Cleaning stinking leathers

Message

Paulh · #1 Post by **Paulh** » Wed Jul 17, 2013 10:56 am

Got an old 1980's Lewis leathers jacket in my wardrobe - the trouble is it stinks when worn (not surprising considering it did about 4 years despatch riding back in the 80's).

Anyone got any recommended methods of rejuivenating and de-stinking it - I know its old, no armour and should probably be binned, but I'm pretty attached to it, so would like to make it wearable if possible.

Firestarter · #2 Post by **Firestarter** » Wed Jul 17, 2013 11:16 am

Plenty of leathers cleaning & repair places about - Google throws up a couple including

http://www.scrubbersleathers.co.uk/
www.hideout-leather.co.uk

#3 Post by **mangocrazy** » Wed Jul 17, 2013 9:39 pm

For the outside, saddle soap is the hot ticket (as used by horsey types) - removes dead flies and brings colours back a treat.

For the inside... Eeeeeewww...

BikerGran · #4 Post by **BikerGran** » Wed Jul 17, 2013 9:44 pm

For the inside - Febreze?

flatlander · #5 Post by **flatlander** » Wed Jul 17, 2013 10:48 pm

smeels are usually caused by bacteria so you need to get rid of that somehow dettox?

D-Rider · #6 Post by **D-Rider** » Wed Jul 17, 2013 10:56 pm

Following up on what Flatlander said, i know some have "neutralised" smelly items by bunging them in the freezer for some time - I think the idea being to kill the bacteria etc.

Paulh · #7 Post by **Paulh** » Thu Jul 18, 2013 7:55 am

Heard about the freezer one before - not sure of the effect on the leather though.

Might give Scrubbers a try though- heard good reports of them and prices don't look too bad

Dalemac · #8 Post by **Dalemac** » Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:25 am

I have never had a problem with my leathers personally, but i often have problem with sweaty exercise clothes. If I don't pre-wash them with some distilled vinegar every once in a while, they end up smelling bad, and the washing machine will not get rid of it.

Perhaps some diluted vinegar in a spray bottle and apply to the inside after each ride, will do the trick? Alternatively, just use the spray on fabreeze.

If it is really bad, use some 1001 carpet shampoo. Fantastic stuff.

Dale

Paulh · #9 Post by **Paulh** » Thu Jul 18, 2013 10:42 am

This is old, so smell ingrained for a while - I thoughtit would have worn off after a few years.

Jacket got used all day, every day, for about 4 years (I basicaly lived in it, which is why I'm still attached to it). All Fabreze does is cover the smell with another rather than stop the smell isn't it?.

Not sure smelling like the local chippie is an improvement though

Nooj · #10 Post by **Nooj** » Fri Jul 19, 2013 5:22 pm

Definitely give them to Scrubbers, they can do to leathers what I do to bikes. Excellent customer service from them. They get my walrus of approval (like a seal, but bigger).

D-Rider · #11 Post by **D-Rider** » Fri Jul 19, 2013 5:54 pm

Nooj wrote:Definitely give them to Scrubbers, they can do to leathers what I do to bikes.

..... so they'll be sawing bits off with a hacksaw then .......