Leather care and storage



There are a number of things that should be done to ensure that

your leathers stay in good condition. The following is a list of tips

that will help keep your leather in good shape.

Caring for leather

-All leather benefits from conditioning. Avoid conditioners with

silicone, alcohol, petroleum or wax. Most prefer mink oil, but keep in

mind that this may darken the color of most leather. Mink oil is used

as both a conditioner and moisture protectant.

-The recommended amount of conditioning depends on your riding

environment, but typically you can look at two to three times per year.

If conditions are extremely dry or wet, you may need to do this more

frequently. If it begins to feel stiff or look dried out, you know it

needs to be conditioned.

-Prior to conditioning, it is important to clean. Without this, you

are pushing dirt into the leather and applying conditioner over top of

it. A damp cloth can be used to remove most dirt, salt, or dust. Allow

your leather to completely dry prior to conditioning. Never apply heat

to dry, allow to dry at room temperature overnight.

-To treat, place a small amount of conditioner on a lint-free cotton

cloth and apply in circular motion. Allow this to dry at room

temperature overnight as well. If you see excess amounts of

conditioner, this can be removed with a dry cloth.

Storage

-If leather will not be used for any length of time, it is important to

follow a few rules to avoid having to buy new leather for the next ride.

First and foremost, make sure it is clean and dry prior to packing

leather away. Remove any dirt or salt with a damp cloth.

Store either on a wide padded hanger or in a cotton bag and away from heat that will dry out leather.

Ride safe protect yourself with leather.