Getting out and riding in all weathers is exhilarating, come rain or shine.. Whether you head out in the rain, sleet, snow or hail, you’ll doubtless be relying on your attire and protective gear to keep you safe and secure, uninhibited by any conditions.
Knowing how to clean a motorcycle jacket is a key part of taking care of yourself whilst out on the road, so making sure you’re doing it right is never a waste of time. If you’re ready to clean your jacket but aren’t sure where to start, read on. This blog will tell you everything you need to know.
Table of contents:
- What are the different types of motorcycle jackets?
- What do I need to clean my motorcycle jacket?
- How to clean a leather motorcycle jacket
- How to clean textile and synthetic motorcycle jackets
What are the different types of motorcycle jackets?
Even if you’re new to the game, you’re probably aware that there are all kinds of motorcycle jackets available on the market. From classic leathers to mesh, wax cotton and drop-liners, the type of jacket you need is available, regardless of when, where, and in what conditions you decide to ride.
Despite there being so many types out there, knowing how to clean both leather and synthetic jackets tends to cover all bases. That said, be sure to check your jacket’s label before following the steps below, as that’s where you’ll find any important, finer details about what your jacket needs.
What do I need to clean my motorcycle jacket?
Regardless of whether you’re cleaning leathers, textiles or synthetics, you’ll need a bowl, a soft cloth, warm water and a dry, soft-bristled brush.
For leathers, you’ll need leather cleaner and conditioner, as well as baking soda if you’ve got some oil or grease stains to tackle.
For textiles, the only extra thing you’ll need is a mild detergent - just make sure you don’t opt for any type of fabric softener, as these can cause unnecessary damage.
How to clean a leather motorcycle jacket
Before the dos, a couple of don’ts.
First of all, you should avoid putting any leather motorcycle gear - including your jacket - in the washing machine, as whatever comes out will be a much worse version of what went in. Second of all, avoid any strong, albeit tempting, chemicals that seem as though they’d get rid of any stains or blemishes your jacket has acquired. Bleach, ammonia, and other solvents will damage the leather, so be sure to stick to a tried and tested leather cleaner.
Step one: preparing for cleaning
Before you apply any type of cleaner, brush off any dry, excess dirt that has accumulated on the exterior of your jacket. Even if there aren't any conspicuous clumps of dirt, it’s always worth giving your jacket a once-over with a brush to get rid of any debris or dust, as this will stop you from wiping dirt around unnecessarily once you get to the next step.
Step two: spot cleaning
Once you’ve got rid of all the excess, add some of your leather cleaner to a bowl of warm water until you have a mild, soapy solution. Take your cloth, place it in the bowl and then wring it out so it is damp rather than overly wet, as too much water isn’t good for the leather.
Spot cleaning is simply cleaning the parts of the jacket that are actually dirty, rather than cleaning it all over. Using small, circular motions as you go over the jacket is advisable, being sure to get to parts that aren’t so easy to get to, such as below the arms.
Once this is done, tackle any particularly gnarly oil or grease stains using baking soda. Simply massage it into the affected area so it creates a paste, then leave it for a few hours or even overnight. When you wipe it away the next day, the stain should be gone.
Step three: drying and conditioning your jacket
Leave your jacket in a well-ventilated area overnight so it completely dries out, as this will ensure conditioning works to its full potential. It’s important you don’t use any other method of drying, as direct exposure to heat can damage the leather.
Once it’s dry, apply a liberal amount of conditioner to a damp cloth and rub it into the leather, using the same small, circular motions as before. Once done, leave your jacket in the same well-ventilated area, allowing it to completely dry out before you head back out on the road.
How to clean textile and synthetic motorcycle jackets
Though jackets made from each of these materials vary enormously in purpose and style, the process of cleaning them is very similar. Any differences in the process will be noted below and, as with leather jackets, always check the label before you proceed.
Step one: remove armour and prepare
If your jacket has any removable armour, make sure you take it off before you do anything else. Once it’s off, you can then prepare your jacket for cleaning by brushing off any obvious excess dirt. With textiles, this is straightforward, but if your jacket is made from mesh, using a soft brush is a better way to do this.
Step two: clean with mild detergent
Both synthetic and textile jackets can be washed by hand with warm water and a mild detergent. Whilst both can simply be washed by hand, gently removing any dirt with a cloth, it is also possible to put them on a gentle machine wash with no spin program. If your jacket has a removable membrane, make sure you remove it before putting it in the machine, and - once again - be sure to check the label before you do so. It is also important to make sure you rinse and clean the washing machine to clear out any fabric conditioner used in the last washes and to avoid two-in-one products. Use a mild detergent only or a specific product like this anti-bacterial cleaner.
Step three: rinse and dry
Rinsing your jacket under cold water is the best way to make sure any excess soap is totally removed from the jacket. Once this is done, leave it to drip-dry in a well-ventilated area rather than exposing your jacket to a direct heat source, such as a radiator or tumble dryer.
And…that’s it! Once dry, your jacket should be ready for the road.
Shop motorcycle jackets at Biker’s World!
Regularly maintaining your motorcycle jacket is the best way to ensure it remains in top condition. However, even the most cared-for jackets can sometimes be past the point of no return. If your jacket is no longer coming up nice and clean, it might be time to invest in a new one. At Bikers World Store we have a huge selection of motorcycle jackets perfect for every rider.
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