How to Wash Clean Leathers Welding PPE
In this article, I have covered the best practices for how to safely and effectively wash and clean your leather welding PPE such as gloves, jackets and Aprons.
As we know, welding is a dangerous and strenuous job that requires head-to-toe protection. Hence, proper care of your welding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for maintaining safety standards, and for getting the most out of your safety gear.
Properly washing and cleaning leather welding PPE is necessary to keep them in good condition and help them last longer. This post provides step-by-step instructions on how to properly take care of your leathers welding gear and what type of products are best suited for cleaning them.
Why to Wash your Leathers Welding PPE?
As a welder, I know, you show great concern for the maintenance of your welding gear and equipment. However, it’s unfortunate that the same level of attention is not often given to your welding personal protective equipment.
Many welders tend to neglect their welding jackets or gloves until they are worn out, and then the quick solution is to replace them. But what if I share with you a technique to prolong the lifespan of your leather welding PPE? Keep reading to discover how.
How to Clean Leather Welding PPE
Leather welding protective personal equipment (PPE) provides important protection against injury and burns (due to welding heat, spatters and hot parts), but it requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition.
Cleaning your leather welding PPE is a crucial part of its upkeep, as dirt and grime can weaken the leather and reduce its lifespan. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple techniques you can use to clean & wash your leather welding PPE quickly and effectively.
Can I Wash Leather Welding PPE?
Leather welding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of the most important items in any welder’s toolkit. Not only does it protect against sparks. spatters, hot parts and abrasions, but it also protects against heat and metals that could cause severe skin burns.
As such, it is essential as a welder for you to keep their leather welding PPE clean and well-maintained.
But can you actually wash the leather welding PPE?
No, it is not recommended to wash leather welding PPE using water as it can damage the material and affect its protective properties. Leather is a porous material that can absorb water and other liquids, which can cause it to become stiff, brittle, and lose its ability to protect against heat and sparks.
Instead, it is recommended to clean and condition leather welding PPE using specialized leather cleaning and conditioning products, as these are specifically designed to care for and protect the material.
It’s important to understand that using regular detergent or fabric cleaning products can harm the quality and longevity of leather. Therefore, if you’ve been doing this, it’s essential to discontinue this practice.
To get started with cleaning your leather items, make sure you have the proper materials on hand, including a gentle bath soap or mild detergent, a leather conditioner, and some cleaning rags.
These items will help you clean and maintain your leather goods effectively, without causing any damage or reducing their protective properties.
Can we Wash A Leather Welding Jacket In A Washing Machine?
No, it is not recommended to wash a leather welding jacket in a washing machine. Leather is a delicate material that can be easily damaged by the mechanical action and water exposure during the washing process.
The agitation and high-speed spinning in a washing machine can cause the leather to become misshapen, shrink or crack, and lose its protective properties.
Additionally, the leather may absorb water, which can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors. Instead, it is recommended to clean leather welding jackets by hand using a damp cloth, specialized leather cleaner, and conditioner.
How to wash & clean your welding leathers: Step-by-step
Here are the steps to wash and clean your welding leathers:
- Remove any dirt, debris or loose particles from the surface of the leather using a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth.
- Use a specialized leather cleaner to remove any stains or discoloration on the surface of the leather. Apply a small amount of the cleaner onto a clean cloth and gently rub it onto the leather in circular motions.
- Allow the leather cleaner to sit on the surface of the leather for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth.
- Apply a leather conditioner to the surface of the leather using a clean cloth, making sure to cover the entire surface of the leather.
- Let the leather conditioner sit on the surface of the leather for several hours or overnight, to allow it to soak in and nourish the leather fibers.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any excess leather conditioner, and then allow the leather to air dry completely, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Once the leather is completely dry, you can use a specialized leather protectant to help repel dirt and water, and protect the leather from future damage.
How To Clean Leather Welding Gloves
Since heavy-duty gloves are designed for tough use, it’s not surprising that they accumulate dirt and grime. One of the common issues encountered by welders is inadvertently staining their shirts or trousers with dirt marks when brushing their gloves against their clothes while still wearing them.
Typically, gloves for TIG welding are lighter and thinner to enable greater control and precision, while MIG welding gloves are heavier and more industrial. This guide offers a comprehensive approach to cleaning both types of gloves, enabling you to wear them as comfortably as possible while also reducing the risk of hardening after washing or use.
It’s generally not recommended to clean leather welding gloves with water as it can damage the leather and affect their protective properties.
However, if you need to remove some light dirt or stains, you can follow these steps:
- Use a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the gloves.
- Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water in a bowl.
- Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring out any excess water.
- Gently rub the soapy cloth or sponge onto the surface of the gloves, taking care not to saturate the leather with water.
- Once you’ve cleaned the gloves, rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water and use it to wipe away any remaining soap residue from the gloves.
- Use a dry towel to blot away any excess moisture, and then allow the gloves to air dry completely, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Once the gloves are dry, you can apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple, and protect it from future damage.
It’s important to note that this method should only be used for light cleaning and that you should avoid getting the gloves too wet. For heavy-duty cleaning or to remove tough stains, it’s best to use a specialized leather cleaner and follow the instructions provided by the PPE manufacturer.
How to clean a leather Welding apron?
Cleaning a leather welding apron requires a gentle touch and some special care to avoid damaging the leather. Here are the steps to clean a leather apron:
- Use a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the apron.
- Mix a small amount of mild soap or leather cleaner with warm water in a bowl.
- Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring out any excess water.
- Gently rub the soapy cloth or sponge onto the surface of the apron, taking care not to saturate the leather with water.
- Once you’ve cleaned the apron, rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water and use it to wipe away any remaining soap residue from the leather.
- Use a dry towel to blot away any excess moisture, and then allow the apron to air dry completely, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Once the apron is dry, you can apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple, and protect it from future damage.
It’s important to note that you should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, such as bleach or steel wool, on the leather as it can damage the surface. Also, if the apron has any metal parts, such as buckles or snaps, it’s best to remove them before cleaning to avoid any damage or discoloration.
How to clean a leather Welding Jacket?
Leather welding jackets are an essential part of any welder’s protective gear, and taking proper care of it is essential to ensure its longevity.
Here are the steps to clean a leather welding jacket:
- Brush off any loose dirt or debris from the jacket’s surface using a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth.
- In a bowl, mix a small amount of mild soap or leather cleaner with warm water.
- Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and wring out the excess.
- Gently rub the soapy cloth or sponge onto the jacket, taking care not to saturate the leather with water.
- Once you have cleaned the jacket, use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe away any remaining soap residue from the leather.
- Use a dry towel to blot away any excess moisture and allow the jacket to air dry completely away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Once the jacket is dry, you can apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple, and protect it from future damage.
