Caring for your motorcycle gear

It isnt just about keeping things looking sharp—it also makes sure your equipment sticks by you when it counts. Regular cleaning and upkeep can really boost the lifespan of everything from your helmet to your riding jeans. Here’s a down-to-earth guide that jumps around a bit in order but covers all the must-know tips on cleaning helmets, jackets (leather and technical fabrics alike), boots, gloves, and even denim riding pants. You’ll find advice on which soaps and sprays to use, how to dry your gear, and little extras that can make a difference, all explained in a relaxed, no-fuss way.

1. Helmets

Start with your helmet. Mix a bit of mild detergent—dish soap works fine—with warm water, and gently wipe the shell using a soft microfiber cloth. Some folks also swear by helmet-specific sprays (think Nikwax Helmet Cleaner) because they lift away sweat, oil, and dirt without messing with the EPS lining. Generally speaking, avoid using alcohol or abrasive cleaners since they can quickly degrade both the shell and the liner. Once cleaned, if you can, remove any detachable liners and let everything air dry in a shady, breezy spot (direct sunlight can be harsh on these materials). Storing it in a padded bag away from extreme temperatures is key. Oh, and don’t forget to occasionally check the visor mechanisms and, if they feel a bit stiff, a light spritz of silicone lubricant—like WD-40 Specialist Silicone—can help keep things moving smoothly.

2. Jackets

Jacket care splits into two parts, depending on what you’re wearing. For leather jackets, a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner (Lexol is a good option here) works well to keep the leather soft and flexible; spot cleaning with a soft, damp cloth can handle minor stains. In contrast, textile jackets—especially those made from Gore-Tex or similar fabrics—do best with a technical fabric cleaner such as Granger’s Performance Wash. Using cold water, either by hand or on a gentle machine cycle, preserves that waterproof coating. Once you’re done, let the jacket hang out to air dry naturally, away from any direct heat, and store it on padded hangers in a cool, dry area. In most cases, reapplying a waterproofing treatment (for example, Nikwax TX.Direct) after a few washes is a smart move.

3. Boots

Boot care depends a lot on the material. For leather boots, start with a bit of saddle soap or a specialized leather cleaner like Fiebing’s Saddle Soap to get rid of dirt, then follow up with a polish and leather conditioner to bring back that supple feel. If your boots are synthetic or composite, a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water should be enough—some brands even offer boot-specific cleaning products if you’re into that. Always let the boots air dry naturally; please avoid using direct heat or the dryer since that can lead to cracking. Storing them in a cool, dry place (stuffing them with newspaper or using boot trees to help maintain shape) also goes a long way. A periodic splash of waterproofing spray—especially for leather boots—can help them stay water-resistant when the weather turns wet.

4. Gloves

Gloves get a gentle touch. For most textile or synthetic versions, a wipe down with a damp cloth and a dash of mild detergent is usually enough to remove dirt and sweat. Leather gloves, on the other hand, need a bit more care: use a leather cleaner and conditioner (Lexol works nicely here too) and treat stubborn spots with a soft brush and a diluted cleaner. Lay your gloves flat to air dry, keeping them away from direct sunshine or heat sources. When it comes to storage, a dry, well-ventilated area is best—steer clear of plastic bags, since they trap moisture. A light sprinkle of baking soda or an occasional glove deodorizer can keep any odors at bay.

5. Jeans

Even your denim riding pants deserve some attention. Washing them in cold water with a mild detergent (ideally one made for denim) helps maintain both the color and the fabric’s strength. For small stains, a damp cloth with a touch of detergent often does the trick. Just be sure to avoid bleach or any harsh chemicals, as these can weaken the fabric over time.

Taking care of your motorcycle gear isn’t an overly complicated chore—you just need to use the right products and give each item a bit of its own specialized routine. A few well-timed cleaning sessions and minor maintenance tweaks not only keep your gear looking good but also ensure it stays ready to protect you on every ride. Enjoy the open road and ride safe! Hang your jeans up to air-dry—tumble dryers tend to shrink them, so it’s best to skip that. You can fold them or hang them in a cool, dry spot; either way works fine. And if you need a crisp look, iron them on low heat, but always use a pressing cloth to keep the fabric safe.

Now, about those riding pants: if they’re made with Gore‐Tex or similar tough materials, try a technical cleaner like Granger’s Performance Wash. When hand washing is more your style, cold water with just a dab of mild detergent will do the trick. For extra stubborn dirt in reinforced spots, a soft brush can help lift the grime gently.

When drying these pants, laying them flat or hanging them in a well-ventilated area is key—direct heat might damage the waterproof coating. To keep their shape (especially if they have built-in armor), hanging them on padded hangers is the way to go. And don’t forget to reapply a waterproof treatment, such as Nikwax TX.Direct, every so often to keep that water repellency in top shape.

goodgearwrap In most cases, taking a bit of time to care for your gear really pays off. Regular upkeep keeps helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, jeans, and riding pants in good condition, meaning they’ll continue to protect you on every ride. Spend those extra minutes on maintenance, and you might just ride safer and longer. Ride safe and enjoy the ride!