Faux leather, also known as pleather or patent leather, uses fabric to imitate the genuine material in items such as furniture or leather jackets. Although fake, the fabric dries out and cracks much like real leather if not cared for properly. Embedded dirt and grime lessen the longevity of a faux leather jacket, but regular cleaning and conditioning extends the wearing time.

Mix 1 tsp. mild dish soap into a 2 qt. of water. Moisten a sponge with the liquid, squeezing out the excess water.

Wipe the sponge over the faux leather jacket, removing dust and dirt from the surface. Rinse the sponge in the soapy water and continue cleaning the jacket. Work the sponge under the collar and along the zipper where dirt may hide.

Rinse the sponge thoroughly with warm water. Wipe it over the faux leather, removing any soapy residue.

Wipe the jacket dry with a soft cloth. Spray a leather conditioner liberally over the entire jacket. Allow the conditioner to soak into the faux leather for five minutes. Wipe the excess conditioner from the jacket with a soft cloth.

Store the faux leather jacket in a cool environment away from direct sunlight.