Part 50 - 10 Tips To Help Your Motorcycle Leather Last Longer... (",)

10 Tips To Help Your Motorcycle Leather Last Longer

Your biker leather can be damaged by excessive moisture and dryness but with proper care Motorcycle jackets, boots, chaps and saddlebags can be kept looking very nice and last for years.

Check out these simple tips and your leather will look beautiful and last for years.

Generally speaking people like leather because it is easy to care for. It is not, however, indestructible.

In general, the more heavily finished a leather surface is, the more resistant it is to spills and stains.

Untreated leather absorbs, and is easily stained, by oils. Abrasive cleaners, and organic solvents can also harm it. Soap and water is good for routine cleaning, but commercially available leather cleaners may work better.

The latter often contain lubricating materials, which are intended to keep leather supple. Really dirty leather may require the use of a mild detergent solution but care should be taken, because some detergent solutions may not be pH balanced, containing compounds that could harm the leather.

Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. It is also a good idea to damp-wipe rather than soaking the leather with water.

If you love the smell of leather, the touch of it, the sense of protection it offers as well as the way it makes YOU personally feel, then read the top 10 leather care tips and additional information.

1. Unprotected leather is susceptible to spotting from water and other liquids; a newly purchased leather item should be treated immediately to prevent permanent stains. Be sure to use a product that will not clog the pores. Leather needs to breathe.

2. When using a commercial cleaner to clean you item be sure to get matching items cleaned at the same time. There may be a small color change after cleaning. This is natural and to be expected. If you get matching items cleaned at the same time this won't be a problem.

3. Prevention is the best cure. Treat your new item as soon as it arrives. Store in a dry environment, don't use harsh household chemicals and avoid preparations that contain alcohol.

4. If your leather gets wet hang it on a padded hanger and allow it to dry air dry. Apply a little conditioner when the leather is nearly dry.

5. Small repairs can be done with rubber cement. For example if the hem in a skirt is starting to unravel a little rubber cement saves the day.

6. For spills: Wipe up excess liquid immediately with a clean clothe or sponge. If necessary use clean lukewarm water and let the leather air-dry.

For spots and stains: Apply a mild, non-detergent soap solution with a clean, wet sponge. Rinse well and let air-dry.

Especially stubborn dirt may require a detergent solution, but care should be taken.

For butter, oil or grease: Wipe excess butter, oil or grease off the leather with a clean, dry cloth, then leave it alone as the spot should dissipate into the leather in a short period of time. Do not apply water to try to wash a butter, oil or grease mark.

7. Use Caution if using mink oil or other animal fats they will darken leather.

8. Avoid turpentine and mineral spirits as they can pull color.

9. Do not use waxes, or silicone formulas or other leather preparations that impair the ability of the leather to "breathe".

10. To remove gum from leather heat it with a hair dryer until it is completely dry and then rub it off with a dry cloth. If there is any marks left apply some conditioner.

With proper care, leather out wears denim 20 to 1. I've heard stories where a good quality, well-maintained leather jacket can last as long as 50 years! Find out everything you can about your leather jacket, get the right stuff and set aside time for mandatory cleaning. If you don't do it yourself, then pay a pro to clean your leather jacket for you. You can thank me later for that tip!