How to wash leather pants – How to properly care for your leather pants

Does your Lederhose still look fine but smell like a smoked ham after an evening in the beer tent? Before you reach for the soap, start with the simplest step: air them out. A few days in the fresh air can work genuine miracles – and you don't have to do anything at all. One important note: don't hang them in direct sunlight and keep them out of the rain, as moisture is bad news for untreated leather.

If airing out isn't enough and mustard, beer, or other Oktoberfest souvenirs have made their way onto the trousers, you can carefully treat the affected areas with curd soap or soft soap. For suede leather, a soft brush works best; for smooth leather, a damp cloth is sufficient. Afterwards, make sure to lay the Lederhose flat and let it dry completely for several days. When washing Lederhosen, never hang them up – the weight of the wet leather can distort the shape.

When washing your Lederhose, one rule applies above all else: as cold as possible. Warm or hot water causes the leather to harden and become brittle. Always wash your Lederhose with cold or at most lukewarm water, whether by hand or in the machine.

Wearing your Lederhose regularly is the single best thing you can do for it. It keeps the leather supple and gives it exactly the kind of patina that defines a true Krachlederne. If you only bring out your Lederhose once a year for Oktoberfest, however, you should give it a helping hand in between – with leather oil.

In the old days, Lederhosen were rubbed with butter. That still works today, but leather oil is far more pleasant when it comes to the smell. Simply put a few drops onto a soft cloth and rub it into the trousers. The leather stays soft, supple, and develops a beautiful sheen.

Even more important is a good leather protection spray. It waterproofs the surface, protects against moisture, and prevents cracks from forming. It's especially worthwhile to give the trousers a fresh coating of protection spray before the Oktoberfest season.

The end of one season is the beginning of the next. Store your Lederhose properly and you'll enjoy it for many years to come. The most important thing: keep it dry, dark, and well-ventilated. A regular wardrobe is ideal. A damp cellar, on the other hand, is the worst thing you can do – the leather will become brittle and mouldy.

Ideally, hang the trousers on a sturdy clothes hanger or lay them flat in the wardrobe. Before storing them away, give them one last oiling so the leather doesn't dry out over winter.

When in doubt: take your Lederhose to a professional cleaner

Some stains simply can't be removed at home – and that's perfectly fine. A professional leather cleaning specialist knows exactly what they're doing and will get your trousers back in shape safely. Many cleaners also offer oiling and waterproofing as part of the service, so the Lederhose comes back looking as good as new.

Depending on the cleaning service and the level of soiling, costs typically range between €20 and €40. For a high-quality deer leather Lederhose that's meant to last for decades, that's money well spent.