How to clean leather motorcycle jacket? Is the question leather jacket users often ask. So, sit tight you are going to have answer now. First of all, it’s a natural fact that the more you take care of your leather jacket, the more it looks enhanced. No matter whatever their type or kind is. Whether, a leather motorcycle jacket, a men’s black leather jacket, a classic biker leather jacket, or a black leather racer jacket, all of them need proper caring so that their shape, quality and strength can last for decades. If you want the same for your jacket, then the following principles and tips will help you maintain your leather jacket for time enough to be a staple in your wardrobe for quite a long time.
Understanding Types of Leather and How to take Care
Understanding of leather types is as important as the cleaning process itself so that you can apply only that cleaning process which required, otherwise the result can be worse. Leather jackets have different types leather such as:
- Full-Grain Leather: Famous for its longevity and natural look.
- Top-Grain Leather: A bit more processed but even it’s log lasting.
- Genuine Leather: The quality is little lower than full and top-grain but very much affordable.
- Suede: Famous for its texture and needs good caring methods.
Men’s genuine leather jackets, biker riders mostly use these jackets. They are made of full-grain or top-grain leather because they adaptable. Setting the types of leather apart, all kinds of leather need proper and careful cleaning to avoid any harm.
Required Cleaning Supplies
- Soft Cloths: If possible microfiber to prevent scratches.
- Trivial Soap or Leather Cleaner: Exactly formulated for leather.
- Purified Water: To avoid mineral accumulations.
- Leather Conditioner: It is used to keep the leather fluffy and conditioned.
- Lenient Brush: Use it for removing dirt from the seams and gaps.
- Leather Protectant: To protect against future stains and water mutilation.
The Steps of Cleaning Process
- Early Groundwork
- Eliminate Unfastened Dirt: Use a soft brush to take any loose dirt off or dust from the external surface of your leather motorcycle jacket. Focus more on the seams and gaps where dirt can submit.
- Wipe Down: Use a soft and wet cloth with distilled water and gently smear down the jacket to remove any surface dust.
- Clean the Leather
- Make a Mixture of Cleaning Solution: In case you are using a normal soap, you need to mix a small of purified water. But if you are using a leather cleaner then follow the instruction given on the bottle.
- Test a Small Area: It’s wise to apply the cleaner on an inconspicuous and small area before applying it to the entire jacket to ensure it does not damage the leather.
- Apply Cleaner: Use a wet cloth with the cleaning solution and gently smear down the jacket. Avoid soaking the leather, since extreme moisture can cause harm to the leather.
- Rinse: Use a neat and clean cloth moistened with refined water to wipe away any soap deposit.
- Drying the Jacket
- Pat Dry: You should use a dry microfiber cloth to pat gently for drying the jacket.
- Air Dry: You can hang the jacket in well-ventilated room or hall to let the jacket naturally dry. But remember keep the jacket away from direct exposure to sunlight or any heat source. Otherwise the leather will have cracks and become stiff.
- Conditioning the Leather
- Smear Conditioner: As soon as the jacket is dry, you should apply a leather conditioner according to the instructions written on the conditioner. This step is necessary to keep the flexibility of the leather and cease it from drying out.
- Buff: After the leather has absorbed the conditioner, you need to buff the jacket with a neat and clean cloth so that the jacket restores its natural luster.
- Protecting the Leather
- Apply Protectant: Then there is a leather protectant spry to be used to shield the jacket from future stain and water harm. This step is certainly important for a men’s black leather biker jacket that is frequently exposed to such elements which can do the damage to the leather.
- Storage: It is wise to store your leather jacket in a cool and dry place. It’s now wise to use plastic hanger for to hang your leather jacket. Only use a padded hanger so that the shape and structure of the jacket remains even. Moreover, use breathable dust cover to keep the jacket away from the dust.
Some More Tips for your Leather Jacket
- Regular Cleaning: If you want to use your leather jacket for decades, you must clean it every few months. The more you wear your jacket, the more frequent it will require cleaning.
- Avoid Water: As you know that leather is not waterproof. If your jacket somehow gets wet, dry it immediately with a soft cloth and put it to air dry.
- Handle Stains Promptly: Leather has ability to absorb. So whenever there are spills on your jacket address them as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting into the leather. It’ll prevent from stains.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remember not to use bleach, ammonia, or any harsh chemicals on your leather jacket, as they can cause permanent harm.
- Professional Cleaning: If your jacket has tough stains, you should consider taking your jacket to a professional leather cleaner.
Special Care for Different Leather Styles
- Retro Motorcycle Jacket: Retro styles often have a uneven look, which can be preserved by using specific conditioners that enhance the old-fashioned appearance.
- Men’s Genuine Leather Jackets: For those jackets which are made of genuine leather, you should avoid over-saturating with water or cleaner to prevent weakening the mineral. Black Leather Racer Jacket,f The glossy finish of racer jackets can be maintained if it is regularly polished with a product made to improve the shine and protect the color.
Conclusion
If you want your jacket to last for decades, it essential for you to follow the principles and tips mentioned above. If you do as directed, it becomes obvious that your leather jacket will give a great compliment to your wardrobe and let you feel proud.