Leather is a delicate material, and you need to take great care when maintaining and cleaning it. Since every material is completely unique, each leather product reacts differently. You’ll learn exactly what you need to pay special attention to in a moment.

Rough and fine leather

There are many different types of leather. They differ based on animal source, tanning method, and intended use. For example, cowhide is often used for shoes and upholstery, while pigskin is more commonly used for affordable leather clothing.

This is relevant because not all leather is suitable for every type of cleaning.

As a general rule:

The coarser the leather material, the sooner it can be washed  – for example with a leather jacket.

The finer and thinner the leather, the more careful you need to be  you need to be (for example, when working with suede).

Follow the care label

We mention this almost every time, but in this case it is truly important:

Please follow the instructions printed on the care label! Manufacturers know best what your leather garment can withstand. If the hand wash symbol appears on the label, only clean it by hand.

Removing damage and discoloration from leather clothing is nearly impossible.

If you are unsure whether and how you can wash your leather product, we have some helpful Tips to guide you.

Important: First test the treatment on a tiny area to make sure the leather tolerates it.

Treat Stains

If you are dealing with surface-level Stains, you can try to remove them without needing to wash the entire item immediately.

• Grease and oil stainsGrease must be removed from leather as quickly as possible. Sprinkle a little baking powder onto the stain and let it sit for around 30 minutes. Afterwards, wipe the powder away with a damp cloth. Do not rub!
• dirt: Take a damp cloth and gently wipe over the stain. Do not use a brush!
• Water stainsWater stains form quickly on suede. You can try to remove these with a few drops of milk. To do this, mix lukewarm water with the milk and gently dab the water stain with the mixture. Let it dry.

Never use cleaning products containing degreasers such as dish soap. This will dry out the leather!

Wash by hand

If treating Stains does not work, it is time to launder the item.

We’ve already shared the rule of thumb with you: the more delicate the material, the more careful you need to be.

• Pour lukewarm water into a bowl
• Tear off a corner of your bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets stir and let it dissolve in the water. 
• Let your leather garment soak for approximately 30 minutes, gently moving it back and forth occasionally.
• Finally rinse thoroughly with clean water

Wash leather in the washing machine

If you believe leather can be cleaned in a washing machine, be sure to keep the following points in mind:

• Mild laundry detergent  is essential here. Never use regular laundry detergent, as the chemical additives will damage the leather, its texture, and its color.
• The bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets are free of unnecessary additives – free from optical brighteners, enzymes, preservatives, bleaching agents, or starch. They are very gentle and therefore suitable for your leather. 
• Turn left:  If your leather garment has appliqués, turn it inside out. Close zippers.
• Use the bag: To protect the leather, it's best to put it in a laundry bag.
• The shorter and colder, the betterWash at a maximum of 30 degrees for no longer than 45 minutes. A delicate wash cycle is recommended.

Dry leather

Of course, leather must never be placed in a dryer. Set it in a well-circulated, ventilated location to dry completely.

Leather care

Once your smooth leather clothing is completely dry, you can apply a small amount of care cream (formulated specifically for leather) or olive oil to restore the leather's shine.

After Laundry, leather is sometimes slightly stiff. If oil does not restore its suppleness, water vapor can help. For example, you can hang your leather jacket in the bathroom while you shower. Only water vapor, no direct water!

Faux leather

In almost all respects, you can treat and wash faux leather the same way you treat genuine leather. As always, please check the care label first. Special caution is required in the following cases:

Keep away from oil: What creates a glossy shine on genuine leather is strictly off-limits for faux leather. Do not use any oil-based conditioning care products, as these will form a filmy layer over the surface of the leather.

Discolorations: Faux leather can easily rub off and bleed color. For this reason, be sure to wash it separately or only with items of a similar color.

Spin cycle: You should avoid using the spin cycle on your washing machine as much as possible, as faux leather quickly becomes brittle.

Removing Stains:Baby wipes are great for removing Stains and also provide a little extra moisture. A damp cloth also works well.

As leather is a natural product, every item reacts differently to treatment. There is therefore no single universal ultimate tip that applies across the board. If you want to play it safe, you are better off taking your favorite leather item to the cleaners.

More Tips on all things related to Laundry and care can be found on our Blog.