Cleaning leather jacket after 5 years of storage.

[racercosmo]

I sold my bike a few years ago. Kept my TZ1, but it was in a basement for a while.
So now I just got another bike, and now the jacket smells like it has been in a basement for 5 years. Is this something a dry cleaner can take care of for me? I've looked up a few things on cleaning leather jackets, but none of them seem to mention the liners.

 

[Butch]

Just go nuts with Lexol or something. More brilliant advice will surely surface...

 

[Blankpage]

Watching cause I have the same situation except mine is 15 years old and hasn’t been used in maybe 9 years. I have other jackets but this old one still fits and is too good to throw away.

 

[puckles]

I recently purchased a nearly new jacket on another forum and it showed up smelling like an ash tray. I tried dryer sheets, tennis balls, leather cleaner, and lysol. The chemical guys leather cleaner seems to work well, as does lexol leather cleaner. The lysol worked alright on the liner. Was not impressed with the dryer sheets since they left a smudgy grease behind on it.

Still stinks a little if you put your nose to it, but not nearly as bad. I think dry cleaners are capable of this, but I haven't gotten the chance to take it in yet. Good Luck

 

[splat]

You can do a 1:1 mix of vinegar and linseed oil followed by leather conditioner or you can throw it in a box with an ozone generator to see if that gets rid of the smell.

 

[day004]

You can do a 1:1 mix of vinegar and linseed oil followed by leather conditioner or you can throw it in a box with an ozone generator to see if that gets rid of the smell.

If you use linseed oil ,please be sure to read up on how to dispose of used rags.
That's how Reggie Jackson lost his car collection. Poof!

 

[RVFRick]

You can do a 1:1 mix of vinegar and linseed oil followed by leather conditioner or you can throw it in a box with an ozone generator to see if that gets rid of the smell.

Ozone works by oxidizing smelly molecules and chemically changing their structure. It is very effective for deodorizing because it works into minute spaces and can cover a wide volume. Many materials can degrade when exposed to ozone—namely certain textiles, leather, rubber, and certain plastics. Take care not to over expose. Just enough to make the smell go away.

Chemists at work recommended using Febreeze saying it really works. Some explanation of surrounding the smelly molecule and preventing it from activating our smell receptors.

EDIT: clean air and sunlight is what I'd try first. The ultraviolet light from the sun also breaks down smelly molecules.

 

[Whammy]

Lexol and saddle soap. sunlight sez the Whammy!

 

[ST Guy]

I sure as heck wouldn't be putting any kind of chemicals on it other than something that is for sure certain to be good for leather. And even then you have to be careful. Many leather products are designed for casual wear where the strength of the leather is not important like it is for motorcycle gear.

Frankly, I'd just hang it up and let it air out. It will take awhile but you could always point a fan at it. Some sunshine wouldn't hurt it either.

 

[Gixxergirl1000]

Throughout race season, I've actually used Lysol to lightly spray the inside/liner on my 1-pc leathers. Been doing this for several years, they don't stink, and there's been no damage to the liner/seams/interior at all.

Congrats on the new bike!!

 

[racercosmo]

Throughout race season, I've actually used Lysol to lightly spray the inside/liner on my 1-pc leathers. Been doing this for several years, they don't stink, and there's been no damage to the liner/seams/interior at all.

I sprayed a little bit of Lysol, and it's hanging on the porch

Congrats on the new bike!!

Hopefully there's another bike in the garage soon.

 

[LakeMerrit]

soak it in lotion/leather conditioner?

 

[racercosmo]

soak it in lotion/leather conditioner?

The leather isn't the problem, it's more in the liner.