Can I hand wash a 100% leather shirt.?

Question

It is an Ann Taylor shirt, label says dry clean only. The cost to do so is $45.00. If I can wash it, do you know the best kind of soap etc. to wash it with?

Answer 1

I'd probably want to skimp out on the dry cleaning cost of $45 on this skirt as well!

I do have Dryel and Dry Cleaner's Secret in my laundry room arsenal...and unfortunately, neither product is recommended for leather or suede.

If it were my skirt, I'd turn it inside out and sprinkle some baking soda on it, and let that set for about 30 minutes, then shake it out....once turned the right side out, I'd use leather cleaning wipes (you can get these at an auto store or in the cleaning aisle.)

But I suggest you do not handwash this skirt. You'll most likely ruin it.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

I absolutely would not wash this shirt in the traditional handwashing method. You have to protect leather from getting wet as it will cause it to shrink and distort at the seams. I suggest you definately pay the price at the dry cleaners and get it professionally cleaned. In between dry cleanings you can use a leather oil to clean the leather. I am assuming the shirt is a smooth finished leather, if it is not and instead it is a suede then your only option is to dry clean every time it needs a cleaning.

Answer 3

Don't use water. Period.
If you just want to freshen it up and remove some easy stains, at large grocery stores you'll find a cleaning product that has a large plastic bag and some sealed paper cloths soaked in cleaning solution all packed in a box. Often comes with a bottle of pre-treater for spots. They're sold as 'home dry cleaning' kits for around $10, enough for 20 garments. Put four items in the bag, throw in one of the cloths and tumble it in the dryer for 10 minutes. The soapy cloth does the work. You'll re-use the plastic bag, so treat it gently or it will tear. Read the box to see if leather is OK.
Or if you're just trying to remove a spot, try PSSSSSST from Clairol (larger drug stores). It's a dry shampoo. Obviously, test on an inconspicuous area first.
You can also remove some stains from leather with a soft brush -- try the ones used to clean the hairs off of corn on the cob. Shoe repair stores sell an eraser-looking block used for shoes to rub out stains.

Answer 4

I have leather pants and they can be cleaned, but not in the washer or dryer. You have to use a leather cleaner or saddle soap. I like the Guardsman leather cleaner because it is easy to use and leaves a protectorant that resists stains, water and dirt. You apply it with a soft cloth paying particular attention to grimey areas or those that tend to have contact with other surfaces a lot (in your case that would be elbows and around the collar). You will see the dirt transfer to the cloth, allow the cleaner to dry and then buff the garment with another soft clean cloth.

Answer 5

If it says dry clean only, then you'd better have it dry cleaned -- or use the product that you can dry clean it yourself in the dryer, think it is called Dryell?

Washing it in water will ruin it - and also possibly shrink it.

Dry cleaning is just that, DRY - using chemicals instead of soap and water.

Answer 6

If you wash it, it will shrink and become stiff and mishapen. If you can't afford the $45.00 dry cleaning bill, you probably shouldn't have bought the shirt in the first place.

Answer 7

Do NOT put it in water. It will be ruined. You could check on those dry clean in the dryer things, but if it was my shirt, I'd get it dry cleaned and only wear it on special occassions.

Answer 8

No! Leather is a hide not a fabric and yes it is more expensive to clean but it will at least be wearable again after dry cleaning.

Answer 9

Yes but it would proballby be 100% ruined, dry clean.

Answer 10

it ruin your shirt