3 Ways To Clean Leather Pants - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Clean Leather Pants PDF download Download Article Keep your leather clean and spotless with these quick tips Co-authored by Mike Stramiello

Last Updated: March 12, 2025 References

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  • Standard Cleaning
    • |
  • Removing Stains
    • |
  • Caring for Leather Pants
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Mike Stramiello. Mike Stramiello is a Leatherworker based in Wilmington, North Carolina. He founded Beast Belts and Knives, a Leather Products business in 2020. He initially got involved in the field when he started blacksmithing knives. He couldn’t find the kinds of leather sheaths he wanted for his knives in his area, so he started leather smithing. After years of honing his craft, he started selling his custom-made wares and consistently has a wait list for his products. In addition to the items that are regularly available on his website, Mike builds one-off creations for his website and holds product auctions on his Instagram page. Beast Belts and Knives custom belts, rugs, bags, weapon sheaths and holsters, and other special order items. Mike takes pride in his handmade luxury custom leather work and bladesmithing creations. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 90,801 times.

Leather pants are fashionable and fun to wear. However, you must proceed cautiously when cleaning them. To keep your leather pants nice and fresh, start by reading the clothing label closely. Spot treat any visible stains. Then, either wash them on a delicate cycle or wet them down by hand. Hang them out to dry and store them on hangers to preserve the feel and cut of the leather.

Best Way to Clean Leather Pants

Check the tag on your pants to see if they're machine-washable or not. If they are, turn them inside out and use the delicate cycle. Otherwise, wipe your pants with a warm damp cloth to remove residue. If you're worried about damaging your pants, get them professionally cleaned.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Performing a Standard Cleaning

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  1. Step 1 Follow the label’s directions. 1 Follow the label’s directions. Locate the label on your pants, usually in the middle back of the waistline, and read it carefully. A label that gives machine washing instructions will generally do well with a gentle wash and dry cycle. If the label states “Dry Clean Only” or “Not Washable,” then you may want to consider taking it to a dry cleaner or leather specialist.[1]
    • If your pants do not have a label, or if you’ve cut it off, and you know the manufacturer, then you may be able to contact them directly for cleaning advice. Go to the manufacturer’s website and look for customer information or help contact information.
  2. Step 2 Do a test spot. 2 Do a test spot. Before you expose your pants to any cleaning process, it is a good idea to apply a damp cloth to a small, less noticeable part of your pants. Then, wait to see if you notice any discoloration, fading, or wrinkling. This will let you know how well your pants will tolerate being wetted down via steaming or in a washing machine.[2]
    • If your pants do wrinkle or stain in the test area, it would be a good idea to take them to a leather specialist for cleaning.
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  3. Step 3 Use the delicate cycle with cold water. 3 Use the delicate cycle with cold water. Turn your pants inside out and place them directly into the washing machine. Add a small amount of color-safe liquid detergent and nothing else. Choose the “delicate” washing cycle and set the water temperature to cold. If you can choose the spin speed, set it to the slowest setting.
    • For extra protection, place your pants into a garment bag and then toss this bag into the washing machine. The bag will help to minimize the wear on your garment from the washing machine’s agitations.
  4. Step 4 Wipe them down with water. 4 Wipe them down with water. If you aren’t comfortable using the washing machine, then set your pants out on a towel. Get a damp microfiber cloth and gently run it over the surface of pants. It is best if you use warm, not hot, water. Resist the urge to scrub and keep your movements light.[3]
  5. Step 5 Steam them. 5 Steam them. Get a clothing steam machine and adjust the setting to gentle. When the machine is ready, pass the wand lightly on top of the pants. It should make them damp, but not wet. Repeat until you see fewer signs of wear. This is another gentle alternative to using a washing machine.[4]
    • A simple way to steam your pants, and other clothing items, is to hang them up in your shower, then run the water to warm. The water should not touch the clothes directly, but the steam will. This is an especially good way to remove strong odors, such as smoke.[5]
  6. Step 6 Lay them out to dry. 6 Lay them out to dry. The safest way to keep your pants shape post-washing or steaming is to lay them down on a dry towel or to place them on a drying rack. The drying rack is the best option, as it allows the air to pull the moisture away from your garment. Some people suggest machine drying, but that can destroy certain types of leather pants.
  7. Step 7 Clean only when necessary. 7 Clean only when necessary. It is not necessary to clean your pants after each time you wear them. Instead, go by the appearance of the pants and whether they appear dirty or in need of an odor adjustment. Cleaning your pants too often can change their shape and make them lose that supple leather feel.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Removing Stains

