Stop! Don't Clean Your Varsity Jacket Until You Read This

How to Clean a Varsity Jacket The Ultimate Care Guide

Varsity jackets are more than just clothing they’re symbols of achievement, nostalgia, and personal style. But spills, sweat, and everyday wear can leave them looking dingy. If your jacket has leather sleeves, the wrong cleaning method can ruin it forever. Custom Varsity Jackets – Last 10 Left! Design Yours Before We Sell Out Buy Now

This guide covers safe, step-by-step cleaning for both fabric and leather, plus pro tips to remove stains, eliminate odors, and keep your jacket looking fresh for years.

Why Most People Ruin Their Varsity Jackets

Before diving in, let’s address common mistakes:

Machine washing leather sleeves Cracks and warping

Using harsh detergents Fades colors and weakens fabric

Skipping spot tests Causes permanent discoloration

"I wrecked my vintage jacket by soaking it don’t make my mistake!"

Check the Tag & Prep Your Jacket

Decoding the Care Label

"Dry Clean Only" Don’t risk home washing (especially with leather).

No tag? Assume hand-wash only if sleeves are leather.

Pre-Cleaning Prep

Brush off dirt with a soft-bristle clothes brush.

Spot-test cleaners on an inside seam (wait 10 mins for reactions).

Remove loose patches/pins to avoid snagging.

Pro Tip: For dust in stitching, use masking tape to lift debris.

Cleaning the Fabric Body

Hand-Washing (Safest Method)

Fill a tub with cold water + wool-safe detergent (e.g., Woolite).

Submerge jacket and gently swish no twisting or scrubbing!

Rinse with cool water until soap-free.

Machine Washing (Only If Tag Allows!)

Use a mesh bag on delicate cycle with cold water.

Never use fabric softener it breaks down fibers.

"Hot water = shrinkage. Always go cold!"

Leather Sleeve Care

Daily Maintenance

Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth after each wear to prevent oil buildup.

Deep Cleaning

Mix 1 tsp pH-neutral soap (like Castile) + 1 cup distilled water.

Dampen a cloth, wipe sleeves in circular motions.

Condition immediately with Lexol Leather Conditioner to prevent drying.

Never Use:

Baby wipes (alcohol dries leather)

Vinegar (too acidic)

Olive oil (goes rancid)

Stain Removal Cheat Sheet

Stain Fabric Fix Leather Fix

Ink Dab with rubbing alcohol Hairspray + quick wipe

Grease Cornstarch paste (sit overnight) White eraser gentle rub

Sweat Baking soda + water paste Vodka spray (antibacterial)

Blood Cold water only! Dab with hydrogen peroxide (test first)

"For wine stains: Blot, don’t rub! Mix dish soap + hydrogen peroxide (1:1), dab gently."

Drying & Storage

Dos & Don’ts

Lay flat on a towel, reshape sleeves/body while damp.

Dry in shade sunlight fades colors.

Never hang wet (stretches shoulders).

Avoid dryers (heat cracks leather).

Long-Term Storage

Fold with acid-free tissue in sleeves to hold shape.

Store in a cotton garment bag (plastic traps moisture).

Pro Tips to Extend Your Jacket’s Life

For odors: Freeze overnight in a bag (kills bacteria).

For stiffness: Massage sleeves with 1 drop glycerin + 1 tsp water.

After rain: Blot (don’t rub!) with a towel, then air dry.

FAQ: Quick Answers

Q: Can I steam my varsity jacket?

A: Yes! Hold steamer 10" away to avoid water spots.

Q: How often should I clean it?

A: Spot-clean stains ASAP; deep clean 1-2x per year.

Q: Can I use baby wipes on leather?

A: Only alcohol-free ones (most aren’t!).

Final Thought: Treat It Like an Heirloom

Your varsity jacket tells a story don’t let stains or improper cleaning ruin it. With these methods, you’ll keep it looking sharp for decades.