How to Clean a Motorcycle Jacket

Motorcycle jackets are meant to protect riders from the harsh sun and spills on the road. Motorcycle jackets are targets for mud, salt and other road debris. Since you don't want to ride up to the next bike show in a dirty jacket, take some time to clean your motorcycle jacket. With the right methods, you can have that motorcycle jacket looking like new in just a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Motorcycle jacket
• Spray-on leather cleaner
• Paper towels
• Two cotton cloths
• Bowl (cereal size)
• Unscented dish soap
• Small soft-bristled toothbrush

Instructions

1. Take a look at your motorcycle jacket to see what's on it. If it's just a little bit of dust, spray the jacket with a leather cleaner such as Lexol, and wipe the motorcycle jacket off with a paper towel. You only need a fine mist. A tablespoon of the cleaner should be enough for the entire jacket. If this doesn't get your motorcycle jacket clean, move on to Step 2.

2. Fill a bowl with 2 1/2 cups of water and a half cup of unscented dish soap. Stir with your hands. Dip your cotton cloth in the bowl. Wring it out and rub the soapy cloth on an inconspicuous 2-inch section of your motorcycle jacket, such as the inside of the collar. If the color starts to run, stop cleaning it immediately. The motorcycle jacket is not colorfast and you will have to take it to a professional dry cleaner. If everything looks good, continue to Step 3.

3. Use your cotton cloth to clean the rest of your motorcycle jacket, rubbing the leather in a circular motion. Dip the cloth back in the bowl as needed to get more soapy water. If there are patches sewn on your jacket that you need to clean between, or areas where the cloth won't fit, use a child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush.

4. Rub the motorcycle jacket with a new cloth soaked only in water if you notice any soap residue. Hang up your jacket and let it air dry. It shouldn't take long since most jacket leather is fairly water resistant.

Tips & Warnings

• If your motorcycle jacket feels stiff when you put it on, treat it with a leather conditioner such as mink oil. Apply the conditioner in the same manner that you used to scrub your jacket. Check your local bike shop for leather cleaner.

• Never try to pick debris off your motorcycle jacket with a knife or your fingernail. You could scratch the leather or even make a hole. Hang up or lie your motorcycle jacket flat after wearing it in the rain. Don't wad it up; the motorcycle jacket could get mildew.

References

• Cleaning leather
• Leather care guide

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish