Cleaning my kit.

[gra001]

After loads of track days and some time spent sliding down the tarmac on my butt, leathers and boots are a bit scruffy. So, it`s time to clean them up. What cleaning/feeding products are good to use??

[RemaL]

I use Gliptone leather cleaner and conditioner and waterproofer

it's not expensive but very very good stuff.

http://www.performancemotorcare.com/acatalog/Leath...

was recommended to me by other bikers who use it on their gear.

[rsv gone!]

If they're lucky, my Dainese gear gets a jetwashing at the same time as my bike.

Let it dry naturally and the leather is still in very good condition - at about 7-8 years old.

Edited by rsv gone! on Thursday 28th February 19:32

[black-k1]

I use a damp cloth and saddle soap to clean the leather (available form any horse tack shop). Once a year (a winter job) I use Dubbin on the leather but I apply it with a shoe brush and let the leather ‘dry’ for a week after applying it before I buff up with a cloth. Keeps the leather supple and shower proof.

[Rubin215]

black-k1 said:

I use a damp cloth and saddle soap to clean the leather (available form any horse tack shop). Once a year (a winter job) I use Dubbin on the leather but I apply it with a shoe brush and let the leather ‘dry’ for a week after applying it before I buff up with a cloth. Keeps the leather supple and shower proof.

I used to do exactly the same, and still use the saddle soap method now but avoid the dubbin.

I used to hang around with the guy who made the leather gear for Jesse Rae (remember him? Crap Celtic soft rocker from the mid 80's; always wore a leather mask and carried a Claymhor.)
He (the leather guy, not Jesse Rae) advised against dubbin as it traps grit in the stitching which then abrades it and makes the leathers come apart under stress.

His advice was either liquid hide food from a saddlers or good old Kiwi shoe polish as it has the right blend of waxes and nutrients.
I go for Kiwi; it's cheaper!

He also advised changing leather gloves every couple of years whether they are worn out or not as the sweat from your palms rots the leather from the inside fairly quickly.