5 Best Leather Cleaners: Clean, Condition & Maintain Your Hats

Keeping your leather hats in good condition can be tough. While leather is sturdy, like other hat materials, it’s susceptible to wear and tear. 

The best way to keep your leather hat in great shape is to invest in a quality leather cleaner. A leather cleaner will help keep your hat looking brand new, no matter how often you wear it. 

However, you need to invest in a leather cleaner that’s as good as your leather hat! Read this guide to learn about the five best leather cleaners on the market that will help condition and maintain your hats. 

Related: A Small Window Into the World of This American Hat Company

What is a leather cleaner?

Leather cleaners are natural or synthetic substances that help loosen and remove grime and dirt from hats and other clothing items. 

You can purchase leather cleaners online or in stores; some prefer to make leather cleaners at home. Before buying a leather cleaner, you need to ensure the cleaner is suited for the type of leather used to make the hats. Otherwise, you could cause irreparable damage. 

If you’re wondering if the leather cleaner you selected is safe to use, you can always contact your hat manufacturer for more information. 

Check out our hat care and cleaning page to learn more hat maintenance tips! 

How does leather cleaner work on hats?

Cleaning a hat with a leather cleaning product is usually a straightforward process. Typically, the cleaner comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle, so all you need is a clean cloth and your hat. 

While leather cleaners do a great job of removing dirt and grime, they’re not miracle workers. If your hat has a set-in stain that’s been there for years, the leather cleaner may not be able to remove it. However, you’ll likely be surprised at just how well some leather cleaners work!

1. American Hat Maker

American Hat Maker produces one of the best leather cleaners on the market. The company offers Bickmore Suede & Nubuck Cleaner, which you can use to remove oil and water stains from suede and nubuck products. 

It also sells the Bickmore Leather Conditioner Kit, which can be used on hats and other leather products. The conditioner kit is easy to use and comes with a sheepskin cloth that can help you gently clean your hat. 

If you take your leather hat with you on the go, consider ordering the Bickmore Leather Care Travel Kit. The travel kit is available in a small, transparent case and includes two 2 oz leather cleaning bottles that will allow you to travel through airport security with ease. The travel kit also comes with a sheepskin cloth.

2. Leather Honey

Another great brand to check out is Leather Honey. Leather Honey offers leather cleaning products in various sizes and has been selling its products since 1968. 

In addition to cleaning products, Leather Honey also sells lint-free application washcloths, so you know you’re cleaning your leather with the best material available. You can purchase leather cleaners and conditions from Leather Honey. In addition to leather, its cleaners can be used on faux leather, rubber, vinyl, and plastics. 

Leather Honey offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unhappy with the company’s products, you can simply return your order for a full refund. 

3. Coach Leather Cleaner

While most people know Coach for its purses, shoes, and apparel, the designer company also sells a leather cleaning product. 

Available in a sleek, 4 oz bottle, the Coach leather cleaner contains moisturizing ingredients to enhance the luster of your leather. You only need to apply a small amount of the cleaner to your leather hat. Then, rub the cleaner onto the leather using a circular motion. 

Remember that you can’t use Coach’s leather cleaner on sports calf, haircalf, or suede leather. 

Related: Comprehensive Guide to Top Hat Styles 

4. Chemical Guys 

Chemical Guys offer a superb leather cleaning product that will make your hat look new and shiny. The company offers an all-in-one leather cleaner and conditioner that comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle. 

In addition to removing dust, dirt, and body oils, Chemical Guys’ cleaner contains vitamin E and aloe, two ingredients that will help restore the soft, supple feel to your leather hat. Chemical Guys also offer a Complete & Interior Leather Care Kit, which comes with a scrubbing brush, microfiber cloth, leather cleaning wipes, and its signature leather cleaner and conditioner. 

5. Hat Saver

Last but not least, we recommend checking out Hat Saver’s cleaning products. Hat Saver offers hat cleaning products that will help you remove sweat stains from your favorite leather hats!

The cleaning product works on all types of hat fabrics, including leather, suede, and straw. All you need to do is spray two light coats of the cleaning product onto the outside of your hat to prevent sweat stains. 

Tips for Using a Leather cleaner

When using a hat leather cleaner, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Make sure the leather cleaner is compatible with your hat’s fabric.
• Read the directions before applying - some leather cleaners require you to dry your hat for a certain period of time before wearing it. 
• Read reviews before buying.
• If cleaning the hat requires a cloth, use a clean microfiber cloth. 

Related: How to Clean Your Straw Hat 

Take Care of Your Leather!

As you can see, there are many excellent leather hat cleaners on the market. Once you’ve selected the right leather cleaner, your favorite hat will look brand new in no time.