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When you stop and think about it, your motorcycle leathers go through a lot during their lifetime.
While you're out and about, they do a fantastic job of protecting you from rain, sleet, flying debris, bugs, dust, dirt, grit and salt. And that's just on the outside!
Riding a motorcycle puts the human body under a great deal of stress, especially if you push your bike to its limits. Even if your style is more casual, you need to concentrate 100% of the time and use all your muscles as you negotiate your way through the (often oblivious) traffic. And that means you'll sweat, especially on hot, sticky summer days.
So, how do you clean leather motorcycle gear properly? If you've Googled "How do you clean motorcycle jacket leather?", or "Which is best for biker's gear, leather cleaner or saddle soap?", or even "Can I put my leather gear in the washing machine?", then this guide is for you!
As leading leather-care experts, The Leather Colour Doctor has all the information you need!
Here in this blog, we'll discuss the best methods for cleaning motorcycle leathers, and suggest some methods you should avoid. All of this advice is ideal for the whole motorcycle suit, including jackets, trousers and gloves.
We can think of several good reasons why it's essential to clean your motorcycle leathers, so here's our take on this subject:
Dirt, grime and sweat can cause leather to dry out and crack, as the natural oils are stripped away. This makes the leather stiff, eventually weakening it over time. Proper cleaning and conditioning maintain the leather's flexibility, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs (or replacement!).
Nobody wants to ride around in gear that smells terrible. Leather has its own distinctive warm odour, but bacteria in perspiration can cause some really bad smells. This will only become worse the longer it's not dealt with.
Dirt and oils (even the oil from your skin) attack the fibres in the leather, eventually making them break down. This means that your leather gear won't provide as much protection as it should, potentially resulting in impact injury or the dreaded 'road rash' in the event of a tumble.
Good quality leathers come with a special water-resistant coating, protecting the leathers (and you!) from the elements. Dirt and grime can break down this protective barrier, making the surface of the leather vulnerable to rainwater and moisture.
Regular cleaning and application of conditioners help to prevent this from happening.
Leathers have a certain appeal and they make you look and feel good. This effect is diminished when they're caked in bugs, muck and dust. It's even worse if they smell bad. And, as we've seen, neglected leather becomes stiff and uncomfortable.
Keeping your leathers clean and fresh makes them more comfortable and looking better than ever!
Check out: How To Dye And Maintain Motorcycle Leathers
Understanding your motorcycle leathers is key to getting the best out of them, and that means choosing the right cleaning methods very carefully.
With years of experience in the leather cleaning industry, the Leather Colour Doctor is here to offer professional guidance. Follow these steps to ensure that your motorcycle leather stays clean, fresh and comfortable for a good long time!
If your motorcycle leathers have a detachable lining, remove this and follow the care instructions. Generally, it's ok to put these in your washing machine, but check this first.
Leave these to air dry while you gather the materials needed for cleaning the leather.
Use a suitable wipe to clean the surface of the leather*. This removes loose dirt and dust, along with most of the dead bugs. Most motorcycle leathers are typically coated with a protective layer of polyurethane which prevents water, dirt and oil from getting into the fibres. If this is compromised it could damage the leather and it won't perform as well as it should do, putting your safety at risk.
Wipe the surface methodically, making sure you cover every section. Focus on raised areas, like the stitching around the shoulder and knee pads. These sections often take a hammering!
Alternatively, dampen a soft cloth (with distilled water) and follow the same method, taking care not to saturate any areas.
Hang the leathers up to dry naturally for about an hour before continuing onto the next stage.
*Our leather wipes are perfect for this job! See the leather-care section of our website for more details
For the best results, you'll need a branded, professional leather cleaner, a soft brush and a microfibre cloth. A mild leather cleaner is best, as anything too harsh can lead to the loss of natural oils, which causes damage to leather fibres.
Use the soft-bristled brush to scrub a very small amount of leather cleaner onto the surface. Work in a circular motion focusing on seams and crevices where dirt gathers. Don't apply too much pressure, gently lather it onto the leather panel and move on to the next section after a few seconds.
Remember, less is best! Using too much risks leaving residue in the seams and perforations, which can cause the leather to rot.
Leave the foam for a few minutes to allow the cleaning agents to become active - especially around stains or areas with heavy wear - then wipe away with a dry cloth.
You can find our premium leather cleaning fluid on the leather-care section of our website, which is ideal for this purpose.
Choose a leather conditioner that's suitable for your gear.
Once the motorcycle leathers are completely dry, apply the conditioner using a soft, dry cloth. Rub the conditioner into the surface using gentle circular motions, then allow it to soak in.
Next, buff away any excess to get a superb sheen that restores your leather motorcycle clothing to like-new condition!
Again, you'd be hard-pushed to find a better choice than our own Leather Colour Doctor leather conditioner. This amazing product creates a water-resistant barrier that actively repels stains. Also, it's a high-quality leather conditioner suitable for all types of leather surfaces.
It's also UV-resistant and will prevent your leathers from cracking. This will enhance durability and weather resistance and improve its longevity, performance and appearance!
Right, now we know the best way to clean motorcycle leather, so here are the ones that you should never consider:
Discover: Seasonal Leather Care Tips
These additional tips for leather care will help to keep your gear in tip-top condition:
