Washing motorcycle trousers & motorcycle jacket: how to clean your equipment properly
Motorcycle jackets and motorcycle pants are more than just protective clothing, they accompany you in wind and weather and collect sweat, dirt and insect residue. But how can you wash a motorcycle jacket without damaging the protectors or materials? And how should you wash motorcycle trousers, especially if leather or fabric is involved? In this guide, we will show you step by step how to wash, clean and care for your motorcycle jacket and trousers correctly, regardless of whether they are leather, textile or Gore-Tex.
The MYCOVER® team clarifies!
Table of Contents
- Washing your motorcycle jacket: how to do it right
- Washing trousers & caring for motorcycle jeans
- Cleaning and caring for leather jackets
- Washing & waterproofing textile jackets
- Gore-Tex & cleaning special materials correctly
- Conclusion: Systematic cleaning of motorcycle jackets and trousers
- FAQ – Frequently asked questions about cleaning motorcycle clothing
Washing your motorcycle jacket: how to do it right
Many motorcyclists ask themselves the question: Is it possible to wash a motorcycle jacket and if so, how exactly should you go about it without risking damage? The answer is: Yes, it is possible, but you must pay attention to the material and the protectors.
- You can always wash a motorcycle jacket with protectors, as long as you remove the protectors beforehand or secure them appropriately to prevent damage to the material and the protective function.
- Can you wash a motorcycle jacket with protectors? Yes, but only if you follow the care label and remove or secure the protectors beforehand so that neither the material nor the protective function is damaged.
- Terms such as motorcycle jacket in washing machine or motorcycle jacket washing machine also clearly show that many people are looking for simple solutions, but not every jacket really belongs in the washing machine without hesitation.
If you want to be on the safe side, you can have your motorcycle jacket cleaned. But often it’s enough to wash it yourself, and with our guide you can do this easily. If you also pay attention to hygiene, you should know how to wash a motorcycle jacket properly without compromising the membrane or function.
Washing trousers & caring for motorcycle jeans
The topic of washing motorcycle trousers should not be underestimated, especially if protectors are sewn in and special care is required when washing and caring for them. Here you will find a compact overview of how to proceed correctly without damaging the function and material:
- You should wash classic motorcycle trousers with particular care, especially if they have integrated protectors, as these must not be allowed to slip or be damaged, otherwise they will lose their protective effect.
- Textile clothing should always be washed at temperatures below 30 degrees, as higher temperatures can significantly affect the fit, protective effect and durability of your equipment in the long term.
- For delicate materials such as genuine leather, hand washing with lukewarm water and a gentle detergent is recommended, as too much moisture can cause the leather to swell, make it brittle and damage it.
- Modern textile pants are generally easy to clean, but you should always choose a delicate cycle or gentle program with low speed and cold water to preserve the technical fibres.
- Always turn your motorcycle trousers inside out before washing, as this is the only way to protect the outer materials from friction and preserve the outer layer and maintain the colors, coating and protective function.
- Avoid using fabric softener, as it affects the functionality of the textile membranes and reduces breathability, which ensures comfort, safety and a dry feel, especially on longer rides.
- You should avoid tumble dryers or heavy spinning, as heat, high rotational speeds and stress change the fit, loosen important seams and significantly weaken the abrasion-resistant protective effect.
- Remember to impregnate your motorcycle trousers regularly, as this not only maintains the water and dirt-repellent surface, but also reliably protects you in wind, rain and long rides.
Cleaning and caring for leather jackets
A motorcycle leather jacket should always be cleaned gently, preferably by hand and without aggressive chemicals. For light soiling, lukewarm water with a little baby shampoo is often sufficient. Home remedies such as a mixture of vinegar and water against odors or baking soda for grease stains have also proven effective. Important: do not soak, but dab with a soft cloth.
Cleaning is followed by care. Regreasing products such as leather grease or balm keep the material supple and extend its service life. Whether you want to clean, care for or simply freshen up your motorcycle leather jacket, make sure you use suitable products and treat it gently. This will keep it in top shape, both visually and functionally.
Washing & waterproofing textile jackets
Textiles are easy to care for, but even robust motorcycle clothing needs the right care. To ensure that your jacket remains functional and durable, you should know how to wash a textile motorcycle jacket properly. Because if you want to clean your textile motorcycle jacket, you should follow a few basic rules.
Washing a motorcycle textile jacket is generally straightforward as long as you follow the care instructions on the label. A gentle wash cycle at 30 °C is usually recommended. Always use a mild detergent and avoid aggressive detergents, as they could damage the membrane.
After washing, it makes sense to treat the jacket so that it remains water-repellent. You can impregnate the motorcycle jacket as soon as it is dry, or use a combination product when washing that allows you to wash and impregnate the motorcycle jacket, i.e. cleaning and protection in one step.
Gore-Tex & cleaning special materials correctly
Take care when washing your Gore-Tex motorcycle jacket or motorcycle trousers: Normal detergents, fabric softener or bleach can damage the membrane and restrict breathability. Therefore, only use special functional detergents.
Wash the trousers and jacket on a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30 °C. Avoid strong spinning, close all zippers and Velcro fasteners and turn the clothing inside out. This will keep the outer protective layer intact.
Important after washing: reactivate the waterproofing, either in the dryer at a low temperature or by carefully ironing with a cloth in between. With the right care, your Gore-Tex clothing will remain permanently windproof and waterproof – and provide you with reliable protection whatever the weather.
