Clean Up Your Act: How to Care for Your Motorcycle Kit

Motorcycle clothing represents one of the biggest outlays after the purchase of the bike itself. Unlike the bike - into which most of us will pour almost limitless love and attention - kit is largely ignored and left to get on with the job. How many of us can honestly say we regularly and properly care for our kit?

Regular cleaning and care will keep your motorcycle clothing performing as it should, both in terms of safety and weather protection, and can significantly extend its life too; “Look after your kit and it'll look after you”, as the old adage goes. And once you get into a routine, it’s easy. A thorough kit refresh at the start of the season, and a quick once-over at the end, takes very little time and keeps everything ready to perform when you need it. Here’s how…

Cleaning helmets

The inside of a helmet accumulates sweat, dust and bacteria surprisingly quickly - particularly during the warmer months. Alongside the obvious unpleasant side effects, this can start to damage the inner protective materials.

Most liners can be removed and washed these days, but should not be machine washed: hand washing in warm water with a mild detergent is the recommended approach. Alternatively, a specialist product like S100 Helmet Lining Cleanermakes the job even easier, allowing you to clean the liner without removing it.

For the outside, leave the washing up liquid by the sink and invest in some proper motorcycle helmet and visor cleaner, which will remove road grime and insects quickly and safely from both the shell and visor.

While you’re at it, check the visor for chips or scratches that might affect your vision. Make sure the chin strap, fasteners and vents are all functioning correctly too. It’s also worth knowing that helmets should be replaced every five years, as the protective materials can degrade over time - the manufacture date is usually stamped on the strap.

Cleaning textile clothing

Regular washing of textile kit matters for hygiene, and it’s also essential to keep the breathable waterproof membranes working as they should. Often referred to as drop-liners, these membranes rely on micropores to function, and over time dirt and contaminants can clog them, reducing breathability and waterproofing. Standard household detergents and fabric softeners can damage these sensitive materials, so it’s important to use the right product.

Specific motorcycle clothing cleaners like S100 Technical Fabric & Leather Wash are formulated to clean and reactivate climate membranes without causing any damage, and can be used in the washing machine or for a hand wash. 

Leave the garment to dry naturally - avoid tumble dryers, which can also damage the membrane - then apply a Reproofing Spray. This creates an invisible barrier that repels water, and is also effective on boots, gloves and soft luggage.

Cleaning Leather Clothing, Boots and Gloves

Leather responds well to a gentle approach. Use a specialist leather cleaner or warm water and a mild detergent, applied with a well-wrung-out cloth or sponge. The key is to avoid soaking the leather. Wipe away dirt, grime and insect residue with light strokes, rinsing the cloth or sponge regularly as you work. Once clean and dry, apply a good leather feed or leather care spray to keep it soft, supple and in good condition.

The same goes for leather boots and gloves. While you're cleaning, check the condition of boot soles and the bond between sole and upper, and inspect glove stitching for any signs of wear. Make sure all buckles, straps and fasteners are working properly, and replace worn items like toe sliders as needed.

Washing Base Layers

Finally, it’s easy to overlook base layers and neck warmers, but they sit directly against your skin so keeping them clean makes a significant difference to comfort. Most are straightforward to wash - check the care label and follow the recommended temperature and method.

Remember: ALWAYS check the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning or treating anything. They're usually on the labels or in the paperwork that came with it, and if you're not sure, your retailer should be able to point you in the right direction.

You’ll find S100 motorcycle care products at Fowlers, alongside expert advice if you need it.