Professional Leather Cleaning for Dummies

[Hugh de Latham]

Question: Given that professional leather cleaning is so expensive, when does one do it?

How often (once a year?).

Under what circumstances: what sort of condition should your jacket be in before considering this? When would it be a mistake not to get the jacket cleaned?

[IndyLee]

Here is somthing I posted in the Raven Bar last Jan.
Then agian I have taken a garden hose to a two thousand dollar saddle.

. My goatskin US Wings Indy jacket has been hosed down, saddle soaped, and sent through the washer twice since I got it christmas 2001. Then agian it's been through alot. It's become my primary motorcycle jacket, rained on and sweated in during a daily commute to work and road trips. Coated in mud from riding a quad runner and our horses. Left in the barn. Slept on by dogs and cats. Tied to a saddle cantle. Distressed when we load hay and feed. The color has not faded. The second time I sent it through a washer, warm water and a ¼ cup of detergent, it did take out the shine and slightly stain the white towel thrown in to balance the load.


__________________
:p

[Major Mike]

Professional leather cleaning is really only needed for real delicate stuff like alot of those women's outfits that they want to keep looking new. I'm with Indy_Lee on this one. When you can't stand the smell of your jacket anymore, hose it down.

People have been wearing leather, cotton, and wool clothing for centuries. Dry Cleaners have only been around for a few years. The stuff is durable, and can stand getting wet. Heat is really the thing to watch out for. Wet it down, soap it up, rinse it out, but dry it slowly. It will add character.

[rbxb]

Indy Lee You have the proper & true way to break ones jacket in!
Kudos my Man!

I too use my leather on the range -tied to saddle -worn in rain. sacked out colt's with it - 3- wheelers - hauling hay etc Thats what its for!!!!!!