Keeping Your Leather Chaps Looking Like New For As Long As Possible
If you recently purchased a new pair of leather chaps to done while taking motorcycle excursions, you are likely to be excited in the prospect in showing off your new duds to others you meet on the road. There are a few steps to take to ensure your leather wear remains in the best of condition. Try the following tips in keeping your chaps looking as if they just came out of a store for as long as possible.
Know When To Leave Your Chaps At Home
Wearing your leather chaps during times when inclement weather is not expected is best. If you hear there is rain on the way, it is a good idea to keep your chaps hanging in your closet so they are not at risk of excessive moisture while you are out riding. Moisture can cause leather to become moldy if it is not removed promptly, making it difficult for those wearing leather chaps to tend to them as quickly as necessary if they are stuck in a storm in an area without shelter.
Avoid Sharp Items Around Your Chaps
Make sure your bike is free of any protrusions that could put your chaps at risk for ripping. Do a complete assessment of the seating area for debris before you hop on board your bike while wearing your leather chaps. Avoid wearing chains, spikes, or jewelry with sharp sections as they could cause you to damage your chaps as you move around.
Give Your Chaps Some TLC With Routine Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your leather chaps is necessary if you want to keep them looking their best. Remove any loose debris from the chaps after each wear. This can be done by hand or by dusting them off with a piece of microfiber cloth. Pay special attention to areas where stitchery is present as debris tends to become embedded around threads. This debris can be removed by using a vacuum cleaner with a soft-brush attachment.
Polish Your Leather To Keep It Supple
Leather will dry out if it is not protected with a proper conditioning agent. Conditioners come in a liquid form and can be purchased from a leather merchandise business. Add the conditioner to your chaps with a soft piece of material. Apply it in a circular motion so it gets into all the nooks and crannies. Use another piece of soft cloth to remove excess conditioner from the material. This can be done every few weeks to keep the leather from cracking.
