A faux leather jacket is also called vegan leather or pleather. Many people like faux leather because it looks stylish and costs less than real leather. But faux leather needs special care. If you wash it the wrong way, it can peel, crack, or lose its shape. This guide explains how to wash a faux leather jacket safely, using easy steps, simple words, and clear tables. You will learn when to clean it, how to clean it, and what mistakes to avoid.
What Is Faux Leather?
Faux leather is made from two main parts:
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A fabric base (usually polyester)
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A plastic coating (PU or PVC)
This plastic layer gives faux leather its shiny, leather-like look. But it also means:
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Heat can damage it
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Strong soap can peel it
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Rough cleaning can scratch it
That is why faux leather jackets must be washed gently.
Why You Must Wash Faux Leather Carefully
If faux leather is washed the wrong way, it can be damaged forever.
Common Problems Caused by Wrong Washing
| Wrong Action | What Can Happen |
|---|---|
| Hot water | Jacket can shrink or bend |
| Dryer use | Surface can crack or melt |
| Strong detergent | Color can fade |
| Scrubbing hard | Surface can peel |
| Twisting to dry | Jacket can lose shape |
Once faux leather is damaged, it cannot be fixed.
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Before cleaning your jacket, always look at the care label inside it.
What the Care Label May Say
| Label Message | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Spot clean only | Clean small areas only |
| Hand wash | Wash gently by hand |
| Machine wash cold | Wash on gentle cycle |
| Do not wash | Do not put in water |
| Do not tumble dry | Never use a dryer |
If there is no care label, choose the safest method: spot cleaning or hand washing.
Step 2: Decide How to Clean Your Jacket
You do not need to wash faux leather often.
Spot Clean When:
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There is a small stain
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The jacket looks clean
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You just want to freshen it
Wash the Jacket When:
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The lining smells bad
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The jacket is very dirty
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Spot cleaning does not help
Washing too often can damage faux leather.
Read also: How to Wash a Leather Jacket
Things You Will Need
Before cleaning, prepare these items.
Cleaning Tools List
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Mild liquid detergent
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Soft cloth or sponge
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Bowl or sink
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Mesh laundry bag (for machine wash)
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Clean towels
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Hanger or flat surface
Do NOT Use These
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Bleach | Can peel the surface |
| Fabric softener | Can damage coating |
| Alcohol cleaners | Can dry and crack |
| Hard brushes | Can scratch |
| Strong stain remover | Too harsh |
How to Spot Clean a Faux Leather Jacket
Spot cleaning is the safest way to clean faux leather.
Step-by-Step Spot Cleaning
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Make Cleaning Water
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Mix warm water with a small drop of mild soap
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Wipe Gently
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Dip a soft cloth into the water
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Wring it out
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Gently wipe the dirty area
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Clean the Lining
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Turn jacket inside out
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Dab lining with the cloth
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Remove Soap
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Use a clean damp cloth to wipe again
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Let It Dry
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Hang or lay flat
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Keep away from heat
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Read also: How to Wash a Football Jersey
How to Hand Wash a Faux Leather Jacket
Hand washing is good when the jacket needs deeper cleaning.
Hand Washing Steps
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Turn inside out | Protects the outer layer |
| Fill sink | Use cool or warm water |
| Add soap | Only a small amount |
| Wash gently | Do not scrub |
| Rinse well | Remove all soap |
| Dry carefully | Press with towel |
Important Hand Wash Tips
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Do not soak for long
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Do not scrub hard
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Do not twist or wring
How to Machine Wash a Faux Leather Jacket (If Allowed)
Only machine wash if the care label says it is safe.
Machine Washing Checklist
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Turn jacket inside out
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Put it in a mesh laundry bag
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Use cold water
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Choose gentle or delicate cycle
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Use mild detergent
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Low or no spin
Best Machine Settings
| Setting | Correct Choice |
|---|---|
| Water | Cold |
| Cycle | Gentle |
| Spin | Low |
| Detergent | Mild |
| Fabric softener | Never |
Take the jacket out as soon as washing is done.
How to Dry a Faux Leather Jacket
Drying is very important. Heat can ruin faux leather.
Safe Ways to Dry
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Hang on a padded hanger
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Lay flat on a towel
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Shape the jacket while wet
Never Do These
| Method | Why It Is Bad |
|---|---|
| Dryer | Can melt jacket |
| Heater | Can bend material |
| Direct sun | Can fade color |
| Hair dryer | Too much heat |
Always air dry in a cool place.
How to Remove Wrinkles and Smell
Removing Wrinkles
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Use steam from far away
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Hang jacket in a steamy bathroom
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Let gravity smooth it
❌ Never iron faux leather.
Removing Smell
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Hang jacket outside in shade
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Use light spray on lining only
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Let it air out fully
Big Mistakes to Avoid
Never Do These Things
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❌ Use hot water
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❌ Use bleach
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❌ Use alcohol cleaners
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❌ Scrub hard
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❌ Use dryer
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❌ Twist to dry
These mistakes cause most damage.
How to Store Your Faux Leather Jacket
Good storage helps your jacket last longer.
Best Storage Tips
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Use a wide hanger
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Keep in a cool, dry place
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Do not fold for long time
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Keep away from heat
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Clean spills fast
Common Questions
Can I wash faux leather in a washing machine?
Yes, but only if the label allows it and only on gentle settings.
Can I iron a faux leather jacket?
No. Iron heat can melt the jacket. Use steam instead.
How often should I clean it?
Only when dirty or smelly. Spot cleaning is usually enough.
Can I clean only the inside lining?
Yes. Turn jacket inside out and gently clean lining with a cloth.
Final Words
Washing a faux leather jacket is easy if you are careful. The most important rules are:
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Be gentle
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Use cold water
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Avoid heat
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Use mild soap
If you follow these steps, your faux leather jacket can stay clean, smooth, and stylish for a long time.
