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Can You Put a Motorcycle Jacket in a Washing Machine?

  • 01 Aug 2024
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When it comes to maintaining your motorcycle gear, especially your summer motorcycle suits, one question that often arises is: "Can you put a motorcycle jacket in a washing machine?" The short answer is, it depends. In this blog post, we'll delve into the intricacies of cleaning your motorcycle jacket and provide you with some practical tips to ensure that your gear remains in top condition.

Understanding the Material

Motorcycle jackets are made from various materials, including leather, textile, and mesh. Each material has its own set of care instructions:

Leather Jackets

Leather jackets are a popular choice for many motorcyclists due to their durability and classic look. However, leather requires special care and should never be put in a washing machine. The agitation and water can damage the leather's natural oils, leading to cracking and stiffness.

Textile Jackets

Textile jackets are often made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. These jackets are generally more versatile when it comes to cleaning but still require careful attention to detail.

Mesh Jackets

Mesh jackets are designed for optimal airflow, making them ideal for summer motorcycle suits. While they may seem less delicate than leather or textile options, they still need proper care to maintain their functionality.

Reading the Care Label

Before you even think about putting your motorcycle jacket in the washing machine, take a moment to read the care label. This label provides essential information on how to clean your jacket without causing damage. If the label explicitly states that machine washing is not recommended, it's best to follow those instructions.

Hand Washing - A Safe Alternative

If you're unsure about putting your motorcycle jacket in the washing machine, hand washing is a safer alternative. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix mild detergent with lukewarm water.
  2. Spot Clean: Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub any stains or dirt.
  3. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  4. Dry: Lay the jacket flat on a towel and let it air dry away from direct sunlight.

Machine Washing Textile and Mesh Jackets

If the care label indicates that machine washing is safe for your textile or mesh jacket, follow these steps:

  1. Remove Armour: Take out any removable armour pieces.
  2. Close Zippers and Velcro: Ensure all zippers and Velcro straps are closed.
  3. Use a Gentle Cycle: Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold water.
  4. Mild Detergent: Use a mild detergent specifically designed for synthetic fabrics.
  5. Air Dry: Avoid using a tumble dryer; instead, let the jacket air dry naturally.

Specialised Cleaning Products

For those who want an extra layer of protection for their summer motorcycle suits, specialised cleaning products are available on the market. These products are formulated specifically for motorcycle gear and can help maintain the integrity of the material while effectively removing dirt and grime.

Waterproofing Your Jacket

After cleaning your textile or mesh jacket, it's essential to reapply any waterproofing treatments if applicable. Over time, these treatments can wear off due to exposure to elements like rain and sun.

  1. Choose a Waterproofing Spray: Select one that's suitable for synthetic fabrics.
  2. Apply Evenly: Spray evenly over the entire surface of the jacket.
  3. Let It Dry: Allow sufficient time for drying before wearing it again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When caring for your summer motorcycle suits and jackets, avoid these common mistakes:

  • Using harsh detergents
  • Machine drying
  • Ignoring care labels
  • Skipping waterproofing treatments
  • Exposing leather jackets directly to sunlight while drying 

In summary, whether you can put your motorcycle jacket in a washing machine largely depends on its material and care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Due to their delicate nature, hand cleaning is always recommended for leather jackets. Textile and mesh jackets may be suitable for machine washing but require specific settings and precautions.

Following these guidelines ensures that your summer motorcycle suits remain clean and functional without compromising their quality or safety features.

Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear

Check out our full range of products, such as motorcycle clothingmotorcycle bootsmotorcycle helmetsmotorcycle glovesmotorcycle suitsmotorcycle jackets and motorcycle trousers, which are available online or by visiting our Darwen store today. If you have any questions regarding any of our ranges, please call our customer service team at Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear store on 01254 704 000, and we will be more than happy to help.

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