Leather is a popular material for items such as shoes, belts, furniture and jackets. Leather is a porous material and requires some basic care in order to maintain its appearance and texture. It is best to protect leather by applying a stain and moisture repellent spray every few months. If a leather item such as a jacket gets dirty, there is a simple technique to clean it at home using dish washing liquid and olive oil, which are items that are found in most homes.
Using a soft-bristled brush, gently brush the leather to remove dirt and debris from the surface of the jacket.
Mix together 1 cup of warm water with 1 tsp. dish washing liquid.
Dip a clean, soft cloth into the mixture and wring it out so that it is damp but not wet. Leather absorbs moisture readily and can stain if the fabric gets too wet.
Use the cloth to gently scrub any scuff marks, ground in dirt or stains on the jacket.
Dampen a clean, soft cloth with warm water and wring out. Gently wipe over the surface of the jacket to remove any dish washing liquid residue.
Use a clean, soft cloth to dry the leather and gently buff the surface of the material.
Dip a clean, soft cloth in a small amount of olive oil. Make sure the cloth is only lightly damp from the oil. Gently wipe the surface of the jacket. The olive oil will provide a conditioning effect to the leather, which will help keep it soft and supple.