Just as you need to wear motorcycle gear to keep yourself safe, so too do you need to properly take care of it. Proper care and cleaning not only extend your motorcycle gear lifespan but also it will help you to be more confident. Here I’m sharing my personal experience of motorcycle gear cleaning methods with you.
1. Helmet
Wash your helmet every couple of months or according to your use. If your helmet’s inner lining is removable then remove the lining and give it a hand wash with mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Soak the lining for a few minutes in a large bowl with shampoo and lukewarm water so that the accumulated dirt will come out easily. Clean your helmet’s outer shell and visor with a soft cotton rag and rinse with clean water. If your helmet’s inner linings can’t be opened, soak the entire helmet with lukewarm water and shampoo then clean it as before. put your helmet in a well-ventilated place to dry and make sure the sunlight is not falling directly on your helmet.
2. Gloves
Just like the helmet soak your gloves in lukewarm water with shampoo. Then rub it gently by using your hand, rinse off with clean water then press gently to squeeze out the extra water. To dry your gloves put them in a well-ventilated place where direct sunlight does not fall.
3. Riding suit
For your textile motorcycle jacket and pants before putting them in, wash open up all the buttons and zippers, and remove the inner linings. I do not prefer to put it in the washing machine. Soak your jacket and pants in normal-temperature water with mild detergent for 10 minutes then wash it gently. To make them dry hang in a ventilated area.
For the leather jacket and pants: Leather jackets and pants always require extra care. Clean your leather jacket or pants according to the lather type or its manufacturer’s recommendation. Never soak it into the water during cleaning. Hang your suit on a hanger then make a soapy water by using saddle soap. Wet a soft sponge in the soapy water gently clean the accumulated dirt and pay attention to the blind corners like collars and cuffs. Saddle soap is specially made for lather product cleaning. Saddle soap has conditioning and leather-protecting materials. Once you are done washing with soap water wipe off with a soft sponge or rag soaked in clean water. Leave them in a well-ventilated place to dry. Do not use any additional heat to dry. After drying properly use a leather conditioner, wax, oil, and sealant to keep your leather jacket and pants shiny, soft, smooth, and long-lasting.
4. Boots
Remove your boot laces and extra inner linings if you have one. Wash them with mild detergent water. Use a soft brush to clean the accumulated dust and dry mud. With saddle soap make the water soapy then gently clean your boots with a soft rag or sponge. wipe off with a soft sponge or rag soaked in clean water and then use a soft dry rag to wipe off excess water. Dry out your boots by following the previous process. Before conditioning your boots, heat them a little bit by keeping them in the sunlight for a minute, or use your hairdryer. Make sure when you heat up your boot is comfortable to touch. This process will help deep conditioning. Use your boots wax, oil, and leather conditioner to keep your boots soft, shiny, and long-lasting. This product will protect your boots from minor strains and small splashes of water.
5. Other gears
Last but not the least. If your armor pads, elbow, and knee guards are required to wash then soak them in mild detergent water for 10-15 minutes then wash them with clean water. Let them dry and place them on a cloth in a well-ventilated area. You can use the same process to wash your backpack. If you want to clean your hydration pack, empty the hydration pack and mix baking soda and vinegar with water to remove dirt and odor. Wash it with clean water and leave it to completely dry out.
Keeping your motorcycle gear fresh and clean is not just about aesthetics. It’s also about comfort, being more confident, and ensuring the lifespan of your motorcycle gear. By following these tips you will be more confident and able to enjoy every ride with your peace of mind by knowing that your gears are in good condition.