Leather Motorcycle Jacket Care - 9 Basic Pointers
Using the correct leather motorcycle jacket care will allow you to keep your garment in like-new condition for years and years.
The necessary steps are not that difficult.
The simple "dos and donts" that follow are really all that is necessary.
1) Do use a wide padded hanger.
Wire hangers without padding will damage the shape of the shoulders, especially when the jacket is hanging for long periods of time.
The hanger should be about the same size as the shoulder width, preferably composed of wood and padded with cloth.
2) Do not cover the jacket with plastic.
Leather garments become dry when they are stored in plastic or other "non-breathable" containers.
Dryness leads to cracking.
It is okay to cover your jacket with a paper garment cover to keep dust off of the shoulders.
But, avoid the plastic garment bags.
If plastic is all you have, be sure to leave the bottom open.
3) Do air-dry wet jackets.
Most people are concerned when their jackets get wet from rain or snow.
While suede jackets can become stained due to rain or snow, high quality leathers can handle the elements, as long as they are allowed to air dry.
4) Do not use heat.
Hang your jacket in an area where the temperature is not too high.
Never use a clothes dryer or heat lamp to speed up the drying process.
Heat can damage the leathers natural oils, which will cause dryness and cracking.
5) Do wear a neck scarf.
A neck scarf is not just a fashion statement.
It protects the color from body oils.
The oils on your hair, neck and face will eventually stain the collar.
6) Do not spray perfume or hair spray while wearing the jacket.
The alcohol in perfumes and hair sprays will dry out the leather and can cause staining.
Get ready for the ride before you put on your jacket.
7) Do remove salt and other deposits.
During the winter, your jacket may become coated with salt, just like your bike.
You can rinse away salt and other deposits by sponging the jacket down with clear water.
Allow the jacket to air dry as you normally would.
8) Do use a conditioner once a year.
Waxes and silicone products can actually be damaging.
But a leather conditioner can be used on a yearly basis to restore the jackets flexibility and help the material maintain the right moisture level.
9) Health and safety Various chemicals can be used in cleaning and conditioning products so ensure good ventilation when working on your leather jacket.
Now you know the basics of leather motorcycle jacket care.
If you have specific questions, consult a professional.
The necessary steps are not that difficult.
The simple "dos and donts" that follow are really all that is necessary.
1) Do use a wide padded hanger.
Wire hangers without padding will damage the shape of the shoulders, especially when the jacket is hanging for long periods of time.
The hanger should be about the same size as the shoulder width, preferably composed of wood and padded with cloth.
2) Do not cover the jacket with plastic.
Leather garments become dry when they are stored in plastic or other "non-breathable" containers.
Dryness leads to cracking.
It is okay to cover your jacket with a paper garment cover to keep dust off of the shoulders.
But, avoid the plastic garment bags.
If plastic is all you have, be sure to leave the bottom open.
3) Do air-dry wet jackets.
Most people are concerned when their jackets get wet from rain or snow.
While suede jackets can become stained due to rain or snow, high quality leathers can handle the elements, as long as they are allowed to air dry.
4) Do not use heat.
Hang your jacket in an area where the temperature is not too high.
Never use a clothes dryer or heat lamp to speed up the drying process.
Heat can damage the leathers natural oils, which will cause dryness and cracking.
5) Do wear a neck scarf.
A neck scarf is not just a fashion statement.
It protects the color from body oils.
The oils on your hair, neck and face will eventually stain the collar.
6) Do not spray perfume or hair spray while wearing the jacket.
The alcohol in perfumes and hair sprays will dry out the leather and can cause staining.
Get ready for the ride before you put on your jacket.
7) Do remove salt and other deposits.
During the winter, your jacket may become coated with salt, just like your bike.
You can rinse away salt and other deposits by sponging the jacket down with clear water.
Allow the jacket to air dry as you normally would.
8) Do use a conditioner once a year.
Waxes and silicone products can actually be damaging.
But a leather conditioner can be used on a yearly basis to restore the jackets flexibility and help the material maintain the right moisture level.
9) Health and safety Various chemicals can be used in cleaning and conditioning products so ensure good ventilation when working on your leather jacket.
Now you know the basics of leather motorcycle jacket care.
If you have specific questions, consult a professional.
