Learning how to properly care and maintain your motorcycle gear can get you more mileage out of it. Whether it's cleaning your helmet or caring for you motorcycle jacket, making sure your gear is properly maintained can save you money you would otherwise need for replacig them. Here are some easy tips on how to care and maintain your motorcycle gear:
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For your leather motorcycle jacket:
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When riding your motorcycle, you're exposed to many different elements, be it snow, dirt, or rain, these things can take its toll on your leather jacket and can leave unsightly, and damaging, spots.
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When you get home from a ride, grab a soft cloth soaked with clear lukewarm water, clean spots, dirt, and residue on the jacket using a circular motion. After you're done, air-dry your jacket on a clothesline. Use a wide hanger to keep the jacket's shape.
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You can also use leather cleaning products that remove dirt while shining it at the same time. Shea butter conditioner also works for leather jackets. Use a soft cloth for application and work the shea butter into the jacket using a circular motion, until the entire jacket is properly condition. Do this at least once a year.
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When storing the jacket, don't cover it with plastic. Leather needs to breathe so be sure to store it in a cool, dry place with plenty of ventilation. If you must cover it, do so with a light cotton sheet. Humid or damp areas can cause leather to crack and mildew to form, thus damaging it.
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For your motorcycle helmet:
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As careful and clean as you might be, helmets, because they're routinely exposed to the sweat and oil that's released from your head, will eventually start to smell. Know that this is completely normal and inevitable. While you could wear a bandana to delay it from happening, knowing how to properly clean your helmet instead will go a long way in maintaining it.
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If you have a helmet that has removable lining, lucky for you, the process is quick and painless. Simply remove the lining and place into a washing machine. Use the ‘Delicates' setting, and hang them out to dry afterwards. While you're waiting for them to dry, take a soft cloth and some shampoo and water and wash the exterior of the helmet, removing any dirt and build-up in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
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On the other hand, if you have a helmet with non-removable lining: remove cheek pads, visor, breath guard and any other parts of the helmet that can be removed. Get into the shower and rinse off the helmet, scrub and loosen up any dirt that's crusted over it. Grab some shampoo and lather up both the exterior and interior of the helmet. Rinse out the shampoo well with the showerhead. Don't leave any trace of shampoo inside as this can cause problems later on. Dry the exterior by patting with a cloth or towel, and leave it to dry completely in a cool, dry place.
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For your leather motorcycle jacket:
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When riding your motorcycle, you're exposed to many different elements, be it snow, dirt, or rain, these things can take its toll on your leather jacket and can leave unsightly, and damaging, spots.
Â
When you get home from a ride, grab a soft cloth soaked with clear lukewarm water, clean spots, dirt, and residue on the jacket using a circular motion. After you're done, air-dry your jacket on a clothesline. Use a wide hanger to keep the jacket's shape.
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You can also use leather cleaning products that remove dirt while shining it at the same time. Shea butter conditioner also works for leather jackets. Use a soft cloth for application and work the shea butter into the jacket using a circular motion, until the entire jacket is properly condition. Do this at least once a year.
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When storing the jacket, don't cover it with plastic. Leather needs to breathe so be sure to store it in a cool, dry place with plenty of ventilation. If you must cover it, do so with a light cotton sheet. Humid or damp areas can cause leather to crack and mildew to form, thus damaging it.
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For your motorcycle helmet:
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As careful and clean as you might be, helmets, because they're routinely exposed to the sweat and oil that's released from your head, will eventually start to smell. Know that this is completely normal and inevitable. While you could wear a bandana to delay it from happening, knowing how to properly clean your helmet instead will go a long way in maintaining it.
Â
If you have a helmet that has removable lining, lucky for you, the process is quick and painless. Simply remove the lining and place into a washing machine. Use the ‘Delicates' setting, and hang them out to dry afterwards. While you're waiting for them to dry, take a soft cloth and some shampoo and water and wash the exterior of the helmet, removing any dirt and build-up in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Â
On the other hand, if you have a helmet with non-removable lining: remove cheek pads, visor, breath guard and any other parts of the helmet that can be removed. Get into the shower and rinse off the helmet, scrub and loosen up any dirt that's crusted over it. Grab some shampoo and lather up both the exterior and interior of the helmet. Rinse out the shampoo well with the showerhead. Don't leave any trace of shampoo inside as this can cause problems later on. Dry the exterior by patting with a cloth or towel, and leave it to dry completely in a cool, dry place.
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