After a winter of track launches, road rides, or cornering practice at California SuperBike School, your leather motorcycle apparel might not look too bad—just a few bug splats and rubber marks. Even if they aren’t in terrible shape, it’s still important to clean and care for them. Aim to perform a thorough clean once or twice a year to maintain their condition, as leather can be challenging to keep in top shape.

A word of caution, though, leather for a motorcycle apparel can come from various sources—kangaroo, cowhide, or goatskin—each needing specific care. Goat and lambskins are softer and require lighter conditioners, while cowhide and kangaroo leathers need heavier, all-weather products.

Three Phases of Cleaning Leather Motorcycle Gear

Many riders are drawn to the classic look, feel, and unmatched abrasion resistance of traditional leather. But leather requires meticulous care to maintain its integrity. To achieve that coveted worn-in look while preserving the functionality and quality of your leather gear, you need to focus on three essential phases:

1. Clean the Interior:
   • Remove any removable parts, including internal armor and liner
   • Air out gear 
   • Apply de-salter to eliminate odor
2. Clean the Exterior:
   • Use a high-quality leather cleaner and a soft cotton terrycloth rag
   • Apply the cleaner to the rag, not directly to the gear
   • Gently clean the jacket with the rag
   • Allow the jacket to dry
3. Condition the Gear:
   • Apply a leather conditioner using a damp sponge
   • Allow it to dry
   • Remember to limit conditioning to twice a year to avoid discoloration from excessive oil.

Cleaning and conditioning your leather gear allows you to inspect any damages and identify areas that may require additional cleaning. And while the above process severally mentions jackets, the same phases apply to one-piece leather race suits, two-piece leather suits, and even leather gloves.

How to Clean and Care for Your Motorcycle Leathers

Here’s how to keep them looking and performing as they should:

1. Dissemble the suit completely for through cleaning:
   • Wash the liner on a gentle cycle in a washer or hand wash it
   • Remove armor and knee pucks from the suit
   • Soak the suit in lukewarm water with powdered soap and scrub the leather with a microfiber cloth
   • Gently soak and squeeze the suit
2. Wring out excess water from the suit over a bath
3. Lay the suit on towels and move it front to back, changing to dry towels if needed
4. Allow the suit to dry for a day or two before hanging it to prevalent shoulder stretching or suit shrinkage due to forced drying
5. Once the suit is dry, it may have a crisp texture. Condition the leather as follows:
   • Use a leather conditioner specially designed for race suits
   • Apply the conditioner to the suit and rub it in
   • Reassemble the suit and hang it to dry
   • Apply a second layer of conditioner to ensure complete coverage.

By following these steps, you can maintain the durability and appearance of your leather motorcycle gear, ensuring it remains protective and stylish for even 20 years to come.

How to Clean and Care for Your Textile Motorcycle Gear

For textile motorcycle gear, which is versatile and affordable for those thrilling rides on roads like The Tail of the Dragon, cleaning is relatively straightforward. Regular maintenance involves washing them thoroughly every two weeks or once a month if you ride frequently.

1. Gather Your Supplies: Before you start, assemble all necessary items: a soft brush, a clean cloth, warm water, mild soap (like gentle laundry detergent), and, if needed, a stain remover for more persistent spots.
2. Remove Armor and Liners: Take out any armor and detachable liners from the jacket or vest. Be sure to follow any specific cleaning instructions for these components provided by the manufacturer. Some jackets may also benefit from a waterproofing treatment to maintain their resistance to water.
3. Dust Off Debris: Use a damp cloth to gently remove surface dust and dirt from your gear.
4. Treat Stains: For tougher stains, apply a stain remover according to the product’s directions. Allow it to sit for the recommended time to effectively break down the stain.
5. Hand Wash: Fill a sink or bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap. Dip a clean cloth into the soapy solution and wring it out. Carefully clean the jacket by rubbing the soiled areas, paying special attention to high-contact spots like the collar, cuffs, and elbows. Avoid aggressive scrubbing to prevent damage, and use only a soft cloth.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the cloth with clean water and wring it out. Use this to wipe down the jacket, ensuring all soap residue is removed. Make sure to rinse all areas thoroughly.
7. Dry Properly: Blot excess water from the jacket with a clean, dry towel. Avoid twisting the jacket, as this can distort the fabric. Hang it on a hanger or lay it flat in a well-ventilated space, keeping it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Do not use a dryer, as it can damage the fabric.

