Your street riding gear is more than just clothingit is a wearable safety system [web:6]. Whether you wear a technical textile touring suit or a classic leather sport jacket, your gear is constantly battling road grime, UV rays, exhaust fumes, and insect acids.
Over time, dirt clogs the breathable membranes of waterproof gear, and bug splatter can eat away at leather finishes. Neglecting your gear doesn't just make it look bad; it degrades the safety fibers and armor placement that you rely on. Below is a professional method for cleaning street motorcycle apparel that preserves waterproofing, revitalizes leather, and keeps you looking sharp on the road.
What You'll Need
- For Textile: Technical detergent (like Nikwax Tech Wash) or very mild liquid soap
- For Leather: Dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner
- Soft-bristle brush or microfiber cloths
- Bathtub or large basin (for hand washing)
- Hangers (heavy-duty plastic or wood, never thin wire)
- Waterproofing spray (DWR) for textile gear
- Avoid: Powdered detergents, fabric softeners (these destroy waterproofing!), bleach, and high-heat commercial dryers [web:4].
Step 1: Strip the Armor and Liners
Before you wash anything, you need to deconstruct your gear.
- Remove all impact armor (elbows, shoulders, back, knees). Note which piece goes wherethey are often shaped specifically for left or right [web:5].
- Unzip and remove thermal or waterproof drop-liners.
- Check all pockets for earplugs, keys, or receipts.
- Fasten all main zippers and Velcro tabs to prevent them from snagging on the fabric during washing.
Step 2: Spot Clean the "Bug Zone"
Street riders know the struggle of bug splatter. If left too long, the acids in insect remains can stain lighter fabrics and damage leather [web:21][web:29].
- Lay a warm, wet towel over the bug-splattered areas for 5-10 minutes to soften the hardened residue.
- Gently wipe away the debris with a microfiber cloth.
Step 3: The Wash (Leather vs. Textile)
For Leather Gear:
- Never put leather in a washing machine [web:7].
- Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and leather cleaner.
- Clean the interior mesh liner with a damp sponge and antimicrobial spray to neutralize odors.
For Textile Gear (Gore-Tex / Cordura):
- Hand wash in a bathtub with lukewarm water and technical detergent [web:16].
- If your gear's care label allows machine washing, use a front-loader on a gentle cycle with slow spin.
- Crucial: Do not use fabric softener. It coats the fibers and ruins the breathability and water-resistance of membranes like Gore-Tex [web:4].
Step 4: Reactivate the Waterproofing (Textile Only)
If your waterproof gear is "wetting out" (absorbing water instead of beading it), the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating needs help [web:22].
- Wash-in: Use a wash-in waterproofer in the machine or tub.
- Spray-on: While the gear is still damp, spray a DWR treatment on the outer shell [web:24].
- Heat Activation: Most DWR coatings need low heat to reactivate. If the care label permits, tumble dry on low heat for 20 minutes. If not, line dry.
Step 5: Dry Properly (The Patient Phase)
Heavy street gear takes time to dry. Rushing this step can lead to mildew or material damage.
- Hang gear on a wide, heavy-duty hanger to support the weight of wet fabric [web:1].
- Dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight can fade heavy-duty nylon and dry out leather.
- Ensure pockets are open so air can circulate inside.
Step 6: Condition and Re-Assemble
Once the gear is bone dry:
- Leather: Apply a quality leather conditioner. Massage it in and let it absorb overnight. This keeps the hide flexible and prevents it from tearing during a slide [web:26].
- Re-install Armor: Double-check that knee and elbow pads are seated correctly in their pockets. Twisted armor can be uncomfortable and dangerous.
How Often Should You Clean Street Gear?
- Light Clean: Wipe down bugs and road dust after every long ride.
- Deep Clean: Once or twice a season (or whenever you notice water stopping to bead up).
- Liners: Wash thermal/sweat liners as often as normal laundry to keep odors at bay.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fabric softener (the #1 killer of waterproof gear).
- Washing gear with the armor still inside.
- Storing damp gear in a closet (leads to mold).
- Scrubbing reflective strips too hard, causing them to peel.
Final Tip for Street Riders
Your riding suit is your second skin. When you take care of it, it takes care of you. Regular cleaning doesn't just keep you looking pro; it ensures that zippers don't burst and fabrics don't fail when you need them most.