So I have had my leather jacket and pants for about a month. I know about taking care of the leather and have the stuff for that. How do you deal with the sweat and smells that are likely to accumulate over time. My stuff is still "new." I can't wash it. It's bound to become stinky. What do you do? I see used clothed for sale, but without being able to wash it, it grosses me out to wear someone else's cooties (especially pants).
I wear lightweight long underwear (from REI) underneath the leathers, so I just have to wash those. They actually help keep me feeling cooler on hot days, as I don't get "stuck" to the leather.
Quote from: msincredible on May 16, 2008, 01:08:03 PM
I wear lightweight long underwear (from REI) underneath the leathers, so I just have to wash those. They actually help keep me feeling cooler on hot days, as I don't get "stuck" to the leather.
you dont count girls dont smell.
I posted this tidbit of advice on TOB, don't know if anyone ever actually tried it, 'cause it sounds a little whacky.
But, regardless, this is what we do in professional theater with costumes that can't be washed or dry cleaned. We spray the offending parts (usually the armpits, but you can do it anywhere) with the cheapest vodka we can find. Yes, vodka. The alcohol kills the bacteria causing the smell, and then evaporates leaving no discernible smell itself. Really. Also, air that thing out really well every time you wear it. That will help keep the smell down, too.
I'd also advise +1 on wearing some sort of washable under-layer.
Cheers! ;)
KT
An additional advantage to wearing a thin underlayer (some type of tights) is that the leather will slide on more easily, IMHO. I had my leathers on the other evening but hadn't another layer and when I had to use the bathroom, I was wrestling myself back into the pants (quite the show).
I also scuba dive and have a thin "skin" that I wear under my wetsuit. This works for leathers as well.
If it's colder out, I wear a layer of UnderArmour.
duqette thanks for the professional tip! So far I have always worn some type of long sleeves so I didn't start sweating onto the jacket lining. I also plan on getting some summer Underarmor wear but just haven't made it to the store yet.
how about bug guts on tech fabric?
any advice?
I just wash my textile jackets.
Take the armor out if you can. Close any velcro flaps. Put the garmet in a mesh "delicate" bag (the textiles always want to ravel). Always a good idea to pre-treat heavy bug splat. Hang dry.
Fresh.
Quote from: DuCaTiNi on May 20, 2008, 10:12:27 AM
how about bug guts on tech fabric?
any advice?
What is "tech fabric"?
I mean, what is it made out of? Cow? or Oil? (That's pretty much your two choices in biker gear ;))
Another option is dry cleaning.
Quote from: BikerGoddess on May 20, 2008, 12:19:03 PM
Another option is dry cleaning.
You can dry clean leathers? :-\ The chemicals aren't bad for the leather? That would be a good way to clean used stuff.
Some people may disagree, but if you think about it, this happens to leathers all the time if you do track days or race in the rain. The method I and several other people do is throw them in the tub with some saddle soap. It gets the dirt and dust off if you've wrecked and helps to unstink the inner lining.
As for girls not stinking? You gotta be kiddin' me. Emily + leathers + sweating my tush off all day at the track = ewwwwww
Quote from: mbalmer on May 20, 2008, 06:27:31 PM
You can dry clean leathers? :-\ The chemicals aren't bad for the leather? That would be a good way to clean used stuff.
I think there are treatments for cleaning leather. You have to take it to a leather-cleaning specialist.
I've always been taught that leather is like (hello) skin. You can clean it with mild soap and water as long as you don't soak it. Treat it with lotion to keep it supple and moist, and it will last forever. Once it gets dried out, though, it can't be resuscitated.
Quote from: duqette on May 20, 2008, 10:06:49 PM
I think there are treatments for cleaning leather. You have to take it to a leather-cleaning specialist.
I've always been taught that leather is like (hello) skin. You can clean it with mild soap and water as long as you don't soak it. Treat it with lotion to keep it supple and moist, and it will last forever. Once it gets dried out, though, it can't be resuscitated.
