Maintenance of your expensive riding gear

[bluevolt]

Thanks for the advice mate.....
What do u mean by a PROPER detergent (any recommendations??)
I was advised by the shopkeeper that polish it with oil if ever it get wet, and i did just that do u think that could have caused it to decay???

Since you are washing it anyway with the intention of restoring it, even using a strong detergent such as surf excel should not harm. But ONLY if you plan to re-condition the leather afterwards when it is dry with Lexol or leather masters. Make sure you rinse the gloves with water VERY throughly before putting it to dry.

Putting any oil on leather is a bad idea. It has to be a softening agent with proper pH levels which moistens the leather. Something like Glycerine.

All the mold formation on the gloves is due to improper storage (dark, damp place) more than anything else.

[The Stig]

Hmmm.....thanks a ton for the input

will source the conditioner and give it a whirl....

[The Stig]

eBay India: Eagle One - 1STEP LEATHER CLEANER & CONDITIONER (item 140452894525 end time 13-Oct-2010 14:24:03 IST)

hey just found out this link, is it a proper product and is the price quoted proper, or should i go strictly for the brands u recommended(finding it difficult to source them)

Sorry for asking u so much i really dont have any idea as to what i should be looking for and what price is right for it.....

[bluevolt]

Eagle 1 is not ideal, but won't harm your leather. Go ahead and try it.

On the other hand, leathermaster is available in lifestyle department stores in the furniture floor and Lexol is available on 20north.com

[sheelpriye]

I saw leather conditioner by Amway today, good for guys who stay at remote places like me.

[bluevolt]

I finally washed my leather jackets and pants - in water! I was mulling over this for the last few months, but ultimately went ahead and did it since the gear had accumulated so much muck that it was beyond the scope of any other cleaning method. So here's what I did:

I took a bucket of warm water, put in a capful of dishwashing liquid (like Pril) and then dunked the jacket (then later pants) into it). I started rubbing the soiled portions very gently with a piece of cloth dipped into the same solution. The water changed color in no time due to a combination of the dye and the dirt, I dunked the garment in and out of the bucket for half a dozen times, and then started rinsing it with cold water till the water residue was clear in color.

When it comes to drying leather, patience is the key. It is better not to hang it, since the weight of the wet garment might cause de-shaping around the area where the hanger does its job. The best way is to lay it flat on the ground over an old towel, and also stuff keep some for-laundry clothes likes tees inside the garment to absorb the excess water. Keep it overnight, and after the jacket has become lighter, hang it on a hanger and dry under shade.

After a couple of days, the jacket/pants will be semi-dry, and now it is the time to apply leather conditioner. I used the Dainese leather conditioner on my jacket and Lexol on my pants. I first applied one coat of dressing, let it absorb overnight, and then applied the second and third coats on the succeeding nights. You have to keep doing this till the leather feels as soft and supple as it was before the wash. Three coats worked for me, but one might need more.

The conditioning step is crucial - if you wash your leather garments without intending to conditioning it afterwards, the washing will suck out out all the oils and will your leather dry and weaker which will ultimately result in a untimely decay/damage.

[darkknight]

@rahul:I am planning to do the same stuff with my leather jacket.

Any idea where online I can purchase leather conditioner

[bluevolt]

Raje, 20north.com has them. Search for Lexol!
And I saw the leathermasters (the best) conditioner in the Lifestyle department store a few months ago, but last week when I went there I could not find them. Maybe the lifestyle store in Mumbai stocks them?

Otherwise 20north is the best bet.

[Puneet1]

does the type of leather in a jacket also matter when choosing the right cleaner etc ? i have 2 leather riding jackets and both have got dirty due to dust , pollution etc .

[bluevolt]

does the type of leather in a jacket also matter when choosing the right cleaner etc ? i have 2 leather riding jackets and both have got dirty due to dust , pollution etc .

All leather jackets should be treated as one when it comes to cleaning them. If you intend to wash them, read my post above and follow the instructions. Try to source this, I saw them at one of lifestyle department stores sometime back. You would NEED to use this(or Lexol) after washing otherwise your jacket is as good as gone.

[n4speed]

I got this DSG Primal Carbon Fibre Gloves a month back and used it for like 3 small tours.But now it has torn at various point.Mostly at fingertips area.Shud i do a small stitch from the cobbler ? any suggestions ?

[shrinathrao]

Please help me as i am trying to clean the white area of my DSG pheonix jackets but no results though tried with all washing powder, please help.

[vkuchhal]

Please help me as i am trying to clean the white area of my DSG pheonix jackets but no results though tried with all washing powder, please help.

Are you talking about the scotchlite or any thing else.. you may try it wil colin.. or nail polish remover..

[shrinathrao]

Are you talking about the scotchlite or any thing else.. you may try it wil colin.. or nail polish remover..

I am asking for specially the white part near elbow, it gets dirty like hell

[bluevolt]

I am asking for specially the white part near elbow, it gets dirty like hell

What is the material used in that area?