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  1. Step 1 Remove stains quickly. 1 Remove stains quickly. If you see a stain on your pants, try to take care of it as soon as possible. Some stains, like ink, begin to set almost immediately. Others, like salt, can be fairly easy to remove if you address them in a timely manner. Be aware that set in stains may require number applications of a cleaning treatment or a trip to the dry cleaner.[6]
  2. Step 2 Absorb any standing spills. 2 Absorb any standing spills. Get a clean, microfiber cloth and place it directly on top of the liquid. Apply a slight amount of pressure until you can see some absorption taking place. Resist the urge to rub or wipe the stained area. If a cloth is not available, a damp sponge or even a paper towel can be used.[7]
  3. Step 3 Apply corn starch to oily stains. 3 Apply corn starch to oily stains. Lay your pants out on a towel. Get a teaspoon of corn starch and pour it lightly on top of the stain. Leave it on the stain for a minute or so. Then, get a damp cloth and gently wipe away the starch. Do another pass with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat as necessary to lessen the appearance of an oily stain.[8]
  4. Step 4 Remove salt with a vinegar mixture. 4 Remove salt with a vinegar mixture.[9] If you live in an area where salt is applied to the roads and sidewalks in colder weather, then you know how hard these stains can be to remove. To get salt stains off of your leather pants, start by dipping a cloth into a 50-50 water and vinegar mixture. Wring the cloth out and apply it to the areas with salt stains.
    • If the salt is dried on the surface of your pants, brush it off with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a cloth.
  5. Step 5 Protect them from damaging substances. 5 Protect them from damaging substances. Leather is a fairly porous fabric and can be stained or damaged by a variety of chemicals and environmental factors. Keep corrosive cleaners, such as bleach, away from your pants. Be cautious when exposing your pants to prolonged sunlight, dirt, or sand.[10]
    • Even body products, such as perfume or lotion, can stain your leather pants.[11]
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Taking Care of Your Pants

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  1. Step 1 Apply a leather protectant. 1 Apply a leather protectant. Before you start to wear your new leather pants, take a moment to spritz them with a leather protectant product. These usually come in small spray bottles are available at most clothing stores. Just one pass with the spray will protect your pants, to a limited extent, for an entire season.[12]
    • As with any product, test out your protectant on a small area of your pants before applying it all over.
  2. Step 2 Apply a leather conditioner monthly. 2 Apply a leather conditioner monthly. Lay your pants out on a towel. Take a bit of the conditioner into your hands, it will have a soapy feel, and gently rub it into the surface of your pants. Keep rubbing in small circles until the product is absorbed entirely. Repeat this process every month to keep your leather pants feeling soft and flexible.
    • Make a homemade version of leather conditioner by mixing three parts of olive oil with two parts vinegar in a small bowl.[13]
  3. Step 3 Store them on a hanger in a garment bag. 3 Store them on a hanger in a garment bag. Instead of folding, hang your pants by their straps on a wooden hanger. If you are worried about dust, place them inside of a cotton garment bag. If they are hanging next to other clothes, keep them away from dark fabrics, as they may discolor the leather.[14]
  4. Step 4 Take them to a dry cleaner. 4 Take them to a dry cleaner. Call ahead to your dry cleaner to check if they accept leather goods. If they do, when you bring in your pants make sure to point out any stains or areas of concern. Also, if your pants have a matching top or other accessory, get those cleaned as well.[15]
    • Some dry cleaners are considered leather specialists. This means that they follow practices that are less likely to damage your pants, but this extra level of service may result in a higher bill.[16]
    • If you do point out a stain, it is even better if you can tell your cleaner where the stain came from and how long it has been there.[17]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question How do I get dampness off of leather trousers? Community Answer Community Answer I would recommend using a hair dryer on a low setting or putting it under a fan if you don't want it to air-dry. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question Some newer washing machines have a steam program. Is this suitable for leather clothes? southernlily southernlily Community Answer Using a steam program in newer washing machines is generally not suitable for leather clothes. Steam can alter leather's texture, causing it to lose natural oils, leading to stiffness and damage. Instead, clean leather garments with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap. For deep cleaning, seek professional leather cleaners to maintain the integrity of your leather items. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
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Tips

