Leather Jacket Care in an Ontario Winter: Salt, Snow and Rain
26 min reading time
The first sign is usually a pale, wavy line on the cuffs or hem a day after a slushy walk. That line is road salt, and it is the fastest way an Ontario winter ages a leather jacket.
Knowing how to protect a leather jacket in winter comes down to three things: preparing it before the first snowfall, drying it properly when it gets wet, and dealing with salt quickly. This guide covers each one, with the steps in order.
What an Ontario winter does to leather
Winter condition
What it does to leather
What helps
Road salt and slush
Draws moisture out and leaves white marks
Wipe off the same day
Wet snow and freezing rain
Soaks in and can stiffen the leather as it dries
Blot, then air-dry slowly
Dry indoor heat
Dries the leather between wears
Condition a few times a season
Cold-to-warm swings
Moisture builds up if the jacket is stored damp
Dry fully before it goes in a closet
Before the first snowfall: a four-step prep
Do this once in the fall. It takes about half an hour, plus drying time.
Clean off summer dust. Wipe the jacket with a soft, slightly damp cloth and let it dry.
Condition the leather. Work a small amount of leather conditioner in with a clean cloth. Leather that is conditioned copes better with wet and cold.
Add a water-repellent protector. Use a product made for the type of leather you have, and test it on a hidden spot first, since some products darken leather.
Check the seams, zip and lining. Small problems are easier to fix before the jacket is in daily use.
Always check the care label first. Suede, nubuck and some finished leathers need different products, and the manufacturer's instructions take priority over general advice.
Leather jacket in snow and rain: what to do when it gets wet
A leather jacket can handle light snow and a short shower. What damages it is being left wet, or being dried too fast.
Shake off loose snow and water as soon as you are indoors.
Blot the surface with a soft, dry towel. Do not rub.
Empty the pockets so the jacket keeps its shape.
Hang it on a wide, padded hanger at room temperature.
Keep it away from radiators, heat vents and hair dryers.
Once it is fully dry, apply a light coat of conditioner.
Salt is easier to remove on the day it lands than a week later.
Wipe the area with a soft cloth dampened with clean water to lift surface salt.
If a white mark remains, mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
Test the mix on a hidden area and wait for it to dry.
Dab the stain gently with a cloth dampened in the mix. Work from the outside of the mark toward the centre.
Wipe again with a cloth dampened with clean water.
Let the jacket air-dry, then condition the area.
This is general guidance for smooth, finished leather. Do not use it on suede or nubuck. If the mark does not lift after one or two tries, stop and take the jacket to a leather cleaner. Scrubbing harder tends to remove colour.
Winter habits that keep leather in good shape
Wipe the hem and cuffs after slushy days. These are the areas that pick up salt spray from sidewalks and car doors.
Hang it, do not fold it. A jacket folded over a chair while damp dries with creases.
Give it a day off after a soaking. Leather needs time to dry all the way through.
Wear a scarf. It keeps skin oils and salt off the collar.
Watch your bag strap. A heavy shoulder bag rubbing on wet leather wears the finish.
Keep your hands covered too. Leather gloves take the same salt and slush. You will find gloves and other leather accessories in our collection.
What not to do
Do not dry leather with a hair dryer or on a radiator.
Do not put a leather jacket in a washing machine or tumble dryer.
Do not use household cleaners, bleach or alcohol-based wipes.
Do not store a damp jacket in a plastic garment bag.
Do not apply conditioner to wet leather.
When to take it to a professional
Home care has limits. See a leather cleaner if:
the jacket was soaked through to the lining
a salt ring remains after gentle cleaning
the leather has gone stiff or patchy after drying
you notice a musty smell or spots of mould
the jacket is suede or nubuck
Does the style of jacket matter in winter?
It does. A hood and a longer cut keep more of you dry, and a liner adds warmth without a second coat. The Black Leather Jacket With Grey Hood (S-3111), CA$349.99, is one example of a hooded style.
Whatever you wear, a leather jacket is a fall, mild-winter and spring layer for most people in Ontario. On the coldest days, wear it under a parka or leave it at home.
Blot dry, wipe salt from cuffs and hem, hang to air-dry
Every two to three weeks in winter
Wipe the whole jacket with a damp cloth and check for salt marks
Two or three times a season
Condition the leather once it is clean and dry
At the end of winter
Clean, condition and store on a padded hanger in a breathable cover
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear a leather jacket in the snow?
Yes, in light snow. Brush or shake the snow off before it melts, blot the jacket when you get inside and let it air-dry at room temperature. Avoid wearing leather in heavy, wet snow or freezing rain for long periods, because leather that is soaked through can stiffen as it dries.
How do you remove salt stains from a leather jacket?
Wipe the area with a cloth dampened with clean water as soon as you can. For marks that remain, dab gently with equal parts white vinegar and water after testing on a hidden spot, then wipe with clean water, air-dry and condition. Take suede or stubborn stains to a professional.
Should I waterproof my leather jacket for winter?
A water-repellent protector helps rain and slush bead on the surface, which gives you time to wipe them off. It does not make leather waterproof. Choose a product made for your type of leather, test it on a hidden area first and reapply it as the label directs.
Ask our staff for care tips
If you are unsure what type of leather you have or which products suit it, bring the jacket in. The staff at our Barrie store in Georgian Mall and our Georgetown store can look at it and suggest how to care for it.
