John Lever
Moderator
Not sure about other members here but I have concerns about jackets bought on eBay. Very many are from pawn shops and traders so we have little or no idea of where they have been and any possible contamination they may have picked up from previous owners and environments over the years.
When I knew less about the risks of damage I would wash jackets in the machine using glycerine soap, air dry for 48 hours then warm tumble to complete drying. This causes shrinkage to the leather, pleasing nubbling to fleece but less desirable differential shrinkage to zip tapes. I have completely ruined three jackets by washing (repros) so I no longer clean in this way.
My method now is to freeze the jacket for 24 hours to kill any invertebrates such as bed bugs other parasies and moth larvae. Areas that have had the most wear I clean with upholstery or carpet shampoo from an aerosol dispenser. On a B3 this would be the collar and cuffs. The rest of the shell would be wiped using saddle soap or similar product. The zip and pocket flaps I would thoroughly clean using a sterilising wipe to lower any potential bacterial loading. When all dry I usually spray liberally with Febreeze (!)
I have found this to work well,a cleaner jacket that still retains some patina but hopefully less of the crud picked up during its life.
When I knew less about the risks of damage I would wash jackets in the machine using glycerine soap, air dry for 48 hours then warm tumble to complete drying. This causes shrinkage to the leather, pleasing nubbling to fleece but less desirable differential shrinkage to zip tapes. I have completely ruined three jackets by washing (repros) so I no longer clean in this way.
My method now is to freeze the jacket for 24 hours to kill any invertebrates such as bed bugs other parasies and moth larvae. Areas that have had the most wear I clean with upholstery or carpet shampoo from an aerosol dispenser. On a B3 this would be the collar and cuffs. The rest of the shell would be wiped using saddle soap or similar product. The zip and pocket flaps I would thoroughly clean using a sterilising wipe to lower any potential bacterial loading. When all dry I usually spray liberally with Febreeze (!)
I have found this to work well,a cleaner jacket that still retains some patina but hopefully less of the crud picked up during its life.