How to Clean & Care for a Shearling Leather Jacket

A shearling jacket is more than just outerwear. It’s the kind of piece you buy knowing it should last a lifetime. Owners know the pride of wearing one, but also the quiet fear: the wrong method for cleaning and caring for a shearling leather jacket could harden the leather, flatten the wool, or leave permanent marks that dull its appeal.  We always suggest that you research of reputable and professional shearling cleaner. 

The good news? Shearling responds beautifully to the right kind of care. This guide walks you through practical steps to clean and care for a shearling leather jacket, so it retains the comfort and elegance that made you fall in love with your jacket in the first place.

Understanding Shearling Care Basics

Shearling maintenance differs sharply from standard leather care. Your maintenance routine should protect both the interior fleece and exterior hide against gradual wear and environmental stress. Understanding how to care for your fur coat is crucial in making sure it lasts for years.

The Unique Nature of Shearling

A shearling jacket merges two materials that respond differently to conditions. The leather exterior meets rain, wind, and sun, while the wool lining helps to retain warmth.

Both parts react to moisture, though in different ways. Wool can wick away dampness, but leather risks hardening or cracking when wet.

Temperature changes cause the leather to expand and contract, and the wool can compress or lose loft in extreme heat or cold.

If you choose the wrong product to clean and care for a shearling leather jacket, you can damage one side while attempting to treat the other. For example, using leather conditioner on fleece can leave a greasy residue, while detergents designed for wool may stain or weaken the hide. Cleaning shearling garments with leather requires the right balance of care.

Where leather and wool join (along seams and edges) tend to be the most vulnerable points, requiring added care during cleaning and storage. Damage here is not only unsightly but also expensive to repair, as seam work often requires professional intervention.

Building a Regular Maintenance Routine

A light weekly routine can prevent most long-term issues. Brushing the wool helps it retain its spring, while wiping down leather stops dirt from embedding.

Weekly priorities should include:

• Gently brushing wool with a soft-bristled brush to prevent matting that flattens the fleece over time.

• Using a dry cloth to wipe leather panels before dirt bonds with the surface and causes dull patches.

• Inspecting for stains or wear so you can address issues before they become permanent.

• Keeping air circulation steady in the storage area to avoid musty odors and mildew.

Monthly attention allows for deeper upkeep when you clean and care for a shearling leather jacket. This includes checking seams, hardware, and areas like collars and cuffs that see more friction.

Monthly maintenance steps:

• Condition only the leather exterior.

• Address fresh stains promptly.

• Shift the hanging position to avoid fixed creases.

Seasonal care prepares your jacket for off-season storage, reducing the risk of pest damage and preserving the structure of both materials. Think of this as insurance. Moth damage or collapsed shoulders from poor storage can mean repairs that rival the cost of a new coat.

In addition, how to care for your fur coat should also include proper seasonal storage to maintain the jacket’s shape and material integrity.

Cleaning Shearling Garments With Leather

Effective cleaning methods maintain the integrity of both the hide and the fleece while lifting dirt and removing odors. Start with targeted spot treatment to reduce the need for more intensive cleaning.

Spot Cleaning for Stains and Spills

Quick action helps prevent stains from setting. Blot liquid spills immediately with a dry cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this only pushes the liquid further into the hide, making removal more difficult.

For oil-based marks, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb residue. Leave it in place for 2-3 hours before brushing it away with a suede brush.

Water spots need a different approach. Lightly moisten the entire affected panel with distilled water so the jacket dries evenly and doesn’t develop visible rings.

For wool lining stains, use a mild wool-safe detergent diluted in lukewarm water. Dab on gently, then remove with a slightly damp cloth to clear any detergent film. This prevents residue that makes the fleece feel coarse instead of luxuriously soft.

Stay away from strong chemicals such as bleach, acetone, or conventional laundry detergents. They can strip natural oils from premium leather and weaken fleece fibers beyond repair.

Deep Cleaning Process

For heavily worn or soiled jackets, professional services are safest. At home, deep cleaning requires precision and patience to properly clean and care for a shearling leather jacket.

Begin by brushing the wool with a suede brush to restore texture, moving in a single direction to avoid tangling fibers.

Mix one tablespoon of wool-safe detergent with one cup of cold water, testing on an inconspicuous area before applying more broadly. Use a cleaning solution that is safe for both leather and wool.

