Leather Care & Weather
How to Read a Leather Care Label: Care Words and Material Words Explained
Decode a leather care label: what 'Leather clean' and 'Do not dry clean' mean, how bonded leather must be labeled, and safe care when the label is vague.
A leather care label tells you two things: how the item can be cleaned, and what it is made of. If it says "Leather clean", only a professional cleaner who uses special leather or suede methods should clean it. Material words matter too. A "bonded leather" item should state its percentage of leather fibers, and words like "Not leather" or "Vinyl" mark an imitation.
This page is part of our leather care and weather guide.
Label words decoded
| On the label | What it means | What to do | Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather clean | Have it cleaned only by a professional who uses special leather or suede methods | Take it to a leather specialist, not a regular dry cleaner | – |
| Do not dry clean | A warning that this method would harm the item | Skip ordinary dry cleaning. It strips oils from leather, which can make it crack, fade and shrink | – |
| Leather (unqualified) | The item should be leather in all substantial parts | Treat it as real leather | – |
| Bonded leather, with a % | Made from leather fibers mixed with other substances | Check the percentage of leather fibers on the label | – |
| Not leather / Imitation / Simulated / Vinyl / Plastic | A non-leather material that looks like leather | Follow the maker's care for that material | – |
Care instructions: what the wording means
"Leather clean" and professional cleaning
"Leather clean" is a defined term in the glossary of the FTC's Care Labeling Rule. It points you to a specialist, and there is a reason. Normal dry cleaning removes the leather's essential oils, which can make it crack, fade and shrink.
A leather specialist uses a different method to clean and condition leather. Even that can change color, texture or shape a little, so clean matching pieces, like a jacket and pants, together.
Warnings: "Do not", "No", "Only"
Where the rule applies, a label must warn you if part of the stated care would harm the item. It must also say so if the item can't be cleaned by any method without harm. These warnings use clear words such as "Do not", "No" or "Only". The maker must also have a reasonable basis for the care advice before the item goes on sale.
One method on the label doesn't rule out others
A label usually gives a washing or a drycleaning instruction. If either would work, it only has to list one. The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute notes that other methods may also be safe. On leather, though, take the safe route and use what the label says.
Care symbols on leather items
Some labels show symbols instead of words. The Care Labeling Rule allows symbols from the ASTM D5489 system in place of words, as long as they meet the rule. If a symbol on your leather item is unclear, follow any words on the label first.
Material wording: is it real leather?
The FTC's Guides for Select Leather and Imitation Leather Products cover luggage, briefcases, wallets, handbags, purses, footwear and belts. Under them:
- Plain "leather" should mean leather in all substantial parts.
- Look-alike materials should be disclosed, for example "Not leather", "Imitation leather", "Simulated leather", "Vinyl" or "Plastic".
- Bonded or reconstituted leather should give the split, for example "Bonded Leather Containing 60% Leather Fibers and 40% Non-leather Substances".
Garments are not on that list, so a jacket label may word things differently.
Why some leather labels say so little
The FTC Care Labeling Rule requires care instructions on textile wearing apparel at the time of sale. It defines a textile product as one made mainly of fiber, yarn or fabric. Its apparel definition also leaves out footwear, gloves and hats.
So a leather item's label can be short, or can cover only a fabric lining. Whether a given all-leather garment falls under the rule is a legal question we have not settled here. Just don't read a short label as "no special care needed".
No label, or a vague one? Safe defaults
- Spot test any cleaning or protection product on a hidden area first.
- Blot liquid spills gently with a clean cloth.
- Avoid cleaning fluid, shoe cream, saddle soap and mink oil.
- If it gets wet, let it dry at room temperature, and never in a dryer.
- Take serious stains to a professional leather cleaner.
For coats, see how to care for a leather coat. For spills and rain, see does water ruin leather and wearing leather in the rain.
Which part of the label matters most to you
- You own a leather jacket or coat: look for the care wording first. "Leather clean" or "Do not dry clean" tells you where to take it.
- You own a bag, wallet or shoes: read the material wording. That is where the leather guides apply.
- You are shopping: check for "bonded" plus a percentage, or "Not leather". Either one changes what you are paying for.
Know what you are buying
If you are buying new, Leather Collection offers coats in cowhide, sheepskin and goatskin. Knowing the hide before the label arrives tells you what you will be caring for.
FAQ
What should you not clean leather with?
Leather Collection's care instructions list cleaning fluid, shoe cream, saddle soap and mink oil. Ordinary dry cleaning also strips oils from leather.
How do I clean leather clothing?
Blot spills with a clean cloth, test any product on a hidden area, and take serious stains to a professional leather cleaner. Step-by-step routines are on hosob.com.
Will leather be ruined if it gets wet?
Not necessarily. Let it dry at room temperature and never in a dryer. Aniline leather can darken where water soaks in. The safe-defaults list above links to the full answer.
LeatherGuide Editorial Team
LeatherGuide articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.