A shiny motorcycle and a shiny motorcycle jacket complement each other. We all love our motorcycles so much! Don’t we? Well, we do spend a ...
A shiny motorcycle and a shiny motorcycle jacket complement each other. We all love our motorcycles so much! Don’t we? Well, we do spend a lot of time caring for it and keeping it clean. Your motorcycle jacket deserves as much care.
Motorcycle jackets are expensive. You might have spent a few hundred bucks to protect yourself while riding. But only one wrong step while washing it can make all your money go in vain. So why not follow a step-by-step process that’ll ensure your jacket is clean and safe?
How to clean/wash Motorcycle Jacket : Guide
Let’s begin.
A] Steps To Clean A Motorcycle Jacket
Most jackets come with wash instructions. You’ll find the instructions on the tag stitched inside your jacket. But if you can’t find them, don’t worry! This cleaning guide will help you get the job done.
Usually, if your jacket isn’t too dirty, you can use a soft moist cloth to clean it. But let’s face it! You live in that jacket, especially if you love riding! So, it’s apparent that the jacket becomes smelly because of the sweat. And since you are on the road, it’s unlikely for your clothing to not attract dust and dirt.
In such cases, you are left with no other choice but to wash your jacket. So, let’s tell you how you can wash your jacket harmlessly while maintaining its charm.
Step 1: Look For Wash Instructions
As mentioned, knowing how to keep your jacket clean is the way to keep it intact for longer. For this, you can take a look at the wash instruction on the tag sewn on the inside of the jacket.
Most manufacturers make it easy for customers to clean clothes by breaking down the best ways to do so on the tags. This makes your job simpler while keeping your motorcycle gear in the best shape.
Step 2: Inspect The Pockets
Now, don’t forget to examine the pockets of your dirty jacket. Take out any stuff that you’ve been safely in it.
Riding jackets have armor on the shoulders, back, and elbows. On inspecting further, you’ll also find some interior liners. You can take off all these items before we proceed with the further steps.
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Step 3: Pre-Clean The Exterior
Do you love to do a lot of off-riding? Or, do you live in a dusty region? Because if you do, surely the jacket attracts a lot of dust. So, the exterior of your jacket needs a thorough cleaning.
You can begin by using a little soap and detergent on extremely dirty areas. Use a gentle brush to do the cleaning. If you own a leather jacket, don’t try to pre-treat it with the brush as it can damage it. A
moist cloth would do the job just fine. You can also use a microfibre cloth. After you pretreat the exterior stains, zip up the jacket and turn it inside out.
Step 4: Choose Hand Washing/Machine Washing
If you ask us, we’d recommend hand washing your motorcycle jacket. It is the safest way to clean it. Hand washing is the best choice if you think your piece of clothing is quite delicate and can undergo wear and tear in the washing machine.
You can also use a front-loading washing machine (a gentle one) to clean it. However, it might not be the best choice if you own a leather jacket. Leather jackets only look tough. Even if the exterior of the jacket stays intact after the machine wash, it might not be true for the intricate linings and other fabric coatings.
Hand-washing your gear might give you a hard time, but it’s definitely worth the effort. After all, you spent a lot on that jacket and undoubtedly you love it!
Step 5: Use A Wash-In Cleanser For A Waterproof Wash
Motorcycle jackets are waterproof. But if you wear them consistently or wash them often, they end up losing their waterproof properties. The water-repellent coating comes off. Washing the jacket without this coating can make it lose its charm.
The best way to maintain the look of your gear is to use a wash-in cleanser. You can easily find one in the market. These cleaners are perfect for helping you restore your jacket’s water-beading abilities. So, even if you wash it regularly, you wouldn’t have to be scared of any harm to your jacket.
The cleansers carry instructions on how to use them. You can go through such instructions before so that you can make the most efficient use of it.
Step 6: Leave It To Dry
Now that you’ve finally washed your jacket, you can place it on a hanger to air dry it. You can also lay it down flat on a towel. A towel will soak all the water from the jacket to help it dry quickly.
Avoid putting the clothing in a dryer. It could irreparably damage your jacket. But some manufacturers make jackets that you can easily dry in the dryer. If you do so, make sure that you put it in the most delicate settings.
If you want to dry the gear quickly, consider using a fan. This way, you’ll be able to hop on your bike and explore the top natural vacationing spots at the earliest!
Step 7: Put Back The Liners And Armor
Once you’ve dried your jacket, you can put back the liners and armor. Don’t forget to reinstall any interior liners that you took off for washing the gear.
B] Common Mistakes to Avoid
Your motorcycle jacket is delicate and requires special care when you wash it. However, you might end up making a few mistakes while cleaning it. Such mistakes could potentially damage the fabric or compromise its protective properties.
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Here are some pitfalls you should steer clear of during the cleaning process:
Using Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or strong cleaning agents on your jacket. These can strip away the protective coatings and damage the fabric. It could reduce the fabric’s effectiveness.
- Hot Water
Do not use hot water for cleaning, especially for leather jackets. Hot water can cause the material to shrink or warp, ruining the fit and appearance.
