Just curious what you guys would recommend on cleaning leather jackets? Just picked up a new white and black alpinestars jacket and trying to keep it fresh. Thanks
I got this from AGVsport: We want you to get as much as possible out of your new purchase, so we're going to go over the quick do's and dont's of leather care.
It is important to apply water and stain protector to your products immediately. After it has been applied once, it is necessary to reapply annually. Also, you are going to want to apply these protectors more often based on your riding schedule.
We have had multiple questions regarding baby-wipes; and this is not only safe but advisable. If baby wipes are safe enough for your baby, then they're safe enough for your motorcycle leathers. When you are cleaning the inside lining it is good to use cold water mixed with two drops of high quality soap. To apply the mixtures use a lightly moistened sponge. This process should be done immediately, especially if the suit is soaked with sweat. The salt in your sweat can actually damage and corrode the lining.
Now we'll talk about some things you want to avoid when taking care of your leather motorcycle suit. It is important to avoid using household cleaning products, as the chemicals in them will negatively affect the natural oils on your leathers. Some other products to avoid include anything with wax, silicon, and other animal fats. These fats can actually clog the pores on your motorcycle leathers. When the season ends the best way to store your suit is by covering it with a cotton cloth to keep the dust off. Do not cover it in plastic, as your riding leathers need the proper amount of air circulation in a dry area.
Follow these helpful tips to keep your leather apparel in prime condition.
__________________ from BEAUTIFUL AUSTIN TEXAS 2006 Lime Green ZX6R
Got this from Dainese:
1) Do not rub down the garment with a brush or abrasive materials or creams.
2) To remove both gnats and dust, simply wipe the area with a soft sponge soaked in neutral soap and water. It is best to promptly remove any organic spots left by insects (e.g. gnats, mosquitoes etc.), since the fluids they contain are quite aggressive on the leather.
3) Any oil or grease should be washed immediately with a soft damp cloth, clean with gentle circular movements, avoiding to unduly rubbing the soiled area.
4) Dry the garment away from heat sources and in a well-ventilated place, it is best to use a clothes hanger to prevent the garment from creasing or taking on shapes that are difficult to eliminate.
5) When a garment is dried after it is accidentally wet, the leather may appear dry or stiff. To restore its initial characteristics use the Dainese Leather care KIT Protection and Cleaning Kit, which can be found at any Dainese dealer. The kit has two products: the first has an in-depth cleansing action on the leather, the second maintains it rich and soft, feeding the leather and keeping it hydrated.
The Kit can be also be used for normal cleaning and care for the garment, always when dry. Remember to take great care with garments made of several different materials. In this case, always and only follow the instructions on the garment label.
__________________ from BEAUTIFUL AUSTIN TEXAS 2006 Lime Green ZX6R
Most of the time I just use a VERY SMALL amount of non-abrasive cleaner and wipe everything down. If there is something really nasty or bad on it then I take leather cleaner to it.
Location: Chesapeake, VA '06 ZZR fighter, 05 VTX-1300
Posts: 14,556
Glycerine soap. It's what my wife uses on her saddles and it works great. Dampen a sponge, get some soap on the sponge, then apply to the leather. No rinsing or anything, just wipe and leave it be. (The suds will go away) Done.