Hand washing is generally preferred over machine washing. The spin cycle can be too harsh, potentially damaging the fabric, zippers, seams, and other features, which can impact their performance and longevity.

How to Clean and Care for Your Motorcycle Helmet

Wearing your motorcycle helmet in all conditions—whether it’s hurricanes, mud pits, insect swarms, heat waves, rain, or shine—can reduce the risk of head and traumatic brain injuries by 63%-88% for all ages.

In a crash, the outer shell crushes to spread and reduce the impact force, while the EPS liner compresses to absorb G-forces and safeguard your brain. Helmets also protect your face, reducing abrasion injuries by 65% and shielding against 100% of impacts from bugs and pebbles. Inside, the padding wicks away sweat, dampens wind/road noise, and protects your hearing.

Yet proper washing and maintenance are crucial for maintaining its effectiveness:

• Ensures Maximum Protection: Regular care keeps the helmet’s protective properties intact. A well-maintained helmet is more effective in an impact.
• Maintains Structural Integrity: Helps you spot cracks or dents early. Replace the helmet if you find any cracks. Even a seemingly harmless tumble can turn your helmet into a decorative paperweight by secretly damaging the EPS liner, making it unsafe.
• Extends Helmet Longevity: Proper cleaning prevents dirt buildup, which can make a helmet sticky, and reduces material deterioration. Store your helmet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend its lifespan to 5-7 years with normal use, or potentially for a lifetime if not used.
• Enhances Visibility: Cleaning the visor ensures clear vision. Dirt and bugs can obscure your view, while the right cleaning product leaves a protective film that repels water and reduces fogging.
• Boosts Comfort: Cleaning the interior removes sweat, dirt, and odors, making the helmet more pleasant for long rides.
• Improves Hygiene: Regularly cleaning both the exterior and interior prevents bacteria buildup and odors from sweat, ensuring better hygiene and health.

Basically, cleaning a helmet involves three phrases:

1. Exterior cleaning
2. Visor cleaning
3. Interior cleaning

After every ride, quickly clean your helmet’s exterior with a process I call the post-ride wipe down to prevent dead bugs from hardening and potentially damaging the finish. Wet a paper towel or microfiber cloth and place it over the debris for a minute or two to soften it. Then, gently scrub the surface with a cloth or towel until it shines.

For stubborn spots, use a motorcycle-specific cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals—window cleaner and dish soap are too strong and can damage your helmet’s surface, especially window cleaner, which can dry out and accelerate aging.

But a deep cleaning session is crucial a couple of times a season, ideally every three months. A process that takes an hour or two, plus drying time for the interior padding. I recommend doing this over a weekend or two days before you plan to ride to allow enough time for everything to dry completely.

11-Step Thorough Helmet Cleaning Process

Here is a step-by-step guide to a thorough helmet cleaning process, based on the best practices I’ve perfected over 50 years of motorcycling experience:

Step 1: Gather Cleaning Supplies

As with any task, having everything in order from the start will make the process more efficient. People may have their own preferences, but here are the essential items to get you started:

• Microfiber Cloths: These are excellent for washing the helmet and cleaning the faceshield. Always use a clean rag to avoid scratching the helmet’s exterior finish with trapped dirt particles.
• Soft Brushes: A cheap toothbrush with soft bristles is perfect for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as around the faceshield gaskets and vents.
• Mild Soap: Choose a non-petroleum-based cleaning agent. Baby shampoo is a popular choice due to its gentle nature.
• A Bucket of Warm Water: Warm water helps to gently loosen dirt and bugs without harming the helmet materials.
• Compressed Air: If available, an air compressor on low pressure is ideal for cleaning air vents. Avoid using air from an aerosol can, as it can erode the EPS liner and reduce the helmet’s protective capabilities.

Above all, ensure you have a well-ventilated area with ample space to work.

Step 2: Remove Electronics and Accessories

It may sound basic, but this step is crucial and often overlooked. Before you wash your motorcycle helmet, make sure to remove any internal electronic accessories, such as:

• Microphones
• Antennas
• Batteries
• Bluetooth communicator units

If you have a dual-sport or off-road helmet with a peak, it’s much easier to remove it and clean it separately.

Step 3: Detach the Interior Lining

Although manufacturers may have slightly different designs, removing the internal liner and cheek pads is usually straightforward. Here’s how:

• Take Out the Comfort Pads and Liner: Most pads and liners attach with snaps, but some use hook-and-loop material or even magnets. A few strategic tugs should release them.
• Check the Owner’s Manual: For specific instructions related to your helmet model, refer to your owner’s manual.
• Set Aside the Liners: Once you’ve removed the cheek pads and main liner, set them aside.

