FAQ'S


I NEED MORE PRODUCT INFORMATION AND ADVICE?

Call us and ask to speak to a member of our team on 01543 270299 or fill in the Contact Form and we will get back to you within 24 hours (during Monday-Friday). Alternatively, please use our Live Chat support, when available.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TEXTILE GARMENT?

Step 1: Remove all protective armour from the shoulder, elbows and back by opening the velcro pocket holding the armour in place and sliding it out. Unzip any removable inner liners
Step 2: Agitate any especially dirty areas with a brush/towel
Step 3: Ideally hand wash your jacket with a mild or diluted detergent (without any bleach) in slightly warm water. This gentle wash prevents damage to any mesh or waterproof membranes. Take care by using a gentle wash and spin if you are only able to clean the garment in a washing machine
Step 4: As an additional and optional treatment use a water repellent wash/spray such as Nikwax to proof the outer garment (applies to none waxed garment)
Step 5: Hang dry the garment out of direct sunlight but in a warm location and never use a machine dryer. 
Step 6: Once dry replace all armour and liners

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY WAXED COTTON GARMENT?

The outer of your waxed cotton jackets are made from 100% cotton that is treated with a special wax coating. This coating helps acts as a protective barrier against both wind and water, yet still allows the fabric to remain breathable. Knowing how difficult and harsh the weather can be for us motorcyclists, Merlin also chooses to provide extra support to the wax by specifying that a Reissa or Reissa Active waterproof and breathable membrane sits behind the wax. This means that even over a long period when the wax begins to dry out the waterproofing performance of you jacket is not compromised- some riders actually prefer the aged dry look of the wax. The key to getting the most out of your wax cotton jacket is to show it a little care and attention, for which in return it will serve you well for many years
Step 1: Lightly brush off any dirt or soil, and if necessary use a cold damp cloth to wipe down the jacket. Clean your jacket regularly to maintain its appearance but go easy as the wax will be removed. Dried mud, sand or grit are abrasive to the wax, especially along inner sleeve seams and this is the reason why we recommend brushing off regularly. Leaving the jacket to dry naturally for 24 hours in a well ventilated area
Step 2: Re-waxing the jacket when the jacket loses its waxed appearance/finish. Purchase a waxed cotton dressing tin from a number of online retailers and heat the tin of reproofing wax so that it becomes pliable and easy to apply. You can place the tin into a pan of hot water and warm it gently. Evenly apply the wax with a lint-free cloth, paying attention to seams. Allow the wax to settle and dry slightly and remove any excess build up. Use a hair dryer to melt the wax into the jacket- allowing an even spread of wax. Allow the jacket to dry in a well ventilated area for 24 hours
Do not machine wash or tumble dry. Do not iron. Do not wipe with hot water. Avoid soap and detergents. Keep you jacket on a hanger to maintain its shape and appearance in a dry place

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TEXTILE GLOVES?

Step 1: Rinse them in water (never hot and without any heavy pressure) to allow the dirt to loosen and give any bacteria a chance to flush out
Step 2: With a bucket use some mild hand soap or diluted detergent wash the inside of the glove. Do no though put concentrated cleaner directly onto the liner or exterior only use diluted mix. Let the gloves soak for a little while in the soapy water. You can use your fingers to clean the inside liner (Outlast liners are perfectly fine to be washed)
Step 3: Rinse the gloves out and using your fingers squeeze down the fingers to draw out any remaining water
Step 4: Leave the gloves to dry in a well ventilated open area that is not in the direct sunlight or next to a heat source such as a radiator
Step 5: As the gloves dry out but before totally dry put the gloves on to shape them back into place. Leave again to dry

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY MOTORCYCLE BOOTS?

