How to clean textile and leather motorcycle jackets

Before you start: armor out, pockets empty

Remove all CE armor from the shoulders, elbows and back. Armor is not designed to be machine washed or soaked, and it can be damaged or damage the jacket in a washer. Wipe the armor separately with a damp cloth and mild soap, and let it dry before refitting.

Empty all pockets, remove any removable thermal or waterproof liners, close every zip and fasten every hook-and-loop tab so they do not snag the fabric. Check the care label for the shell and each liner, since they may need different treatment.

1. 1

   Read the care label on the shell and each liner.

2. 2

   Remove shoulder, elbow and back armor.

3. 3

   Remove thermal and waterproof liners.

4. 4

   Empty pockets.

5. 5

   Close all zips and fasten hook-and-loop tabs.

How to wash a textile motorcycle jacket

Many textile jackets, including mesh and laminated adventure jackets, can be washed if the label allows. Start by soaking dried-on bugs with a damp cloth for a few minutes and brushing them off with a soft brush. Then hand wash in a tub or machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water.

Use a cleaner made for technical outerwear. Regular detergents and fabric softeners leave residues that attract water and clog breathable membranes. Rinse thoroughly. For jackets with a Gore-Tex or similar membrane, follow the membrane maker's care instructions as well as the jacket label.

1. 1

   Pre-treat bug splatter and heavy grime with a damp cloth, then brush with a soft brush.

2. 2

   Hand wash, or machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water if the label allows.

3. 3

   Use a technical fabric wash, not regular detergent, and no fabric softener.

4. 4

   Rinse thoroughly, with an extra rinse cycle if machine washing.

5. 5

   Hang to dry on a wide hanger, away from direct heat.

Note.Never use bleach, solvents or a pressure washer on a riding jacket. They can weaken seams, damage reflective panels and strip coatings.

Reproofing a textile jacket

Most textile jackets have a durable water repellent (DWR) finish on the outer fabric that makes water bead and roll off. Over time and with washing, it wears off. The fabric then soaks up water and feels wet, even if the membrane inside still keeps you dry, and the jacket loses breathability.

After washing, test by sprinkling water on the shoulders. If it soaks in rather than beading, reproof the jacket with a wash-in or spray-on DWR treatment made for technical fabrics. Spray-on products let you treat the high-wear areas, like shoulders and arms, more heavily. Some DWR treatments are activated by gentle heat; follow the product and jacket instructions, and only tumble dry if the label allows.

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How to clean a leather motorcycle jacket

Leather needs gentle cleaning and regular conditioning. Never put a leather jacket in a washing machine or soak it, and never dry it with heat. Water and heat pull out the natural oils, which leaves leather stiff and prone to cracking and shrinking.

Start by wiping off loose dirt and bugs with a soft damp cloth. Then use a cleaner made for leather, applied with a cloth or soft brush, working in small sections. Wipe off residue with a clean damp cloth. Perforated leather needs extra care so cleaner does not build up in the holes.

1. 1

   Wipe off dust and bugs with a soft, damp cloth.

2. 2

   Test the leather cleaner on a hidden area first.

3. 3

   Apply the cleaner with a cloth or soft brush in small sections.

4. 4

   Wipe away residue with a clean, damp cloth.

5. 5

   Let the jacket air dry at room temperature on a wide hanger.

6. 6

   Apply a leather conditioner once dry, working it in evenly and buffing off the excess.

Conditioning and caring for leather

Conditioning puts oils back into the leather to keep it supple. Use a conditioner suitable for motorcycle leather and apply a thin, even coat. Too much conditioner can leave leather tacky and attract dirt. Many riders condition a few times a riding season, and more often if they ride in rain or strong sun.

If your leather jacket gets soaked in the rain, blot it with a towel, hang it on a wide hanger, and let it dry slowly at room temperature. Do not use a hair dryer or heater. Condition it once dry. See our leather jacket guide for jackets made from thicker riding leather.

How often to clean and how to store

Wipe off bugs after each ride, since bug residue can be acidic and stain fabric and leather if left. A full wash of a textile jacket a few times a season, or when it is visibly dirty or smells, is usually enough. Over-washing wears out DWR faster.

Store jackets on a wide, shaped hanger in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Do not store them in plastic bags, which trap moisture. Refit the armor before you ride, and check it is in the right position; see how should a motorcycle jacket fit. Your helmet needs care too; see how to clean a motorcycle helmet.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put my motorcycle jacket in the washing machine? Many textile jackets can go in on a gentle cool cycle with a technical cleaner, if the care label allows and the armor is removed. Leather jackets should never be machine washed.

How do I get bugs off a motorcycle jacket? Lay a damp cloth over the bug splatter for a few minutes to soften it, then wipe or brush it away gently.

Do I need to reproof my textile jacket? If water soaks into the outer fabric instead of beading, yes. Reproof after washing with a DWR product made for technical fabrics.

How do I soften a stiff leather jacket? Clean it, then apply a thin coat of leather conditioner and let it absorb. Repeat if needed, and wear the jacket to help it relax.