Kit care question
Discussion
Hi all -
Bit of a silly newbie type question, but here goes:
Now that it's started to get a bit colder, I've been thinking about the storage of my leathers etc. They are stored in the garage with my bike, hanging on one of those metal framed self assembly wardrobes that you can buy cheaply. My garage is internal to the house, so maybe not as cold as some garages, but certainly not hot!
Should I be looking at storing my leathers in the house at room temperature for the winter, or are they fine as they are?
Cheers,
Soss
Bit of a silly newbie type question, but here goes:
Now that it's started to get a bit colder, I've been thinking about the storage of my leathers etc. They are stored in the garage with my bike, hanging on one of those metal framed self assembly wardrobes that you can buy cheaply. My garage is internal to the house, so maybe not as cold as some garages, but certainly not hot!
Should I be looking at storing my leathers in the house at room temperature for the winter, or are they fine as they are?
Cheers,
Soss
When I hang my leathers up for the winter (and get the textiles out) I give them a very thick coating of leather treatment then hang them in a cupboard in the hall. When spring arrives my first job is to polish off any of the excess leather treatment still left on the outside. Doing that means that my 12 year old leathers still look almost like new.
While you don’t want too much variation in temperature, it is probably more important that they are kept in an environment that is not too damp and not too dry. Too damp and the leather will get mildew but too dry will dry the leather out and cause it to crack.
While you don’t want too much variation in temperature, it is probably more important that they are kept in an environment that is not too damp and not too dry. Too damp and the leather will get mildew but too dry will dry the leather out and cause it to crack.
jon- said:
What does everyone use to give their kit one last clean before the winter? My leathers are now hung up inside but i could do with removing the bugs water a sponge couldn't get...
Jon, I use this. It's designed for car leather seats, but does a fantastic job of cleaning and nourishing the leather.
Just bought mine in from the garage and they still feel really supple. I was probably worrying over nothing, but have decided to hang them inside for a little while, leaving my other gear (with the exception of my helmet) in the garage.
S
I always use Renapur on leathers, great stuff, cleans, feeds and waterproofs.
http://www.renapur.com/balsam.htm
http://www.renapur.com/balsam.htm
Be careful using anything that softens the leather too much (i.e. stuff for sofas, fashion jackets and car seats) as it will lower the level of protection your kit affords.
Saddle soap for cleaning, shoe polish for nourishment was the advice I was given years ago by a specialist leather goods manufacturer(!).
Also beware storing kit in a garage unless it is completeley vermin tight; heard a lovely story about someone pulling the kit out in springtime to find that mice had been using it for nesting over the winter and had chewed holes in both the leathers and the linings.
Saddle soap for cleaning, shoe polish for nourishment was the advice I was given years ago by a specialist leather goods manufacturer(!).
Also beware storing kit in a garage unless it is completeley vermin tight; heard a lovely story about someone pulling the kit out in springtime to find that mice had been using it for nesting over the winter and had chewed holes in both the leathers and the linings.
RizzoTheRat said:
I always use Renapur on leathers, great stuff, cleans, feeds and waterproofs.
http://www.renapur.com/balsam.htm
I think someone recommended this on another thread, but I can't find it. Great reco though, this stuff is amazing!http://www.renapur.com/balsam.htm
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