Piney's blog: "Motorcycles and riding"

REMOVING MILDEW
To remove mildew from leather, create a mixture of one-cup rubbing alcohol per one-cup of water. Wipe the mildew area with a cloth dipped in the diluted alcohol, then allow it to dry. If the mildew persists, use mild soap and water that contains a germicide, then remove with a clean dampened cloth and allow to dry.

WET LEATHER
An important key to keeping leather in top-notch condition is to treat wet leather before it has a chance to dry. Remove any dirt, mud, or other stains with a cleaning agent, then condition while the pores are still fully responsive. It is critical to remember that leather should be dried away from heat. If the leather in question is a garment, it's a good idea to stuff the garment to retain shape.


REMOVING STAINS
Fresh stains from things such as blood and food can be cleaned up quickly with a damp cloth. Stains from oil or grease can be lifted by grinding ordinary blackboard chalk, sprinkling the area, and leaving the powder on for a twenty-four hour period. Resist the urge to rub the powder in. After a sufficient time has past, simply use a leather care brush to remove the powder. While fresh stains can be treated and cleaned at home, ground-in stains should be attended to by a professional cleaner who deals in leather.


LEATHER CARE
Routine cleaning is important to the longevity of your motorcycle leathers. A complete cleaning twice a year, followed by a conditioner and protectant, will maintain a beautiful finish and increase durability. If you ever notice that your leathers feel dry or stiff, it is a sign that they need to be conditioned. It is best to avoid letting them reach that state. DO NOT use leather cleaner on Nubuck or Suede, simply clean with a damp sponge.


LEATHER CLEANING
To clean a leather item, first choose a cleaner that will help preserve the natural lubricating oils instead of stripping them. Always pre-test in an inconspicuous area for it's effect and possible color distortion with a soft, clean, white lint-free cloth. Gently apply leather cleaner product. If your item is extremely dry, add 25% distilled water to the leather cleaner. This gives the dampening effect you need to release the soil for cleaning. To clean, apply leather cleaner to a sponge, squeezing to create foam. Apply foam to soiled area in a gentle circular motion. Dont Rub always use gentle circular motion for all applications and apply in light coats. Wait a few minutes, then blot with a soft, clean white lint-free cloth and reapply if area is heavily soiled. For areas with stitches, there are brushes available on the market. Leather will dry naturally, but to speed up drying time, a hair dryer held at a 300 degree angle can be used.


LEATHER CONDITIONING

Leather conditioners are meant for occasional use. They contain fats and/or oils that help lubricate leather and replenish the suppleness. Look for a product that will penetrate the strong fibers in leather. While petroleum by-products won't damage your leather immediately, they do over a period of time. Again, just as with cleaning, keep on the look out for thick, greasy conditioning treatments for the best care of your leather.


PROTECTING YOUR LEATHERS
Moisture barriers are extremely crucial in preventing rain or other liquid hazards from damaging leather. Stiffness and spouting will happen if leather isn't protected beforehand. There is a drawback in protecting leather with a moisture barrier product. They tend to fill in the pores with a greasiness that makes cleaning, conditioning, and polishing difficult, but it's a necessary process to ensure leather isn't destroyed. Periodically apply a moisture barrier and allow it time to penetrate and dry before using your leather item.