HarleyTechTalk

Is there actually an easy method of cleaning bugs off leathers?  I just broke in my Christmas present of fancy H-D chaps in a run to Colorado and back. Needless to say they don't look new anymore.  My usual Lexol doesn't really clean very well.  Suggestions?

I like the used look...Gives your clothes character...Soap, water a soft scrub brush and a little leather conditioner will work...

Lexol also makes a good cleaner in addition to a conditioner. Most auto parts stores now also sell decent leather cleaners/conditioners.

I seem to recall a product called Murphy's oil soap that was supposed to be good for cleaning leather. Maybe a place that deals in horsey stuff, like saddles and such would have something.

Mike

rain works


Actually when I clean the seats or boots or even a jacket I use Lexol, plenty of hayburners here.  As Ed said, there is a cleaner and a preservative.
I just bought a nice jacket at Myrtle, the guy making them said soap and water then mink oil. I find soap and water to be a pretty broad term.
 

Quote from: Kansas on May 28, 2011, 06:50:33 AM
Is there actually an easy method of cleaning bugs off leathers?  I just broke in my Christmas present of fancy H-D chaps in a run to Colorado and back. Needless to say they don't look new anymore.  My usual Lexol doesn't really clean very well.  Suggestions?

Take a ride in a good rain storm! 

Jeff

I use Murphy's Oil Soap on anything leather, vinyl or rubber. It is a vegetable oil soap and it is absorbed by the leather, vinyl and rubber leaving them clean and looking good but without the slipperiness and/or oily feeling of other products. Simply spray it on and then wipe dry with a clean towel. It removes bugs and dirt easily and, as I said, leaves the item looking clean. It is inexpensive and available in the housecleaning section of most (If not all) major stores. It is billed as cabinet/furniture cleaner but don't let that steer you away. I've been using it on my bikes and clothing for years and it keeps them looking their best.

Hope this helps.

NormS.

Ah but another reason i don't wear chaps, let see that is about number 15 on the list so far LOL.

Wear them bugs as a badge of honor. My buds really got grossed out tho when one day I got crapped on by a bird.

Jeff

Quote from: fxstd_01 on May 28, 2011, 11:49:40 AM
Wear them bugs as a badge of honor. My buds really got grossed out tho when one day I got crapped on by a bird.

Jeff

Did not know you were supposed to wash them off.. Heck I feel out of place whenever I get something new.. 2 new things at one time is 4 times as bad..

Max

When restaurants won't let you in cause you're gross and you stink, you'll know its time to wash them off.

In my neck of the woods cleaning bugs off the bike or leathers lasts about 10 minutes into the next ride.

I think I'll hunt for some of the Murphy's soap and finish up with another coat of Lexol.  My old chaps were ready for entomological research but I figure I'll keep these new ones nice for awhile.  Thanks for the ideas!

saddle soap and then a leather conditioner, I use doc baileys.

I rode over to Target and picked up a bottle of Murphys Soap yesterday. I had never even hear of it and was pleased a big bottle was only $3.50 or something cheap.  I put some in a bowl with a little water. Using an old terry rag the bugs were gone in seconds. Talking about quick and easy. "Hints from Heloise" has nothing on HTT.   Maybe I'll surprise the old lady and clean something else around here with it.   

Dont think I ever cleaned bugs off chaps or leather, when I was up in the NW natures bike wash took care of that

like others said..."wear them bugs proud" you earned them! 

Hey, Seattle Dyna.  I enjoyed your long ride photos but I was trying to imagine you riding with no helmet face screen or windshield and the bug issues you would have to deal with. You must be one tough hombre or don't mind a face full of bug juice!  Guess I'm getting old.

Lol Kansas, by the time I clean the bike windscreen or glasses I just give up on the leather stuff,

riding down hwy 197 along Klamath Lake in eastern Oregon there are huge swarms of small green bugs, quite a sight to see a bunch of bikes with bright green bug gunk on all the leading edges, that was some nasty stuff!!

A few bugs show you been some where. 

Some of you all treat your leathers real good. I just wipe 'em off with a damp rag when they start lookin' too nasty.

I use Hyrogen peroxide
(The stuff next to the alcohol in your medicine chest)
Also good for taking bugs off your car or Bike and it doesn't ruin the paint or chrome!
I use it on my jacket and to remove the Love-Bugs...here in  in Florida.

3 years of bugs, rain, sun, rocks, road crap = properly broke in chaps and jacket.

Disco Down