Ditto. This is why it's difficult (in some cities/towns) to locate a dry cleaner who does leathers. It's also expen$ive but worthwhile if you've tried every other method or just don't have the time. I've used Wash Club (http://www.washclubsf.com/) in San Francisco. They have the following (leather) services: repair (?), conditioning, and cleaning.
Quote from: duqette on May 20, 2008, 10:49:47 AM
What is "tech fabric"?
I mean, what is it made out of? Cow? or Oil? (That's pretty much your two choices in biker gear ;))
[laugh]
i was referring to my textile gear... pants and jacket have bug guts all over them.
i haven't tried throwing it the washer yet, i've been spot cleaning it, but it's really bad now.
Quote from: DuCaTiNi on May 21, 2008, 10:43:39 AM
[laugh]
i was referring to my textile gear... pants and jacket have bug guts all over them.
i haven't tried throwing it the washer yet, i've been spot cleaning it, but it's really bad now.
If it's textile, somewhere in there is a care label. I always start there, just to see what the manufacturer says you can or can't do. Otherwise, you gotta figure that something designed to hold up to asphalt is going to do OK in a mere washing machine. ;) I'd take out any padding or removable lining, close all velcro and zips, and wash on the delicate cold cycle, line dry. Mild soap, no bleach or bleaching products.
The chemicals that are used in dry cleaning can sometimes be harsher on artificial fibers that just plain water ... they will melt them. I've seen it. A otherwise perfect silk gown comes back from dry-cleaning with the artificial lace trims melted all over it. That was a baaaaaad day.... :(
Quote from: duqette on May 21, 2008, 11:43:22 AM
you gotta figure that something designed to hold up to asphalt is going to do OK in a mere washing machine.
That's what you'd think, but lower end textile gear won't stand up to the agitation of the washing machine. Low quality textile and mesh gear are notorious for disintegrating in a crash. Choose your gear wisely. Personally, I won't ever purchase any Joe Rocket textiles.
Quote from: Grio Gris on May 21, 2008, 11:55:58 AM
That's what you'd think, but lower end textile gear won't stand up to the agitation of the washing machine. Low quality textile and mesh gear are notorious for disintegrating in a crash. Choose your gear wisely. Personally, I won't ever purchase any Joe Rocket textiles.
mine are the motoGP brand... anyone ever machine wash these?
Quote from: duqette on May 20, 2008, 10:06:49 PM
I think there are treatments for cleaning leather. You have to take it to a leather-cleaning specialist.
I've always been taught that leather is like (hello) skin. You can clean it with mild soap and water as long as you don't soak it. Treat it with lotion to keep it supple and moist, and it will last forever. Once it gets dried out, though, it can't be resuscitated.
I know that I've sweat through leathers all the way from the inside to the outside. Yeah, I was a bit warm. It didn't affect it at all, and just was a bit... funky after that.
Quote from: Ducatista on May 21, 2008, 01:13:22 PM
I know that I've sweat through leathers all the way from the inside to the outside. Yeah, I was a bit warm. It didn't affect it at all, and just was a bit... funky after that.
It's that "funky" part I'm trying to avoid. My gear isn't old, but eventually it'll have to smell. The vodka idea is interesting. I'm going to look for some very thin under clothes that are good for moisture. They have to be thin because my leathers are skin tight and I don't want to go on a diet. I like my junk food.
Quote from: Ducatista on May 21, 2008, 01:13:22 PM
I know that I've sweat through leathers all the way from the inside to the outside. Yeah, I was a bit warm. It didn't affect it at all, and just was a bit... funky after that.
If you sweat right through, you should clean and condition the leather. The salt and oils from your perpiration will dry out the leather and make it age/crack prematurely. Lots of good priducts out there.
I have never owned any textile gear but my guess is it would fare better in a front loading washer than a top loading one. The cleaning instructions for sleeping bags specify using a front loader as it is more gentle and won't ruin the sleeping bag.