How To Clean A Motorcycle Race Suit

How To Clean A Motorcycle Race Suit

Table of Contents

Introduction

A motorcycle race suit protects your body at high speed. It takes hits from wind, sweat, bugs, dust, and sometimes crashes. Racing suit cleaning is not just about looks. It keeps the leather strong, the armor safe, and the suit comfortable.

Many riders own premium Leather MotoGP Suits, but they clean them the wrong way. Some even ruin expensive suits in one wash. This guide explains how to clean a motorcycle race suit safely, when to dry clean, and how to make it last for years.

Whether you ride on trackdays or race weekends, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Why Proper Racing Suit Cleaning Matters

A dirty race suit does more harm than you think.

Sweat has salt. Salt dries leather. Dry leather cracks. Cracked leather loses strength during a slide. Dirt also blocks leather pores, making the suit stiff and uncomfortable.

Regular racing suit cleaning helps:

  • Maintain leather flexibility
  • Prevent bad odor and bacteria
  • Protect stitching and stretch panels
  • Extend the life of your investment

A clean suit also fits better and feels lighter on your body.

Know Your Suit: Materials Used in Racing Suits

Most professional racing suits use:

  • Full-grain cowhide or kangaroo leather
  • Kevlar stretch panels
  • CE-approved armor
  • Polyester or mesh inner lining

Leather MotoGP suits are built for abrasion resistance, not washing machines. That is why cleaning needs care and patience.

Before cleaning, always check:

  • Leather type
  • Printed logos
  • Perforation zones
  • Removable inner liners

Things You Must Never Do When Cleaning a Race Suit

  • Do not machine wash
  • Do not soak the suit in water
  • Do not use bleach or harsh soap
  • Do not dry in sunlight or near heaters
  • Do not scrub hard with brushes

One wrong step can shrink leather or peel colors.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Motorcycle Race Suit at Home

Surface Cleaning

This is the safest way to clean your race suit.

What you need

  • Soft microfiber cloth
  • Lukewarm water
  • Mild leather soap or baby shampoo

Steps

  1. Wipe dust and bugs with a dry cloth
  2. Mix mild soap with water
  3. Dampen cloth, not soak it
  4. Gently wipe leather panels
  5. Clean small areas at a time
  6. Wipe again with clean water

This removes sweat, dirt, and road grime safely.

Sweat and Odor Removal

Sweat builds inside elbows, knees, and back.

For odor:

  • Use diluted white vinegar spray inside lining
  • Or use leather-safe antibacterial spray

Never spray directly on outer leather. Let air dry naturally.

Lining and Inner Mesh Care

Some race suits have removable liners.

If removable:

  • Hand wash with mild detergent
  • Rinse fully
  • Air dry only

If non-removable:

  • Use a damp cloth
  • Focus on high-sweat zones
  • Clean lining often to avoid smell buildup

Dry Cleaning a Racing Suit: Is It Safe?

Dry cleaning is risky if done wrong.

Most dry cleaners do not understand motorcycle leather.

When dry cleaning is okay

  • Heavy oil stains
  • Fuel spills
  • Deep sweat buildup

What to tell the cleaner

  • No chemical soaking
  • Leather-only cleaning method
  • No heat drying

Always choose a cleaner experienced with motorcycle gear. If unsure, avoid dry cleaning.

How Often Should You Clean Your Racing Suit?

Cleaning depends on use.

  • Trackday riders: Light clean after every 2–3 rides
  • Racers: Wipe after every session
  • Street use: Once every month

Condition leather every 2–3 months. Do not wait until the suit smells bad.

Drying Your Race Suit the Right Way

Drying is critical.

Correct method:

  • Hang suit on wide hanger
  • Room temperature only
  • Good airflow
  • Keep zippers open

Wrong method:

  • Sun drying
  • Hair dryer
  • Heater
  • Dryer machine

Heat destroys leather oils.

Conditioning and Protecting Leather MotoGP Suits

After cleaning, leather needs moisture.

  • Use leather conditioner or balm
  • Apply thin layer
  • Let absorb overnight

Conditioning keeps leather soft and crash-ready.

Do not over-condition. Too much oil weakens leather fibers.

Storage Tips After Cleaning

Proper storage matters.

  • Store in a cool, dry place
  • On a padded hanger
  • Away from sunlight

Avoid folding. Folding causes cracks in stress areas.

Common Cleaning Mistakes Riders Make

Many riders damage suits unknowingly.

Common errors:

  • Using wipes with alcohol
  • Over-wetting perforated leather
  • Ignoring lining smell
  • Skipping conditioning

Avoid these to protect your investment.

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Conclusion

Racing suit cleaning is not difficult, but it must be done correctly. A clean motorcycle race suit protects better, feels comfortable, and lasts longer. Whether you ride premium Leather MotoGP Suits or custom race gear, regular cleaning saves money and improves safety.

Treat your race suit like safety equipment, not clothing.

FAQs: Racing Suit Cleaning

Can I wash a motorcycle race suit in a washing machine?

No. Washing machines damage leather and armor.

Is dry cleaning safe for Leather MotoGP Suits?

Only if done by a specialist. Regular dry cleaners can ruin leather.

How do I remove bad smell from my race suit?

Clean lining regularly and use leather-safe odor spray.

Can rain damage my race suit?

Rain is fine if dried correctly. Never store wet leather.

How long does a cleaned race suit last?

With proper care, a quality suit lasts many years.