To clean a motorcycle race suit, remove the armour, wipe off loose dirt with a dry cloth, then clean the leather with a soft cloth dampened in a mild soap solution. Wipe it again with a clean damp cloth and let it air dry away from heat. Once it is dry, finish with a leather conditioner. Below is the full process, plus how to deal with sweat, linings, storage and the mistakes that damage leather.
Why Proper Cleaning Matters
Dirt, bug residue, road grime and sweat break leather down over time. Salt from sweat dries the hide and can stiffen it, while grit works into the surface and the seams. Regular cleaning keeps the leather supple, helps the stitching last and stops odour building up in the lining. A clean, conditioned suit is also more comfortable and easier to inspect for damage.
Know Your Suit: Materials
Most race suits combine several materials, and each needs slightly different care. The outer shell is usually cowhide or kangaroo leather; our replicas use 1.2 to 1.3 mm drum-dyed milled cowhide as standard. Stretch and accordion panels may be a textile or a softer leather. Inside you will find a mesh or textile lining and pockets holding the removable armour. Check the care label before you start, and treat printed or appliqué graphics gently.
Things You Must Never Do
- Never put a leather suit in a washing machine or tumble dryer.
- Never soak it or submerge it in water.
- Never use household detergents, bleach, solvents or alcohol-based cleaners on the leather.
- Never dry it with a heater, hairdryer or direct sunlight.
- Never scrub hard with a stiff brush, especially over printed graphics.
Step-by-Step: Cleaning Your Race Suit at Home
- Remove the armour. Take out the shoulder, elbow, knee and back protectors so you can reach every panel and keep them dry.
- Wipe with a dry cloth. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust, dried bugs and grit before adding any moisture.
- Mix a mild soap solution. A few drops of gentle soap or a dedicated leather cleaner in lukewarm water is enough.
- Dampen a cloth. Wring out a soft cloth so it is damp, not wet.
- Wipe the leather. Work panel by panel in gentle circles, paying extra attention to the knees, seat and forearms.
- Rinse the cloth and wipe again. Use a clean cloth dampened with plain water to lift off any soap residue.
- Air dry. Hang the suit and let it dry naturally at room temperature.
Sweat and Odour Removal
Sweat is the main cause of odour and of leather stiffening from the inside. After each ride, open all the zips and let the suit air out before you put it away. To clean, wipe the lining with the same mild soap solution, focusing on the collar, cuffs and underarms. A fabric-safe odour spray made for riding gear can help between cleans, but keep it off the outer leather.
Lining and Inner Mesh Care
If your suit has a removable liner, check its label; many can be hand washed in cool water with mild detergent and left to air dry. Fixed linings should be spot cleaned with a damp cloth. Don't soak the lining, because water passes through to the leather behind it and can leave tide marks or stiffness.
Dry Cleaning: Is It Safe?
Only use a dry cleaner that specialises in leather, and tell them it is protective riding gear. Standard dry cleaning solvents can strip natural oils from the hide and may affect stitching, glue and printed graphics. For most riders, careful hand cleaning at home is safer and works well.
How Often to Clean
Wipe off bugs and dirt after every ride, ideally before they dry. Do a full clean with soap solution every few rides, or after a hot track day or a wet ride. Condition the leather every few months, or sooner if it starts to look dry or feel stiff.
Drying the Right Way
Hang the suit on a wide, padded hanger so the shoulders keep their shape, in a well-ventilated room away from radiators and sunlight. Leave the zips open so air can circulate inside. If the suit is soaked from rain, stuff the arms and legs loosely with towels and swap them as they get damp. Allow at least a full day, and don't refit the armour until everything is dry.
Conditioning and Protecting Leather
Once the suit is fully dry, apply a leather conditioner designed for motorcycle gear. Use a small amount on a soft cloth, work it in evenly and buff off any excess. Test it first on a hidden area to check it doesn't darken the colour. Avoid heavy oils or greasy products on the outer face, because they can soften the leather too much and attract dirt.
Storage After Cleaning
Store the suit on a padded hanger in a cool, dry place with some airflow. A breathable garment bag protects it from dust; avoid sealed plastic, which traps moisture and can lead to mould. Keep it out of direct sunlight, which can fade colours and dry the leather. During long breaks from riding, take it out and air it every few weeks.
Common Mistakes
- Leaving sweat to dry in the suit after a ride.
- Using far too much water.
- Drying it quickly with heat.
- Over-conditioning until the leather turns soft and greasy.
- Folding it tightly into a bag for long periods.
- Forgetting to refit the armour correctly before the next ride.
Conclusion
Cleaning a race suit is simple if you stay gentle: armour out, dry cloth first, mild soap on a damp cloth, a clean wipe, then slow air drying and conditioning. Done regularly, it keeps the leather supple and the suit comfortable for longer. The same method works for leather jackets and pants. For more on making leather gear last, read how long leather motorcycle jackets last, or browse our replica race suits.
FAQs
Can I put my leather race suit in the washing machine?
No. Machine washing soaks the leather, which can make it shrink, stiffen or crack, and it can damage the stitching and armour pockets. Clean it by hand instead.
What soap is safe for a leather race suit?
A dedicated leather cleaner is best. A few drops of gentle, pH-neutral soap in lukewarm water also works. Avoid detergents, bleach and solvent-based products.
How do I get the smell out of my race suit?
Air it out after every ride, wipe the lining with a mild soap solution and let it dry fully. A removable liner can usually be hand washed separately.
How long does a race suit take to dry?
Usually about a day at room temperature after a normal clean, and longer if it was soaked. Don't try to speed it up with heat.
Our suits are unofficial replicas and are not affiliated with MotoGP, Dorna Sports or any team, rider or sponsor.