Can You Dry Clean Motorcycle Gear? Here’s What to Know

The motorcycle gear is a necessary component of a rider equipment which not only protects against injury but also against the adverse conditions and which provides some sense of identity to the rider. With time however, the jackets, pants, gloves and helmets become dirty, sweaty and covered with grime and dirt on the roads thus necessitating their cleaning up. There are a number of questions riders normally ask and one of those questions is: Can motorcycle gear be dry cleaned?

The thing is, the answer is not so easy as either yes or no. This is mostly dictated by the content, the build and the handbooks of the manufacturer of a particular gear. There are few exceptions to this rule, but in most of the cases dry cleaning is an unpopular choice and in some areas it might break your gear or diminish their protection abilities. This article will not only make you realize why you need to but also how to be able to best maintain your gear clean and in nice shape.

Motorcycle Gear Materials

The motorcycle attires are made of various top quality materials that have features of safety in case of a crash and the capability of lasting in the road in harsh conditions. The majority of jackets and trousers could be fabricated out of either leather or out of synthetic fabrics such as Cordura, Kevlar or ballistic nylon. Most of the gear items also have breathable and waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex or D-Dry and built-in armoring that absorbs the shock.

These may be tough on road but they needs certain technics of cleaning to stay in shape. They have the potential of being compromised by exposure to the harsh solvents and heat which is used in dry cleaning thus affecting their durability and protective abilities.

Is it possible to dry clean a leather motorcycle gear?

Leather is a natural substance that has a good abrasion resistance and hence it is made of this choice of material when it comes to motorcycle jackets and the pant. But leather is not so responsive to even normal drying cleaning mechanism. Leather is affected by the chemical solvents that are used in most of the dry cleaners as they can remove the natural oils that are in the leather thereby making the leather dry, stiff and in danger of cracking. Gradually, such a deterioration does not only influence the appearance and sensation, but decreases the protection abilities of the leather.

The cleaning of the leather motorcycle gears should be done by hand gently and not by dry cleaning. The surface should be wiped down using a soft, damp cloth and some special formulations of cleaners are also available to remove more difficult dirt or stains on leather. To preserve the softness in the material, a leather conditioner should be used to keep the material soft after cleaning and also to prevent drying of the material. Leather gear should also be allowed to dry by air without exposing it to direct sunlight or other man-made heat such as hair dryers, radiators and so on.

Can Textile motorcycle Gear Be Safe to Dry Clean?

More often than not textile motorcycle gear is used because it is more versatile, less heavy and can be used in any weather. It durability may be less than those made of leather but it is usually multipiece so that it has mesh ventilation, waterproof membranes or inner armoring. The same layers do not make it such that it can be dry clean using the chemicals and super high temperature.

Majority of textile equipment is not safe in dry cleaning, and they can be destroyed irredeemably by the technique. The most advisable action is to consider the guidelines that come with the care of the manufacturer of the item. This presupposes, as a rule, taking off all the protective armor prior to cleaning. The garment may then be washed by hand or in a gentle cycle on a washing machine by using cold water and gentle detergent. The technical fabrics should not be subject to harsh cleaners, bleach, or fabric softeners that can ruin the fabrics. After washing them, the gear is supposed to be left to dry by air. Textile motorcycle clothing is never to be tumble-dried or ironed, which will distort or even burn the protective covers.

And what about gloves, boots and helmets?

Motorcycle gloves, boots, helmets are things, which also need to be cleaned carefully, and to be cleaned they should not be taken to the dry cleaning either. Just like the leather jackets, the leather gloves must be handled in this way: they just need a soft wipe with a wet paper and followed with a moisturizer. Sometimes, textile gloves may be washed by hand, but one should read the label or the manual of the product.

Boots made of motorcycle leather also should be brushed with the use of soft brushes or cloth, as well as, cleaned using boot safe cleaners. Dry cleaning services on boots would destroy waterproofing on the boots or adhesive used to put the boot together.

The use of dry cleaning of the helmets is unacceptable. The exterior shell can normally be cleaned with a wet rag or a cleaner that is specifically tested on helmets and the inner cushion, should it be removable, can be hand washed by using a little bit of soap and water. Perhaps the worst thing about harsh chemicals is that they can dress down the structure of the helmet or foam liner thereby decreasing its performance on keeping you safe during an accident.

Reasons why it Is Dangerous to Dry Clean Motorcycle Gear

Although dry cleaning may appear to be a good option, it creates a number of dangers to the motorcycle gear. The protective coatings may be damaged by the chemicals employed or adhesives may dissolve or other significant technical fabrics may be partly compromised. Armor inserts can also be deformed by the high heat applied in certain dry cleaning processes, the waterproof membranes can also be compromised or shrinkage can occur in sensitive materials.

Besides the damage to the physical properties, it will also take away warranty on your gear. Most manufactures give additional care instructions because failure to adhere to them may restrict your choices in case you have to exchange a product or require refunding.

The Proper Motorcycle Gear Maintenance

A motorcycle gear can last long provided they are well maintained in all aspects. Before cleaning any item, it is always good to read carefully the care label on that gear. Apply a special motorcycle collection product which is available in form of the following: leather balms, technical fabric detergents, and waterproofing sprays.

Once every ride is over, you need to let your gear dry to prevent the moisture and smell. It can be stored in cool dry place, that is, free of direct sunlight and should never be packed in when it is still wet. Whenever properly taken care of, your equipment may remain viable, spotless and comfortable to ride on many more years.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to your regular attire, dry cleaning can be very effective, but it is not the case when it comes to motorcycle gear. Most riding apparel, despite its protection in form of leather jackets or multi layered textile suits, is not constructed of material that is able to stand up to the chemicals and processes of dry cleaners. Rather, soft hand washing using the suitable products and some routine care should be used.

By having the time to go through various procedures of taking care of your motorcycle gear, it might not only make them good in their appearances; it also makes them functioning correctly, that is, in protecting you during the road. Therefore, disregard the dry cleaner and adhere to useful suggestions according to the type of gear to keep you comfortable, dry and riding in safety.