Care For Your Textile Gear

When it comes to maintaining your textile motorcycle gear, proper care is essential not only for the longevity of the garments but also for ensuring that they continue to provide the protection you need while riding. This Race Leathers motorcycle clothing guide will walk you through the best practices for caring for your non-waxed cotton motorcycle garments, emphasising the importance of following care labels and using appropriate cleaning methods.

Understanding Care Labels

Every piece of textile gear comes with a care label that provides specific instructions on how to clean and maintain it. These labels are your first line of defence against damaging your gear. Always read and adhere to these guidelines before attempting any cleaning or maintenance. They often include vital information about washing temperatures, drying methods, and suitable detergents.

Testing Cleaning Products

Before using any specialist cleaning product on your gear, it's crucial to conduct a test in a discreet area of the garment. This step ensures that you can identify any adverse reactions without compromising the entire piece. Apply a small amount of the product on an inconspicuous section and observe how it reacts over 24 hours. If there’s no discolouration or damage, you can proceed with confidence.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

When caring for your textile gear, avoid cleaning products that contain bleach or harsh chemicals. These substances can degrade fabric integrity and compromise protective features like waterproof membranes or abrasion resistance. Opt instead for mild detergents specifically designed for delicate fabrics.

Preparing Your Gear for Cleaning

Before starting the cleaning process, take some preparatory steps:

1. Remove Protective Armour: Carefully remove all protective armour from areas such as shoulders, elbows, and back by opening the Velcro pockets holding them in place. This ensures that both the armour and garment are protected during cleaning.

2. Unzip Removable Liners: If your jacket has removable inner liners, unzip them as well. This allows you to clean each component thoroughly without risking damage.

3. Spot Clean Dirty Areas: For particularly dirty areas, use a lint-free brush or cloth to agitate any grime gently before washing.

Hand Washing Your Garment

The safest method for cleaning non-waxed cotton motorcycle garments is hand washing:

1. Prepare Mild Detergent Solution: Fill a basin with slightly warm water and add a mild detergent without bleach.

2. Submerge Your Garment: Gently submerge your jacket in the solution, allowing it to soak briefly.

3. Agitate Gently: Using your hands or a soft cloth, gently agitate the fabric in soiled areas without scrubbing too hard; this helps lift dirt without damaging fibres.

4. Rinse Thoroughly: Once cleaned, rinse thoroughly with cool water until all detergent is removed.

Optional Water Repellent Treatment

For added protection against moisture, consider applying a water repellent wash or spray such as Nikwax after washing:

• Follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
• Ensure that the garment is clean and dry before application.
• This treatment enhances water repellency without compromising breathability.

Drying Your Garment

Drying is just as important as washing when it comes to caring for your textile gear:

1. Hang Dry Away from Direct Sunlight: After rinsing out all detergent, hang your garment in a warm location but out of direct sunlight to avoid fading or heat damage.

2. Avoid Machine Dryers: Never use machine dryers; they can cause shrinkage and damage delicate materials.

3. Replace Armour and Liners Once Dry: After ensuring that everything is completely dry (which may take some time), replace all protective armour and reinsert any removable liners carefully.

Cleaning Inner Linings

The inner fixed mesh lining can also accumulate dirt over time:

• Spot clean using a gentle process involving sponging or cloth wiping with neutral soap.
• Avoid saturating this area heavily; instead, focus on light cleaning techniques.
• Allow it to dry by hanging in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight.

Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear

Caring for your textile gear doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow these straightforward steps while keeping an eye on care labels and avoiding harsh chemicals. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your garments but also ensures they continue providing optimal protection during rides.

If you have further questions regarding specific products or techniques tailored to your gear's needs, don’t hesitate to consult Race Leathers directly—they're always ready to assist fellow riders in maintaining their essential riding equipment!

By taking these simple yet effective steps in caring for your textile gear, you're investing in both safety and comfort on every ride!

Check out our full range of products, such as motorcycle clothing, motorcycle boots, motorcycle helmets, motorcycle gloves, motorcycle suits, motorcycle 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.