  • Your leather pants may stretch out over time and repeated washings can speed up this process.[18] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • As you clean your pants, make sure to pay attention to the trim and any attached accessories. Use a gentle cleaning method that will not damage these parts.[19] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You’ll Need

  • Washing machine
  • Garment bag
  • Water
  • Microfiber cloth or sponge
  • Steamer
  • Drying rack
  • Starch
  • Vinegar
  • Leather protectant
  • Leather conditioner

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/how-to-wash-leather
  2. ↑ https://www.rinse.com/blog/care/how-clean-and-care-leather-apparel/
  3. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/how-to-wash-leather
  4. ↑ https://housecleaningcentral.com/cleaning-tips/clothing/leather-cleaning/
  5. ↑ https://housecleaningcentral.com/cleaning-tips/clothing/leather-cleaning/
  6. ↑ https://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Clean-Leather-Pants-/10000000178726002/g.html
  7. ↑ https://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Clean-Leather-Pants-/10000000178726002/g.html
  8. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/how-to-wash-leather
  9. ↑ James Sears. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
More References (10)
  1. ↑ https://www.josbank.com/how-to-care-for-leather
  2. ↑ https://www.denverpost.com/2012/10/10/5-tips-how-to-care-for-leather-clothing/
  3. ↑ https://www.rinse.com/blog/care/how-clean-and-care-leather-apparel/
  4. ↑ https://www.racked.com/2014/10/27/7571855/thrift-store-vintage-clothing-stain-removal
  5. ↑ https://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Clean-Leather-Pants-/10000000178726002/g.html
  6. ↑ https://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Clean-Leather-Pants-/10000000178726002/g.html
  7. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2014/10/how-to-buy-leather-pants
  8. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/must-know-care-tips-for-winter-clothing-essentials-leather-cashmere-and-silk#6
  9. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2014/10/how-to-buy-leather-pants
  10. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/how-to-wash-leather

About This Article

Mike Stramiello Co-authored by: Mike Stramiello Leatherworker This article was co-authored by Mike Stramiello. Mike Stramiello is a Leatherworker based in Wilmington, North Carolina. He founded Beast Belts and Knives, a Leather Products business in 2020. He initially got involved in the field when he started blacksmithing knives. He couldn’t find the kinds of leather sheaths he wanted for his knives in his area, so he started leather smithing. After years of honing his craft, he started selling his custom-made wares and consistently has a wait list for his products. In addition to the items that are regularly available on his website, Mike builds one-off creations for his website and holds product auctions on his Instagram page. Beast Belts and Knives custom belts, rugs, bags, weapon sheaths and holsters, and other special order items. Mike takes pride in his handmade luxury custom leather work and bladesmithing creations. This article has been viewed 90,801 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 8 Updated: March 12, 2025 Views: 90,801 Categories: Cleaning Clothes Article SummaryX

Before you try to clean leather pants, look at the label on them to make sure they're machine washable. If they're not, try wiping them down with water using a microfiber cloth or steam cleaning them. If they are machine washable, turn them inside out, and wash them on a gentle cycle using cold water. Whichever method you use, hang your leather pants up to air dry when you're finished, and avoid machine drying them since it might damage the leather. To learn how to remove stains on leather pants, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Mike Stramiello Co-authored by: Mike Stramiello Leatherworker Click a star to vote Co-authors: 8 Updated: March 12, 2025 Views: 90,801

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