| Author | Message | ||
     Mr_cuell |
Not so XB specific, but anyone know of a leather cleaner that works? I have leathers that are road rashed and bug-splattered and just generally lost their their bright white luster. Anything that really cleans them up? The road rash obviously is here to stay, but I would love to refresh the white and get the 5 years of crap off them. I tried Armor All leather cleaner to no avail. Any magic stuff out there? | ||
| Kdan |
Just saddle soap and then mink oil. Makes 'em soft and shiny. | ||
| Mr_cuell |
After your post I was psyched so I googled saddle soap but came up with multiple variations of this, FYI - "Anyone who has ever worked with saddle soap can tell you... it’s messy, it can stain certain leathers, it often streaks, it doesn’t clean well at all, it requires rinsing and it leaves the surface feeling tacky. Whoever first touted saddle soap as a leather cleaner had their facts dreadfully wrong. The truth is that saddle soap was never intended as a leather cleaner. During the 1800’s the method of tanning leather was to drench it with oils and rub them into the skins to restore pliability and softness to the hide. Leather tanners of the day used a variation of what today we refer to as saddle soap to affect restoration of suppleness. However, the soaps were never used to actually clean the hides. Consumers have always endeavored to reach for the favorite products of tradesmiths. If the professionals use something it must work great... right? Well, for it’s industrial use, saddle soap did its job well... back in the 1800’s, mind you. These days, leathersmiths tan hides using the most advanced emulsions and have long abandoned the use of saddle soaps – for any purpose. These modern emulsions simply perform better, soften quicker, and deep condition with lasting moisturizers. Saddle soap is also notoriously alkaline – and alkalinity actually damages leather. Alkalinity can abrade both the hide itself and the stitching which binds it. With all the great leather care products available at market; there is simply no reason to opt for saddle soap. Hey, it’s your bike – you can use whatever products you want on it – so be discriminating and strive to use the best product on each and every surface of your motorcycle." | ||
| Kdan |
Hunh...How bout that. I dunno then, obviously. I like the way the saddle soap makes my jackets and boots feel. As for cleaning maybe it's just the water that gets all the deadbugguts off. | ||
| Diablobrian |
It is hard to get old dirt off of leather. The best way to go about this is from the other end, condition and clean regularly. Especially with lighter colors. You may need to have it cleaned professionally. Most dry cleaning shops provide this service. My stuff is, and always has been dark colors so I do not have the experience to help directly. | ||
| Bomber |
soaking the buggy bits with a warm wet rag can help soften the criters -- been using saddle soap for a long far with none of the issues mentioned in the google search -- some folks I know swear by HD's leather care products restoring light colors (or no color at all) is gonna be tough -- hard to bring back that look | ||
| Aldaytona |
LEXOL....... leather cleaner and LEXOL leather conditioner, where ever fine European motor vehicles are sold (those leather seats cost WAY more than leather riding gear). It works! | ||
| Zenfrogmaster |
I second the Lexol recommendation - both the cleaner and conditioner. Works great and doesn't feel greasy when you're done. Plenty of places to buy it online if you can't find it locally. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Would that be appropriate for use on the seat? I just started riding my S3 and the seat is so slippery I am having a hard time staying on it! | ||
| Tommy_k |
Lexol does work well. You can usually find it in most shoe repair stores as well. They may have some in back you can try on a small spot first. Also, Lincoln EZ Clean works awesome on suede and nubuck. Just scrub in with a nylon suede brush and let it dry. TK(former shoe repairman) | ||
| Tourguide |
I am down with the Lexol Leather Products as well and have been for many years. They may seem pricey to some but, You get what You pay for in this case. From Recaro Sport Seats to the Living Room Couch these Leather Products have done the job of cleaning and protecting all my leather goods. Follow the directions, elbow grease not included, and reap the rewards.  |
