Summer/warm weather leather care

[spyderchick]

I've has this dilemma come up several times in the past few months, so I'm going to address it before it gets too hot out there.

I've always advised getting your leathers professionally cleaned at the end of the season, and barring that, before the season starts.  I still do, however, there's the problem of accumulating sweat in some racers leathers during the season.  

This is a real problem because the salt leaches into the leathers turning them into beef jerky over time. I am now recommending that anyone with this problem rinse their leathers between race weekends with a solution of 4 gallons of water to 2 cups of white vinegar. Vinegar will neutralize the body salts. The most common areas affected are the arms and underarms, behind the knee and the crotch area.  

Remove all of the armor and if you have a hump, remove that as well. The foam in armor and hump can absorb water. Some leathers have a removable liner. If so, remove that and wash it in the machine in cold water, line dry. If your hump is not removable, try not to submerge that part of the leathers.

Using the above solution, soak the gear in a bathtub or laundry tub for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Try to get as much water out of them as possible with towels (do not "wring" them out, do not use the new towels your significant other just purchased)  and hang to dry. Condition them with a leather conditioner. Reassemble all of the armor and wear them again for a brief time before you race to reshape them.

I know this sounds time intensive, and it will be, but better that than a new set of leathers every 6 months, or a nice injury from "cured" leather that splits.  

[tigerblade]

Thanks for the info!   8)

[Jeff]

I know this sounds time intensive, and it will be, but better that than a new set of leathers every 6 months, or a nice injury from "cured" leather that splits.  

hehe... the medics will even be so nice as to cut the jerky into strips for you to enjoy on your trip in the meat wagon  ;D

[dylanfan53]

I think I'll just wear them in the bathtub.  It might be kinda kinky!  ;D ;D

[cornercamping]

I've has this dilemma come up several times in the past few months, so I'm going to address it before it gets too hot out there.

I've always advised getting your leathers professionally cleaned at the end of the season, and barring that, before the season starts. ÊI still do, however, there's the problem of accumulating sweat in some racers leathers during the season. Ê

This is a real problem because the salt leaches into the leathers turning them into beef jerky over time. I am now recommending that anyone with this problem rinse their leathers between race weekends with a solution of 4 gallons of water to 2 cups of white vinegar. Vinegar will neutralize the body salts. The most common areas affected are the arms and underarms, behind the knee and the crotch area. Ê

Remove all of the armor and if you have a hump, remove that as well. The foam in armor and hump can absorb water. Some leathers have a removable liner. If so, remove that and wash it in the machine in cold water, line dry. If your hump is not removable, try not to submerge that part of the leathers.

Using the above solution, soak the gear in a bathtub or laundry tub for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Try to get as much water out of them as possible with towels (do not "wring" them out, do not use the new towels your significant other just purchased) Êand hang to dry. Condition them with a leather conditioner. Reassemble all of the armor and wear them again for a brief time before you race to reshape them.

I know this sounds time intensive, and it will be, but better that than a new set of leathers every 6 months, or a nice injury from "cured" leather that splits. Ê

What do ya do about skidmarks left in your leathers from "incidents" that cause you to scare the crap out of yourself  ???

 ;D

[Steviebee]

Alexa,
Are you going to be at the next blackhawk ?

[spyderchick]

Alexa,
Are you going to be at the next blackhawk ?

Should be as Roger's planning on racing. You can call me or e-me with anything you need. Sometimes easier than hunting me down at the track.  ;)

[spyderchick]

What do ya do about skidmarks left in your leathers from "incidents" that cause you to scare the crap out of yourself  ???

 ;D

If that's the case, then you have bigger problems that a little cleaning just won't handle. :o