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.