Cleaning your leather motorcycle jacket regularly is a tedious process but it’s important to keep it looking great. Leather jackets, boots, and jeans can cost thousands, so it’s worth taking a little extra time and effort to help maintain that great finish. High-quality leather jackets can easily start to dry out and crack if not cared for properly.
1. Initial cleaning
Before starting the cleaning process, first prepare the most fitting place near you to hang your leather jacket while washing it one by one. Use a clothes hanger and make sure there is still room to work on it. Start the cleaning process with a bowl of hot soapy water. Stay away from harsh detergents, and use a mild soap similar to shower gel. Wipe the jacket with a damp cloth with the mild soap in a good way, or use a microfiber cloth or something similar to make sure it is really clean.
2. Let it dry
Once the jacket is completely clean and all signs of dirt are gone, then take the entire jacket to an open place to air out, do not heat it in the hot sun, just put it in a cool place to air out. Do not use a dryer, hair dryer or other heating device to speed it up. Heating leather-based clothing can increase the risk of shrinking, splitting or cracking.
Once the jacket is dry, you are ready to begin the conditioning step. It is important to do a preliminary cleaning to remove any dirt. If you go straight to conditioning, you risk trapping things like dirt which can cause a pretty awful look.
3. Apply conditioner
Apply a high-quality leather conditioner that absorbs easily into the leather to ensure it performs well and provides long-lasting protection. Spread the conditioner of your choice over the entire jacket using your hands or a dry cloth. Pay special attention to the seams, as these areas are more susceptible to cracking or rotting in the future. Once a good coat has been applied, let the jacket dry overnight. The leather may feel a little oily at first, but once the conditioner has fully absorbed, it should look beautiful.