Discover all the tips and tricks for a thorough cleaning of your motorcycle jacket lining!
When and how often to wash your lining?
The washing of the lining of your motorcycle jacket depends on your level of tolerance in terms of hygiene. Some clean their lining after each outing, others, every season or only when the smell is too strong ... We advise you to clean your lining often, depending on how often you use your jacket, and directly after having used so that bacteria do not become embedded in the tissue.
Previous step: Detach it or the lining (s)
In most cases, the lining can be removed for cleaning without touching the leather or textile. Depending on your jacket, take care to remove the entire lining and all removable protections (elbows, shoulders, back, etc.). The lining can be multiple on certain models, in particular with the 3 in 1 linings. The lining is removed thanks to a peripheral zip or snaps often placed at the ends of the sleeves.
Hand or machine wash?
I like first thing to do after removing the jacket lining is to look at the label. Indeed, each material requires special care and only the manufacturer knows it. So look carefully at the procedures for maintaining the lining present on the label. You will find out if your lining can pass through the machine or not. Precision seems necessary, whether you use hand or machine washing, do not use fabric softener because it would reduce the effectiveness of the material. In case your lining does not contain a label, do not take any risks. Wash by hand, cold with neutral soap. Take care to rinse well and allow to dry naturally. Do not place the lining on a radiator type heat source.
How to wash the insulating lining of your motorcycle jacket?
The insulating lining consists of three distinct categories:
- Detachable wadding lining: this type of lining contains wadding held in place by checkerboard seams. Above, you can distinguish a layer of synthetic fabric.
- The thermo-aluminum lining: in addition to the characteristics of a padded lining, it contains an aluminized layer which consists in returning the infrared rays of the body to keep this natural heat.
- The softshell type lining: this lining actually has three: a fleece, a windproof membrane and an outer fabric. These three layers are laminated.
Wash the rain lining of your biker jacket
The rain lining is very fragile. Its waterproof, laminated textile layer can split only with a nail scratch. It is necessary to be very careful to keep the lining in good condition because the smallest hole allows to generate a waterway. It is therefore strongly advised not to machine wash it. Indeed, the rotations of the drum are too violent for this type of textile. Friction could damage the lining membrane. We advise you to wash it by hand gently with a neutral soap and to rinse thoroughly. Drying must be done in the open air but not in full sun, because the reflection of the sun on the drops could burn the coating.
Remove a stubborn stain or white streaks
If your lining contains stubborn stains from dead insects, perspiration stains or traces of pollution, you should thoroughly clean. If conventional washing (neutral or machine soap) has not worked, you must purchase an active foam specific to the lining. Indeed, you will find a wide range of special cleaning kit for motorcycle equipment in specialized stores. The product required depends on the material of your lining and the origin of the stain. We advise you to ask directly in a specialized store.
Fixed or non-removable lining: how to clean it?
The cleaning of the non-removable lining depends on the material of your jacket because by washing your lining you will necessarily touch your jacket. If you have a textile jacket, it is best to refer to the label. If there is none, use neutral soap and a clean cloth to clean your lining. If you have a leather jacket, we advise you to do a surface cleaning. Take a neutral soap and a clean cloth and apply them gently on the lining, trying to press as little as possible. Do not rub! For rinsing, be rigorous but light. The abundance of humidity can damage your leather as for surface rinsing, it can leave traces of soap inside the leather which will deteriorate it. We never said it was easy ... If you clean gently but carefully, everything will be fine!
Dry a motorcycle jacket lining without damaging it!
Regardless of the material of your lining or jacket, do not use a dryer. Indeed, it participates in a compaction of the insulating fibers present in the topstitching, thus creating pills. To dry your lining, you can lay it flat on a drying rack and dry it in the open air.
