
2. Apply Vanson Leather Balm
After cleaning, nourish your leather:
While Damp: Apply Vanson Leather Balm to the jacket while it's still slightly damp. This helps draw nutrients deep into the leather fibers.
Why Vanson Leather Balm? Made from natural vegetable oils, it mimics the fats and waxes used during tanning.
Application Tips:
Use multiple light applications instead of one heavy coat.
Buff off excess balm with a dry terry cloth.
Avoid using on suede or untested areas.
For Naked Deer Tanned leathers, test on a small, hidden area first—this balm may darken the leather.
3. Avoid Waterproofers and Heavy Oils
Avoid waterproofers, silicones, and heavily-oiled products. These can clog the leather’s pores, preventing it from breathing and potentially stretching the material out of shape. Over-lubrication weakens leather fibers—stick to products designed for leather care like Vanson Leather Balm.
4. Treat Your Leather Regularly
Vanson Leather Balm not only nourishes your jacket but also makes it water-resistant.
When to Apply:
After your jacket gets wet.
At least three times a year, even if the jacket doesn’t get wet.
Regular care keeps the leather supple, pliable, and ready for any weather.
5. Dry It Properly
If your jacket gets soaked, let it air dry at room temperature. Hang the jacket on a chair or garment hanger to maintain its shape during drying.
Avoid: Heat sources like hairdryers or heaters, and drying in direct sunlight, as these can damage the leather.
Need More Help? Try Our Reconditioning Service
For older garments or those needing a deep rejuvenation, Vanson offers an in-house reconditioning service:
The jacket is soaked in a warm water bath, fully re-impregnated with oils and waxes, and carefully dried using controlled air. This service restores the leather inside and out.