When you are washing your motorcycle jacket, there are a few tips you should follow. The textile jacket is especially susceptible to heat damage, so make sure it’s out of direct sunlight as much as possible. To speed up the drying process, place it in a fan. Lastly, make sure to clean up any stains before washing it. All of these tips will help you keep your jacket looking like new. However, they won’t do much for the actual damage caused by spills.
Machine washing
If you have a dirty motorcycle jacket, machine washing it is a good idea. Regardless of what type of fabric it is made of, you should use a gentle cycle to wash it safely and prevent damage. Ensure that you choose a detergent that doesn’t contain bleach and treat it as you would a piece of wool. You should also avoid washing your jacket in hot water, as this can damage it. If you must machine wash it, choose the cold cycle, as it is better for it. You should also keep in mind that some textiles, like polyester or cordura, can be washed in warm water.
Fabric conditioner
It is important to treat your leather motorcycle jacket to maintain its waterproof treatment. Water repellent treatment makes it easier to withstand water, but it can also be damaged by mud and other contaminants. Using fabric conditioner when washing your leather motorcycle jacket will help prevent the muck from penetrating its waterproof membrane. Leather is one of the most popular types of motorcycle jackets, but many people don’t know how to care for it properly.
Putoline leather wax
Using Putoline Leather Wax for washing your motorcycle jacket will not only restore the look of your gear, but will also help protect it. Its purpose is to clean leather and impart a degree of waterproofing to it. Apply it to the leather on your motorcycle jacket using a cloth, and then dry it with a hair dryer. This will protect your gear from water and discoloration while extending its life.
Cleaning up stains before washing
If you have a spill, be sure to clean it up as soon as possible before you wash your motorcycle jacket. If possible, use a damp towel to wipe the spill or a solution of water and soap. Bug guts can be removed using a soft bristled toothbrush. You should act quickly to prevent permanent staining. For tougher stains, such as blood or oil, you can try applying liquid dish soap, mixed with a small amount of water.
Regular wash cycles
Washing your motorcycle jacket should be done on a gentle cycle, as it should be treated like wool. Never use hot water to wash it as it will damage it. Instead, use cold water. Some fabrics, such as polyester or cordura, can be washed in warm water. In any case, it is best to treat these materials with care. They may not be waterproof, but they should still be kept in good shape.
Avoiding chlorine-based detergents
A front-loading washer is great for textile gear, but a hand-washed motorcycle jacket has a delicate fabric that needs special care. Avoid chlorine-based detergents unless you are confident that you are washing a leather motorcycle jacket. A water-beading coating is built into leather to prevent water from seeping into the fabric. To restore the water-beading coating, treat your leather motorcycle jacket with a quality water repellent spray such as Nikwax.
Tumble drying
When you’re cleaning your motorcycle jacket, it’s important to treat it like wool. This will keep it clean while still allowing it to breathe. Avoid washing your jacket in hot water, as it will damage the material. If possible, wash it on cold instead. But if the jacket’s material is made of cordura or polyester, you can use warm water instead. In either case, you should be sure to read the label carefully and use the appropriate cleaning products.