- Aggressive Scrubbing
You might Resist the urge to scrub vigorously, especially on leather jackets. Scrubbing can scratch the leather surface. It can cause premature wear and tear on textile jackets.
- Machine Washing Leather Jackets
Keep yourself from machine-wash leather jackets. The agitation and excessive water can damage the leather fibers.
- Using Fabric Softener On Textile Jacket
Fabric softeners can clog the fabric's pores and reduce its breathability and waterproofing.
Stick to mild detergents designed for technical fabrics.
- Neglecting Stains
If you see any stains on your jacket, promptly treat them. Allowing stains to be set can make them more challenging to remove later.
- Skipping A Patch Test
When using a new cleaning product or method, always do a patch test on a small area of the jacket. It will help you check for any adverse reactions.
- Drying in Direct Sunlight Or Near Heat Source
Avoid drying your jacket in direct sunlight or near heaters, radiators, or hairdryers. Excessive heat can damage the material and cause it to lose its protective qualities.
- Forgetting To Condition Leather Jackets
After cleaning, remember to condition your leather jacket. Conditioning will keep it supple and prevent cracking. Skipping this step can lead to premature wear and aging.
- Storing A Damp Jacket
Never store a damp jacket. Make sure it is thoroughly dry before putting it away to prevent mold and unpleasant odors.
- Using A Clothes Dryer
Do not use a clothes dryer to dry your motorcycle jacket. The tumbling action and heat can damage the fabric and alter the fit.
- Neglecting Hardware And Zippers
Before washing, you must ensure all zippers and closures are secure. Loose or damaged hardware can cause snags or scratches during cleaning.
Ignoring The Manufacturer's Care Instructions Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Different jackets may have specific cleaning requirements, and following the guidelines will help maintain their integrity.
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C] How Often Should You Wash Your Jacket?
The frequency at which you should wash your motorcycle jacket depends on several factors.
For instance, it depends upon how often you ride, the weather conditions, and the level of dirt accumulated on it.
Let us give you a quick overview of the wash frequency for your motorcycle gear depending on various factors.
- Occasional Riders
If you use your motorcycle jacket infrequently or for short rides in clean conditions, you may only need to wash it once or twice a year.
- Regular Riders
For riders who use their jackets more frequently, especially in various weather conditions, washing them at least once every riding season is important It will help you maintain the jacket's appearance and performance.
- Long Distance Riders
If you embark on long-distance trips or frequently ride in adverse weather, you may need to wash your jacket more often. Exposure to rain, dirt, and bugs can leave your gear soiled, necessitating more frequent cleaning.
- Hot And Humid Climates
In regions with hot and humid climates, sweat and bacteria buildup can be more pronounced. As a result, it's advisable to wash your jacket more frequently to keep it fresh and hygienic.
- Off-Road Riding
Off-road riders are exposed to more dust and mud, which can quickly accumulate on the jacket. After off-road adventures, consider washing your gear promptly to maintain its integrity.
- Stains And Spills
Address any stains or spills on your jacket quickly. If your jacket comes into contact with oils, gasoline, or other chemicals, clean it immediately to prevent permanent damage.
- Riding Frequency
The more often you ride, the more frequently you should clean your jacket. Regular cleaning helps prolong the life of the gear and ensures it remains effective in protecting you. How To Wash A Motorcycle Jacket?
D] Safety Precautions
Here are some safety precautions you must definitely take while washing your jacket.
1. Ventilation
Always wash your jacket in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any cleaning agents or fumes. If possible, perform the cleaning outdoors or in a space with good airflow.
2. Gloves
Wear protective gloves while handling cleaning agents or stain removers to protect your skin from any potential irritation.
3. Eye Protection
Consider wearing safety goggles or glasses to shield your eyes from any splashes or accidental contact with cleaning solutions.
4. Avoid Open Flames
Keep your jacket away from open flames, cigarettes, or any other potential sources of ignition during the cleaning process.
5. Proper Storage
Keep all cleaning products and materials out of reach of children and pets. Store them in a safe place after use.
6. Testing New Products
If you're using a new cleaning product or method, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your jacket first to ensure it doesn't cause any damage.
7. Inspect the Jacket
Before washing, double-check for any loose zippers, buckles, or accessories. These could get damaged during the cleaning process.
8. Handling Stains
When dealing with stubborn stains, use caution and follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Avoid using excessive force or harsh chemicals that could harm the fabric.
9. Dry Completely
Make sure your jacket is completely dry before storing or wearing it. Damp gear can be uncomfortable and might affect its protective properties.
Wrapping It Up!
Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it also exposes you to various elements, including dirt, bugs, and road grime. Over time, this can leave your motorcycle jacket looking and smelling less than pleasant. But following a few simple steps can help you make your jacket look the best.
If you follow the step-by-step cleaning process, you’ll be able to maintain the look of your jacket for a long time. Also, don’t forget to take these safety precautions and avoid common mistakes during the cleaning process.
