At Rusty Stitches, we appreciate gear that develops character over time. Most riders have that one favorite leather jacket: broken in, covered in road dust, and carrying memories of winding backroads, surprise rainstorms, and good weekend rides.

Still, cleaning is usually the first thing we skip after parking the bike. A jacket caked in bugs and road grime often ends up straight on a hook. You do not need to keep leather looking brand new, but when you let it dry out completely, the hide stiffens up and loses the flexibility you want on the bike.

Cleaning bugs and road grime
That is why we are kicking off our Gear Care 101 series. Over the next months, we are sharing practical guides you can easily follow at home. Just simple routines, honest advice, and the right products to keep your gear in good shape. In this first part, we start with leather.

Dried bugs are acidic. If you grab a rough scouring pad and start scrubbing, you will rub the finish right off the jacket. Skip the dish soap and aggressive household cleaners as well. Soak a clean microfiber cloth in warm tap water and lay it flat over the dirty spots on your jacket or gloves. Leave it there for five to ten minutes. The water softens the dried bugs, so you can wipe them off with light pressure without scratching road grit into the leather.

good leather does not get old, it just collects the miles

Feeding the leather
Once the jacket is dry, it is time to feed the hide. Grab a tin of leather balm and a soft rag. Rub a quality leather wax or lotion into the hide using small, circular motions. Do not put on thick coats, just use what the leather actually absorbs. If your jacket has perforated panels for airflow, make sure you do not clog the holes with wax, because that blocks the airflow and gathers dust. A thin layer brings back the oils and keeps the leather flexible.

Drying wet leather
Getting caught in a proper downpour is simply part of riding. When you get home soaked, never put your wet leather on a heater, near a radiator, or in full sun. Direct heat pulls moisture and oils out way too quickly, leaving the hide stiff and prone to cracking. Hang the jacket on a broad, sturdy hanger in a room with decent airflow and let it dry on its own. That way the shoulders keep their shape and the armor stays in the right spot.

In Gear Care 101, Part 2, we move on to technical textiles and keeping waterproof membranes working properly. Thanks for reading along, and check out the Rusty Stitches collection if your current gear needs an update!

Author: Arthur Renkema