Read more on how to take proper care of your riding gloves. After withstanding heat, dust and grime, take care with this essential guide.
Motorcycle gloves are an integral part of your riding gear, offering protection, comfort, and improved grip. However, like any piece of equipment, they require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure they perform optimally and last longer. Motorcycle gloves improve your grip on the handlebars, especially in wet or sweaty conditions. The material and design of riding gloves help maintain a secure hold, which is crucial for controlling the motorcycle and ensuring safety.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your motorcycle gloves in top condition, with a focus on essential cleaning and maintenance tips.
Why Maintain Your Motorcycle Gloves?
Motorcycling gloves are made from various materials, each offering different levels of protection, comfort, and functionality. Leather is one of the key materials. It is often used for its durability and natural abrasion resistance. Textiles that focus on durable synthetic fabric also offer good abrasion resistance and breathability. These are more lightweight and often used in conjunction with other materials for added protection. Synthetic leather that mimics the properties of natural leather is another material that is used for riding gloves. It is durable, flexible, and often used in sports gloves for its water resistance and breathability. Many brands also have hybrid combinations to get the best of both worlds.
Regular maintenance of different kinds of riding gloves is crucial for several important reasons.
- Longevity: Proper care extends the life of your riding gloves.
- Performance: Clean motorcycle gloves maintain their grip and comfort, ensuring you have control over your motorcycle.
- Hygiene: Riding gloves can accumulate sweat, dirt, and bacteria, which can cause odours and skin irritation.
Cleaning Your Motorcycle Gloves
Riding safety includes taking proper care of your riding gloves as even if they show no visible signs of wear, materials can degrade gradually. This affects their abrasion resistance and shock-absorbing capabilities.
- Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Before cleaning, always check the manufacturer’s care instructions. Different materials require specific cleaning methods. For example, leather riding gloves need a different approach compared to textile riding gloves.
- Spot Cleaning
For minor dirt and stains the cleansing process is slightly different for the two prime materials:
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Leather Gloves: Use a damp cloth with mild soap to gently clean the surface. Avoid soaking the leather as it can become stiff.
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Textile Gloves: Use a soft brush or cloth with mild detergent to remove dirt and grime.
- Deep Cleaning
Instructions for different materials are unique:
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Leather Gloves: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of leather cleaner. Gently submerge the gloves and use your hands to work the cleaner into the leather. Rinse with clean water and gently squeeze out excess water.
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Textile Gloves: Machine wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, or hand wash using lukewarm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residues.
- Drying Your Motorcycle Gloves
Proper drying is essential to avoid damaging the gloves:
- Avoid Direct Heat: Never place gloves on a radiator, in direct sunlight, or use a hairdryer. Excessive heat can cause the materials to shrink or crack.
- Air Dry: Gently reshape the gloves and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area. Stuffing the gloves with paper towels can help maintain their shape and speed up drying.
- Conditioning and Waterproofing
For leather gloves, conditioning and waterproofing are crucial:
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Conditioning: Once the motorcycle gloves are dry, apply a leather conditioner to keep them soft and supple. This prevents the leather from drying out and cracking.
- Waterproofing: Apply a waterproofing spray or wax designed for leather to protect your riding gloves from water damage.
- Regular Maintenance Tips
- Inspect Regularly: Check your gloves for signs of wear and tear, such as loose stitching or thinning material. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
- Store Properly: Store your gloves in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid folding them to maintain their shape.
- Rotate Gloves: If you ride frequently, consider having more than one pair of gloves. Rotating gloves allows each pair to dry out and reduces wear and tear.
- Maintaining your motorcycle gloves is an essential part of your riding gear care routine. By following these cleaning and maintenance tips, you can ensure your riding gloves remain in excellent condition, providing the protection, comfort, and grip you need for a safe and enjoyable ride. Regular care not only extends the life of your riding gloves but also enhances your overall riding experience.
For more information on motorcycle gloves and other riding gear, visit Reise Moto store or www.reisemoto.com. Stay safe, and keep riding!
- Team Reise Moto