We’ll clean these in Step 5.

Step 4: Loosen Dirt and Bugs

To tackle stubborn bugs and grime, soak a soft cloth in warm water and place it over the helmet’s shell and visor for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help loosen the debris, making it easier to clean while minimizing the risk of scratching.

Leave the damp cloth in place while you proceed to Step 5.

Step 5: Clean the Interior Lining

The interior of a motorcycle helmet usually requires the most care, as sweat, oils, and grime can build up over time. To clean it thoroughly, fill a sink, tub, or bucket with warm water and a mild baby shampoo. Submerge each piece of the helmet liner and cheek pads in the soapy water, then scrub and massage them gently.

Baby shampoo is perfect for this task because its gentle formula efficiently cleans away sweat and oils without damaging the materials.

Step 6: Wash the Helmet’s Exterior

Once you’ve removed the wet cloth from Step 4, take off the faceshield and set it aside. Using a fresh, damp microfiber cloth, gently wipe down the exterior of the helmet to remove any remaining dirt.

Stick to warm water only, as harsh solvents like petroleum-based solvents, alcohol, or acetone can erode and weaken the helmet’s materials, diminishing its effectiveness.

For tricky spots that are hard to reach, a soft toothbrush can be quite handy. If your helmet has a glossy finish, consider applying a helmet-specific polish to keep it looking sharp. For matte helmets, use a mild soap solution with lukewarm water and a fine, lint-free towel to tackle any sticky residue.

Step 7: Clear the Vents

During intense rides, dirt or insects can often become lodged in your helmet’s vents. To clear out any debris and restore proper airflow, use an air compressor—never an aerosol can. This quick blast will keep your helmet comfortable and well-ventilated.

Step 8: Clean the Visor/Faceshield

Most modern faceshields have protective coatings like UV protection and anti-fog treatments. To ensure you don’t damage these coatings, clean your faceshield with only warm water. Here’s the best way to care for it:

• Warm Water Only: Use warm water for cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals.
• Consult the Manual: Check the owner’s manual for specific care instructions to avoid voiding warranties.
• Microfiber Cloth: Use a wet microfiber cloth to gently wipe away dirt, dust, and smudges.
• Soften Debris: Drape a wet rag over the faceshield for a few minutes to soften dried-on bugs and debris for easier removal.

Special Care for Pinlock-Equipped Visors

• Separate Components: Remove the inner lens from the outer faceshield to clean both sides of each piece.
• Gentle Cleaning: Use warm water and a microfiber cloth to clean each part.
• Protect the Gasket: Avoid damaging the gasket on the inner lens, as it is essential for the Pinlock system to function correctly.

Step 9: Wipe Down the Internal Sun Shield

If your helmet has an internal sun shield, it usually stays relatively clean. But if it becomes dusty, here’s what to do:

• Light Spray: Lightly spray the sun shield with water.
• Wipe with Microfiber Towel: Gently wipe it clean with a microfiber towel.
• Keep in Place: Avoid removing the sun shield unless necessary, as it can be difficult to reinstall.

Step 10: Air Dry Everything

Allow the liner, cheek pads, and helmet interior to air dry fully in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct heat sources such as sunlight, hairdryers, or heaters. Ideally, start the drying process at least one or two days before your next ride to ensure everything is completely dry.

Ensure all parts are entirely dry to prevent odors and mold. If the interior is excessively worn, consider replacing it with a new set.

Step 11: Reassemble the Helmet

Begin reassembling your helmet by putting the dry liner and cheek pads back in place. Then, reattach the faceshield and any other parts you removed.

Pro Tip: Contrary to common advice, avoid fully submerging your helmet in water, even for short periods like 15 to 20 minutes. Since you typically can’t remove the energy-absorbing EPS liner and retention system, soaking the helmet can let water reach these crucial components, potentially compromising their safety and effectiveness. If the interior isn’t removable, clean it with a cloth dampened in lukewarm water and mild soap. For frequent use, consider a helmet with a removable liner for easier upkeep.

So, take good care of your motorcycle gear, and it will take good care of you!

Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations:

• Demonerosso Dainese

To read the full history of AGV Helmets and AGV Sports Group, click here.

For more information about AGVSPORT, see the Wikipedia page here