Soap nuts as a natural alternative to detergent
Soap nuts are the dried fruit of the soap nut tree and contain saponins, natural soaps that develop a mild cleaning power when they come into contact with water. They can be an environmentally friendly alternative to classic detergents for motorcycle clothing, especially if you want to avoid aggressive chemicals. Advantages: Washing nuts are biodegradable, hypoallergenic and gentle on membranes such as Gore-Tex or other functional fabrics. Disadvantage: The cleaning power is limited; conventional special detergents may be more effective for heavy soiling or greasy residues. The absence of fragrances is also a matter of taste. However, if you prefer natural care, you can try soap nuts without hesitation, ideally for light to medium soiling.
Conclusion: Systematic cleaning of motorcycle jackets and trousers
Whether you want to clean your motorcycle jacket, wash motorcycle trousers or clean special materials such as Gore-Tex or leather: with the right procedure, your equipment will stay beautiful and functional for longer. Check our tips and updates regularly and ensure that your motorcycle clothing remains as reliable as your motorcycle. But to keep your motorcycle reliable, you also need to protect it well. We recommend the high-quality outdoor Covers from MYCOVER®.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about cleaning motorcycle clothing
Can you wash a motorcycle jacket?
Yes, you can, but be careful: protectors should be removed or secured before washing. Be sure to check the care label and use a suitable detergent so that the material is not damaged.
How should you wash a Gore-Tex motorcycle jacket?
Washing a Gore-Tex motorcycle jacket requires special care. Only use functional detergents, wash at a maximum of 30 °C on a gentle cycle and do not use fabric softener. You should then reactivate the waterproofing with heat.
How can motorcycle jeans be washed without losing their protective function?
Motorcycle jeans should be washed at a low temperature (max. 30 °C), inside out and without fabric softener. Please avoid spinning and tumble drying to keep the material intact.
How do you wash a Mohawk motorcycle jacket?
Washing a Mohawk motorcycle jacket is similar to other brands: follow the care label, remove the protectors, use a mild detergent and clean at a low temperature on a gentle cycle. If you are unsure, it is better to wash by hand or have it professionally cleaned.
Can you wash motorcycle jackets and pants in the washing machine?
Yes, you can wash many motorcycle jackets and pants in the washing machine, but only under certain conditions. You should always check the manufacturer’s care label first, as different requirements apply depending on the material (e.g. textile, leather, membrane). Textile clothing with a climate membrane (such as Gore-Tex) can usually be washed on a gentle cycle at 30 °C with a special functional detergent.
Important: Remove the protectors beforehand, close all zippers and Velcro fasteners and do not spin-dry. Never use fabric softener, detergent or bleach as they can damage the protective effect and breathability.
How much does it cost to clean a motorcycle jacket?
Professional cleaning of a motorcycle jacket usually costs between 25 and 60 euros, depending on the material and provider. Textile jackets with a membrane usually cost between 30 and 45 euros, while the cleaning of leather jackets, including care, can be somewhat more expensive, often up to 60 euros. Additional services such as waterproofing or repairs can further increase the price. It is worth contacting specialist cleaners for motorcycle clothing, as they have the necessary expertise and the right cleaning agents to maintain the protective function and material.
How do you care for a leather motorcycle jacket?
Caring for a leather motorcycle jacket is crucial to keep the material supple and durable. After wearing it, you should air it out regularly and store it in a dry place, preferably on a wide hanger. Light dirt can be removed with a damp cloth. For heavier soiling, a special leather soap or leather cleaner will help. Important: Never treat leather with aggressive cleaners or in the washing machine. After cleaning, you should treat the jacket with a suitable leather care product (e.g. balm or cream) to nourish the material and protect it from drying out. We also recommend impregnating it with leather spray to repel water and dirt. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources as they make the leather brittle.
How do you care for motorcycle pants properly?
The correct care of motorcycle pants depends on the material, textile or leather, and is crucial for comfort and safety. Textile pants with a membrane should be aired out regularly and, if necessary, washed on a gentle cycle at 30 °C with a functional detergent. Before washing, remove all protectors, close zippers and do not use fabric softener. After drying, waterproofing with a suitable spray can refresh the water-repellent function.
Motorcycle leather pants should not be washed, but cleaned with a damp cloth and then treated with special leather care products. This keeps the material supple and tear-resistant. The same applies here: do not dry in direct sunlight or on radiators, but slowly at room temperature. With regular care, your motorcycle trousers will remain functional and comfortable to wear for a long time.
How do I waterproof my motorcycle jacket and trousers?
First clean your motorcycle jacket and trousers thoroughly and allow them to dry completely. Then spray a waterproofing spray for functional clothing evenly on the outside, at a distance and in a well-ventilated area. Pay particular attention to exposed areas such as shoulders, elbows and knees and treat them carefully. For textile clothing with a membrane, you can reactivate the waterproofing by briefly heating it in the dryer on a low setting, but only if the care label allows it. A wax-based spray or a special leather care product with a waterproofing effect is suitable for leather.
How do you wash a Cordura motorcycle jacket?
Important: Do not use fabric softener!
Caution is advised, especially with robust fabrics such as Cordura: If you want to wash a Cordura motorcycle jacket, you should strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. A gentle wash cycle at a low temperature is often sufficient. With the right procedure, you can ensure that your motorcycle jacket remains hygienically clean, weatherproof and ready for the next tour, regardless of whether it is made of classic textile or particularly hard-wearing Cordura.
