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How do I keep my leathers in good shape?

Gixxergirl1000 said:
You know, Jeff, I was thinking about having a "Leathers Washing Party" later this summer. It'd be a good thing to do on a day it's too hot to ride... everyone could come over, I'd get some galvanized tubs, and we could get the leathers washed, soaped, and oiled, and have a Barbeque while they dry. Watcha think?
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I think that is win. :thumbup
 
I don't think I've let my leather get dirty enough to use saddle soap. but if its been neglected saddle soap works.

lexol cleaner and conditioner for me.


don't put your leathers away in a closet until they are dry (sweat, water, etc.)
 
Social DK, are you talking about the ones you wear riding or the pink ones you wear to the clubs? You are NEVER getting those clean.
 
Have been wearing the same leather jacket almost daily for close to 20 yrs. Every 6 mos or so I take a damp rag to it then follow up w/ mink oil........rub it in then buff it off. It's been out in the rain for days and crashed over 100' once.

No cracks or dry spots. Replaced a number of zippers and that's it.
 
Gixxergirl1000 said:
SADDLE SOAP is what you use to CLEAN leather.

I've ridden horses for decades... keeping saddles, bridles, cinches, breast collars, etc clean is what prevents them from snapping/failing. So it's important to keep your leather gear clean.
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I always tell people this simple, inexpensive solution. But, nooooo, everyone wants some stupid fancy nonsense that doesn't do the job as well.

If cattlemen and cattleladies (? :)) have been doing this for centuries on some of the funkiest, used, smelly leather, you would think SOMEONE riding a motorized horse might catch on. (Granddad was a cowboy, btw).
 
Gixxergirl1000 said:
Every once in awhile, use some neatsfoot oil.
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You mean, I'm gonna actually get to use than 20 yo can of neatsfoot I've got in my garage! I think I bought it for an old Brooks leather bicycle saddle. Either that or a baseball glove. Can't remember.
 
For the best care go see Helmut at Helimot. Helmut has the secret sauce that he found works best for sale at his shop. Don't drool on the leathers he has on display.
 
clutchslip said:
I always tell people this simple, inexpensive solution. But, nooooo, everyone wants some stupid fancy nonsense that doesn't do the job as well.

If cattlemen and cattleladies (? :)) have been doing this for centuries on some of the funkiest, used, smelly leather, you would think SOMEONE riding a motorized horse might catch on. (Granddad was a cowboy, btw).
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Saddlesoap is the best product available for cleaning leather. Neatsfoot oil is the best product for conditioning leather. Periodically rinsing the inside of your leathers out is important to get the salt out. Salt will, over time, eat the leather. So a good rinsing is important. Let them air dry, out of direct sun, but where it's warm enough to dry fairly quickly. Use of saddlesoap and then a bit of neatsfoot oil will leave your leathers, clean, fresh-smelling, and supple.
And I'll bet your Granddad knew the value of saddle soap! :laughing
 
ZXR400SP said:
If you have a front loading washer you can wash them, air dry, rub in lanolin once dry.
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I wouldn't recommend that. You can damage leather when it's wet. If you want to actually wash your leathers, get a large tub (like what you'd put a keg of beer in, for instance), use warm water and something like Woolite, hand wash them in the tub, and then rinse well with a garden hose. Lay them on beach towels, cover with another, and roll up to absorb moisture. Then use a sturdy hanger, and let them air dry. Work Neatsfoot oil into them before they're completely dry. Wipe off the excess oil, buff with an old t-shirt.
 
Gixxergirl1000 said:
Saddlesoap is the best product available for cleaning leather. Neatsfoot oil is the best product for conditioning leather. Periodically rinsing the inside of your leathers out is important to get the salt out. Salt will, over time, eat the leather. So a good rinsing is important. Let them air dry, out of direct sun, but where it's warm enough to dry fairly quickly. Use of saddlesoap and then a bit of neatsfoot oil will leave your leathers, clean, fresh-smelling, and supple.
And I'll bet your Granddad knew the value of saddle soap! :laughing
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And IF you leathers get really dried out, you can actually heat neetsfoot oil and apply it with a paintbrush. (I have rescued several old saddles this way.) It's fun to watch the dry leather suck up the oil. (speaking of which, I have three saddles in the closet that haven been oiled in 19 years...hmmmmm)
 
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