Digging Out My Old Treasure
Alright, so first thing this morning, I finally got around to tackling that pile of stuff crammed in the very back corner of my closet. You know the one – it holds everything you swear you’ll deal with “tomorrow”. Buried deep under some ancient sweaters I haven’t worn since college, I found it: my old leather jacket. Not just any jacket, my dad’s 1980s bomber jacket he gave me years ago. Man, the memories!
Pulled it out and honestly? It looked rough. Like, seriously neglected. It was super stiff, felt weirdly dry, and had this layer of… grime? Like someone rubbed dust all over it and let it sink in. Plus, it smelled kinda funky – not terrible, but definitely stale, like an attic that hasn’t been opened in decades. Found a weird little white crusty patch near the collar too. Had a moment of panic, thinking I’d totally ruined it by leaving it stuffed away.
The Scrub Down (But Gently!)
Right, no time to mope. Needed a cleaning plan that wouldn’t destroy the leather. Grabbed a barely-damp clean cloth – seriously, barely wet – and gently, super gently, wiped down the entire outside. Focused on areas that looked dirty or felt weirdly textured. That white patch? Carefully dabbed at it with just the damp cloth. Saw some actual dirt lift off onto the cloth! Relieved it wasn’t something worse. Absolutely did not use any harsh cleaners – those things eat leather alive. Just water and elbow grease, but gentle elbow grease.
Next step: the leather felt way too dry, like old paper. Remembered it needs nourishment. Took my bottle of mink oil leather conditioner – stuff’s been in my drawer ages. Dabbed a little bit onto a fresh, soft cloth and started working it into the leather in small circles. Did the whole jacket, paying extra attention to creases and stiff spots. Could almost feel the leather soaking it up and getting a bit more flexible. Pro tip: used way less than I thought I needed. Too much is greasy.
Giving It a Breather
Okay, conditioned, wiped clean. Didn’t just toss it back in the closet! Hung it up on a proper sturdy wooden hanger – the kind with broad shoulders to hold the shape, not a flimsy wire one. Found a good spot in my bedroom closet away from any heaters or windows – someplace cool and dark. Didn’t cover it with a plastic bag! That traps moisture and can cause mildew. Left it hanging free to air out properly for the rest of the day.
Storing It Right This Time
End of the day rolled around, time to tuck it away. Learned my lesson! Here’s the plan:
- Kept it on that sturdy hanger.
- Stuffed the sleeves loosely with acid-free tissue paper (got some from an old gift bag!) to help them keep their shape and prevent crazy wrinkles.
- Found a clean, old cotton pillowcase I didn’t need anymore. Gave it a quick sniff test (all good!), and carefully slid the jacket inside. Perfect! Breathable but protects from dust.
- Double-checked the spot in the closet: dark, cool, stable temperature. Ready.
Slipped the pillowcased jacket onto the bar, made sure nothing was piled on top or squashing it. Stepped back. Did a final check: no weird sharp buckles digging in anywhere, zipper was done up about halfway so it wasn’t pulling. Feels much better knowing it’s taken care of now, not just stuffed away forgotten. Looks and feels loads better already – softer, cleaner, no weird smell!
