737Leather field guide
Caring for Leather Firefighter Gear
Leather lasts longer when it is kept clean, allowed to dry naturally, and inspected before use. Decorative gear should never replace required inspection or manufacturer maintenance.
Clean gently
Remove loose dirt with a soft dry cloth. For routine cleaning, use a lightly damp cloth and avoid soaking the leather, harsh solvents, bleach, or aggressive scrubbing.
Dry at room temperature
Let damp leather air-dry away from direct heat. Heaters and high-temperature drying can stiffen, shrink, or distort natural leather.
Inspect attachment points
Check stitching, hardware, carabiners, and pull points regularly. Remove damaged gear from service and follow applicable workplace policy for any item used around operational equipment.