Cleaning Leathers

[mbalmer]

So I have had my leather jacket and pants for about a month. I know about taking care of the leather and have the stuff for that. How do you deal with the sweat and smells that are likely to accumulate over time. My stuff is still "new." I can't wash it. It's bound to become stinky. What do you do? I see used clothed for sale, but without being able to wash it, it grosses me out to wear someone else's cooties (especially pants).

[somegirl]

I wear lightweight long underwear (from REI) underneath the leathers, so I just have to wash those.  They actually help keep me feeling cooler on hot days, as I don't get "stuck" to the leather.

[SaltLick]

I wear lightweight long underwear (from REI) underneath the leathers, so I just have to wash those.  They actually help keep me feeling cooler on hot days, as I don't get "stuck" to the leather.

you dont count girls dont smell.

[duqette]

I posted this tidbit of advice on TOB, don't know if anyone ever actually tried it, 'cause it sounds a little whacky.

But, regardless, this is what we do in professional theater with costumes that can't be washed or dry cleaned. We spray the offending parts (usually the armpits, but you can do it anywhere) with the cheapest vodka we can find. Yes, vodka. The alcohol kills the bacteria causing the smell, and then evaporates leaving no discernible smell itself. Really. Also, air that thing out really well every time you wear it. That will help keep the smell down, too.

I'd also advise +1 on wearing some sort of washable under-layer.

Cheers! 

KT

[dolci]

An additional advantage to wearing a thin underlayer (some type of tights) is that the leather will slide on more easily, IMHO.  I had my leathers on the other evening but hadn't another layer and when I had to use the bathroom, I was wrestling myself back into the pants (quite the show). 

I also scuba dive and have a thin "skin" that I wear under my wetsuit.  This works for leathers as well. 
If it's colder out, I wear a layer of UnderArmour.

[Taz Duc]

duqette thanks for the professional tip!  So far I have always worn some type of long sleeves so I didn't start sweating onto the jacket lining.  I also plan on getting some summer Underarmor wear but just haven't made it to the store yet.

[TiNi]

how about bug guts on tech fabric?
any advice?

[Grio]

I just wash my textile jackets.
Take the armor out if you can.  Close any velcro flaps.  Put the garmet in a mesh "delicate" bag (the textiles always want to ravel).    Always a good idea to pre-treat heavy bug splat.  Hang dry.

Fresh.

[duqette]

how about bug guts on tech fabric?
any advice?

What is "tech fabric"?

I mean, what is it made out of? Cow? or Oil? (That's pretty much your two choices in biker gear  )

[BikerGoddess]

Another option is dry cleaning.

[mbalmer]

Another option is dry cleaning.

You can dry clean leathers?  The chemicals aren't bad for the leather? That would be a good way to clean used stuff.

[Ducatista]

Some people may disagree, but if you think about it, this happens to leathers all the time if you do track days or race in the rain.  The method I and several other people do is throw them in the tub with some saddle soap.  It gets the dirt and dust off if you've wrecked and helps to unstink the inner lining. 

As for girls not stinking?  You gotta be kiddin' me.  Emily + leathers + sweating my tush off all day at the track = ewwwwww

[duqette]

You can dry clean leathers?  The chemicals aren't bad for the leather? That would be a good way to clean used stuff.

I think there are treatments for cleaning leather. You have to take it to a leather-cleaning specialist.

I've always been taught that leather is like (hello) skin. You can clean it with mild soap and water as long as you don't soak it. Treat it with lotion to keep it supple and moist, and it will last forever. Once it gets dried out, though, it can't be resuscitated.

[BikerGoddess]

I think there are treatments for cleaning leather. You have to take it to a leather-cleaning specialist.

I've always been taught that leather is like (hello) skin. You can clean it with mild soap and water as long as you don't soak it. Treat it with lotion to keep it supple and moist, and it will last forever. Once it gets dried out, though, it can't be resuscitated.

Ditto. This is why it's difficult (in some cities/towns) to locate a dry cleaner who does leathers. It's also expen$ive but worthwhile if you've tried every other method or just don't have the time. I've used Wash Club in San Francisco. They have the following (leather) services: repair (?), conditioning, and cleaning.

[TiNi]

What is "tech fabric"?

I mean, what is it made out of? Cow? or Oil? (That's pretty much your two choices in biker gear  )

 

i was referring to my textile gear... pants and jacket have bug guts all over them.
i haven't tried throwing it the washer yet, i've been spot cleaning it, but it's really bad now.