With a slightly damp microfiber cloth, gently work the solution into problem areas in small circles, paying special attention to high-contact spots like collars and cuffs. These are the first places to show wear, so a little attention here can add years to the jacket’s life.

Rinse out all soap using a barely damp cloth since leftover residue not only stiffens fleece but also attracts fresh dirt quickly.

Drying and Reshaping After Cleaning Shearling Garments with Leather

Never rush the drying process with heat from hair dryers, radiators, or direct sunlight. This causes leather to crack and fleece to shrink, damage that often requires costly repair or replacement.

Hang the jacket on a wide, padded hanger in a well-aired space away from heat. Support sleeve shape with acid-free tissue, replacing if it becomes damp. This prevents shoulder dents or sleeve collapse that ruin the silhouette of your coat. 

During the first day, turn the jacket inside out periodically to let air reach the wool lining evenly and discourage mold.

Drying usually takes 48-72 hours, depending on humidity. Check thick seams for any lingering dampness before considering it fully dry.

When dry, give the wool another pass with a suede brush to restore softness and volume. This final step revives the plush, luxurious texture that defines high-quality shearling.

Long-Term Shearling Jacket Care & Protection

Conditioning keeps leather flexible, and smart storage prevents lasting harm from moisture, pests, or compression.

Conditioning and Protection

Condition every 6-12 months, adjusting for how often you wear the jacket. Use only high-grade leather conditioners suited for premium hides. 

Work conditioner into clean, dry leather with a soft cloth, focusing on areas that bend often, such as elbows and shoulders. These flex points will be the first to stiffen and crease if you neglect them. 

Condition only when the jacket is completely dry, giving the leather a full day to absorb treatment before wearing again.

Proper Storage to Prevent Damage

Choose breathable garment bags of cotton or linen for storage. Do not use plastic as it traps moisture that breeds mildew and leaves leather smelling stale. 

Hang your jacket on broad, padded hangers to preserve the tailored drape and prevent shoulder collapse. Wire hangers, in contrast, dig into the leather and create sharp creases that may never fully relax.

A stable storage environment, around 60-70°F and 45-55% humidity, prevents cracking or mildew. Basements and attics are risky due to temperature swings and excess dampness that accelerate deterioration.

Cedar blocks discourage insects naturally, but replace them every six months when their scent fades.

Do not fold or compress the jacket for long-term storage, as this can permanently flatten the wool.

Solving Common Issues

You can address some problems with your shearling jacket at home. But in other cases you will need to seek professional attention. Knowing the difference prevents further harm.

Restoring Damaged Area

Light scuffs can often be improved with gentle buffing using a dry cloth in circular motions to spread natural oils. This helps blend marks into the hide so the finish remains smooth and even.

For water stains, blot moisture quickly, then allow the jacket to air dry naturally. Oil stains respond well to cornstarch or talcum powder left overnight, then brushed away gently.

Fluff flattened fleece using a wide-tooth comb or suede brush, working slowly from the outside edges inward.

Leave deep scratches in leather to specialists. Attempting DIY fixes often worsens the damage and may double the eventual repair bill. Always prioritize gentle methods to preserve the integrity of both the leather and fleece.

Seeking Professional Care

An annual professional cleaning keeps frequently worn jackets in prime condition, using balanced solutions tailored for shearling. Consider it preventative maintenance: much like servicing a luxury car, it preserves value and performance.

Leather restoration treatments offered by specialists help bring back softness to dried areas, penetrating more deeply than most home products.

Complex repairs such as seam replacement, heavy staining, or severe matting are better left to experts who work with high-end shearling regularly. Specialists also ensure that replacement materials match the original quality, something standard cleaners often overlook.

Pre-storage treatments from professionals can include cleaning, conditioning, and pest prevention before seasonal storage. For proper care, cleaning shearling garments with leather requires expertise to avoid damage. Always select cleaners with proven experience in luxury shearling.

For urgent issues, like spilled wine or ink, seek help within 24-48 hours to give the best chance of full restoration.

Keeping Your Shearling Timeless

A shearling jacket is more than just clothing, it’s a legacy piece. The way you clean and care for a shearling leather jacket determines whether it becomes a lifelong companion or a costly regret. With the right cleaning, storage, and protection habits, your jacket will survive the years and carry its story with you, looking just as refined as the day you bought it.

At Pologeorgis, we’ve spent decades crafting and caring for premium fur and shearling pieces. Contact us today for expert cleaning and restoration of your shearling jacket or even to add another heirloom-worthy piece to your collection.