Leather Maintenance

[huntinggunns]

I have been spending the last couple of months upgrading my riding gear and I am almost there. I will have to post pictures as soon as I get the rest of it in as I finally got some decent leather gear and I am looking for some advise on caring for the stuff. What do you guys use to clean and condition the leather to include jacket, pants, boots, and gloves? Also, if your leather has embroidered lettering on it, does the cleaner/conditioners you affect the lettering at all?

[Lee 2002]

I use Lexol to condition all leather goods.... boots, upholstery, clothing. Not sure what it would do to embroidery. I would guess it would darken it. Just don't apply to the embroidered areas.

For waterproofing boots I use SnoSeal.

[Conedodger]

This is what I use. Easily removes bugs and grime. A bottle lasts forever. Available at Wilson's leather.

[Polarbear]

This is useful info to me. Thanks.

C

[rangemaster]

Lexol for conditioning only, Obenauf's for conditioning/waterproofing. I've tried everything, I like these the best.

[MBrane]

I just mix some of my shampoo in a spray bottle with distilled water. Soak 'em good, work it in with a microfiber cloth, rinse, and air-dry in the shade. Leathers come clean, look, and smell great.

[V4 Rosso]

All my leather cleaning stuff are from a brand (Rapide) that specialises in care product for horse riding equipment. Leather soap for cleaning, leather dressing to keep the leather supple and waterproofing and at least once a year a coat of leather wax.

[SEBSPEED]

I use Kiwi saddle soap.

[vfr]

I've been using the Vanson stuff on all kinds of leather for years. It makes worn leather soft again and makes it look newish. It's pretty amazing stuff.

http://www.vansonleathers.com/prod-Leather_Condition_Balm_16_oz-19.aspx?

[FromMaine]

I use Kiwi saddle soap.

Ditto.

I still have my Schott leather jacket bought in 1976, although its be relined twice and on its 4th zipper the leather is fine.

[tbzep]

I use Fiebing's saddle soap. Google images of major brands.

[Switchblade]

I use Kiwi saddle soap.

+2 Hard to beat.

[Jovinski]

Kiwi is a cleaner tho. Do you all condition it afterwards?

I use the same stuff that I use on my car seats. Blue Magic Leather cleaner and conditioner. It's a two step process, because I don't believe that a two in one product can really do what needs to be done. Leather is animal skin, obviously (duh) and cleaning it with anything, including shampoo can dry it out and lead to it cracking prematurely. So I feel that it needs to be a two part process. Clean it with a soap, and then condition it. Plus, again, in my opinion, this stuff smells great!

[tbzep]

Kiwi is a cleaner tho. Do you all condition it afterwards?

Saddle soap also contains neatsfoot oil, lanolin, glycerine, and beeswax. It is not only for cleaning, but for conditioning and protecting the leather.

[MBrane]

Kiwi is a cleaner tho. Do you all condition it afterwards?

I use the same stuff that I use on my car seats. Blue Magic Leather cleaner and conditioner. It's a two step process, because I don't believe that a two in one product can really do what needs to be done. Leather is animal skin, obviously (duh) and cleaning it with anything, including shampoo can dry it out and lead to it cracking prematurely. So I feel that it needs to be a two part process. Clean it with a soap, and then condition it. Plus, again, in my opinion, this stuff smells great!

Hmmmm... I have skin too, and haven't had any issues with mine or the leathers drying out. Of course I use conditioning shampoo. Dirt is the primary enemy of leather followed closely by dryness. Plain old lanolin hand cleaner works wonders on leather that's exposed to lots of dirt. Just ask my work boots.

I just don't see the point in buying leather specific products that are more often than not the same things we use on our skin just repackaged, and more expensive.

[V4 Rosso]

I just don't see the point in buying leather specific products that are more often than not the same things we use on our skin just repackaged, and more expensive.

Well, there is a big difference between a live skin and a dead one. When the cow is still alive and outside when it rains, it's internal organs don't get wet

[CornerCarver]

You guys have some great advice for all leather gear.

This is what says specifically about glove care and it apllies to most other leather as well although you may not care about excess conditioner on your jacket as much as you do your gloves.

Held Glove Care

Here is a discussion about how to care for your Held gloves. This information was provided by the folks that distribute Held gloves in the USA:

When you ride, all of the sweat, along with the oils, acids and salts contained in your sweat will soak into the leather. After a while this built up sweat contamination may cause the leather to fail prematurely. You should wash your gloves with soap and water to remove this sweat build up.

After riding, let your gloves breathe and dry out. Do not store them in a closed container, jacket pocket, helmet or tank bag.

Held recommends washing and conditioning gloves at least once a year. And more often if you sweat heavy, ride in a hot climate, notice salt rings (white stains) or discoloration from repeatedly being soaked with sweat, if the leather gets hard or stiff, or if you begin to notice a smell from the gloves.

And here is how to do it!

• Rinse the gloves with clean water (do not use high pressure). You may also soak the gloves for awhile in clear water to loosen up and draw the sweat out of the gloves.
• Wash the inside of the gloves with soap and water. Dilute soap in the water; do not apply soap concentrate directly into gloves. Regular antibacterial liquid hand soap works well. Allow the gloves to soak in the soapy water.
• Using your hands, work the inside surfaces of the gloves. Rinse and repeat as needed until you are satisfied that the gloves are clean. Rinse the gloves thoroughly.
• Use your fingers and hands, starting at the finger tips and working down, press or squeeze the water out of the gloves. Do not twist or wring the gloves when wet; this may distort the shape and fit of the gloves.
• For gloves with Kevlar or padding, you may want to place a small folded towel in the gloves and press the water out of those areas.
• Allow the gloves to dry slowly. Do not place in direct sunlight or expose to high heat. Lying in front of a fan in the garage is a good place.
• Just before the gloves are completely dry, put the gloves on and shape them to your hand while damp. Remove the gloves, trying to keep this hand shape in the gloves. Allow to continue drying.
• After the gloves are completely dry, apply a good quality leather conditioner. This is important because properly treated and conditioned (oiled) leather will breathe and the internal micro fibers will move freely in the leather. Use a good quality leather conditioner that will allow the leather to breathe. Apply conditioner generously and rub into the leather. Allow the conditioner to soak into the gloves and reapply (you can do this in the sun).
• Wipe off any excess conditioner and make sure the gloves are not slick on the motorcycle controls.

[HispanicSlammer]

I was using Leather Honey on my transit suit, and boots.

http://leatherhoney.com/

[CharlesW]

Not exactly off-topic, but a different area of leather care.

303 is recommended for UV protection of many products including leather.

Would using a conditioner and the 303 alternately be of benefit?

Such as a conditioner one month, 303 the next.

My new leather jacket has a lot of red leather and I would like to keep it red rather than pink.

[Guest]

Here is what Lee Parks says about the care and feeding of their gloves:

• Handwashing instructions
  
  1. Put gloves on and get them wet with warm water
  2. Add Woolite or mild detergent and scrub the gloves as if washing your hands
  3. Rinse and air dry, do NOT put them into the dryer
  4. Wash gloves once every 6 months.

[huntinggunns]

Thanks for all the input from everyone. I decided to try the Lexol conditioner. I will let everyone know how I like it after I use it for a while.

[Dutchy]

I went the "V4 Rosso" route..............

[CharlesW]

The manufacturer's of the two motorcycle jackets I own both recommended Nikwax. Seems to work for me on boots, gloves, and jackets.

http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/index.php

I happen to use the Leather Restorer.

http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=254&itemid=-1&fabricid=-1