Step 1: After each ride ensure that all dirt and grease is wiped off the boot and if the boots are wet that they are wiped dry with a cloth or preferably a stiff brush, paying attention to panel seams. For areas of the boots with plastic mouldings mild soap can be applied to remove grease spots
Step 2: Depending on how often you ride and what the conditions have been like, a leather cleaner will help to begin the restoration process, returning your boots to an ‘out of the box finish’. A number of leather boot cleaners are available on the market and each come with their own set of instructions for application to different types of leathers. Please note that some of our leathers such as the Crazy Horse finish or the Aniline leather are developed with special treatments and therefore the normal cleaning process of polished leathers should not be used- mink oils or similar 'exotic' leather conditions are recommended
Step 3: Once you have followed the boot leather cleaning instructions and the boots are completely dry for additional protection apply a leather protector which again can be bought from a number of retailers. Further please see point 2 and be aware of cleaning specialist (exotic) leathers.
Do not use strong cleaning products on leather, the use of mild cleaning products prevents the weakening of the materials, colour and finish.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY JACKET LINING?

Step 1: Unzip the thermal lining and unfasten the studs on the cuff to remove the thermal lining
Step 2: The thermal lining should be wiped with a cloth and mild detergent to prevent the liner becoming soaked and saturated which can clump the thermal wadding together. If the lining does become soaked tumble drying at a low temperature with a rubber ball at short intervals can help to break the wadding back up. Please search for cleaning guides on thermal wadded (insulated) garments online, which shares a similar method to cleaning your thermal motorcycle jacket liner. If you’re removable lining includes a Reissa membrane please take extra care not to rub, rip or damage the lining as this will effect the waterproof performance.
Step 3:  Regarding the mesh inner lining you will notice that the Reissa waterproof membrane is behind this (in the event of the Reissa being detachable you can be more vigorous in the lining cleaning)  and as such is a delicate piece of technology that if punctured will allow water to pass through. Therefore using a diluted mild detergent simply wipe the inner mesh with light pressure and hang to dry (outside of direct sunlight). Turning the garment inside out will help this cleaning process but may not always be possible depending on your jacket style. Further to that a number of online guides discuss the use of baking soda to absorb odours as well as airing the garment inside out.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY HIXON, ALTON, STOCKTON OR MIA JACKET?

The leather is naked and therefore we advise that you do not have to use a specialist cleaner at all and because of the naked finish which will absorb moisture very easily, looking to buy an aniline leather cleaner and then an aniline leather guard/protector would be the best option.
You can also buy aniline moisturiser independently to put moisture back into the leather at longer intervals. These products should be tested in an inconspicuous area first before applying to the ensure garment.
 Saddle soap or a milk oil are two further alternative suggestions but these can darken the garment due to the natural absorption of a naked leather.

WHICH CE BACK PROTECTOR OR LIMB UPGRADE?

All Merlin garments include a velcro closing back protector pocket. In a number of cases the Merlin garments already include a CE certified back protector, pre-fitted.
In any jacket that does not include D3O shoulder and elbow armour, garments have a ‘universal/generic’ back armour profile. Therefore a number of after market armour pieces can be purchased and inserted retrospectively (see below). Garments with D3O shoulder and elbow armour pre-fitted are sized to take a D3O Viper back protector.
We have specified this ‘universal/generic’ pocket so that as the rider you have a wider choice of armour (from performance level, thickness or construction). The male jackets have a back armour pocket size of 40cm height x 30cm width and the ladies jacket pocket armour size is 36cm height x 29 cm width.
Examples of aftermarket CE certified back options for men would include, Forcefield’s 001 or Oxford RB-Pi1 as examples; other armour may fit but please check armour size vs pocket size within the garment and allow for a minimum of 1cm extra space in height and length. British armour specialist Knox also produce a number of smaller back armour inserts suitable for the ladies garment pocket. To help the fitting of the armour generally it is good advice to select armour that is 1cm smaller than the pocket width or height. Further to the Level 1 CE options above Forcefield’s Pro-Lite is a certified Level 2 option, for those looking for that extra impact protection within their garment.
Merlin would recommend fitting at least a CE Level 1 back protector.
Both the shoulders and elbows can be replaced and upgraded where necessary to D30 components in our waxed cotton garments. Please check your physical garment pocket against the D30 product sizing to ensure correct fitting before purchase.

CAN I LET YOU KNOW MY THOUGHTS?

We’d love to hear your opinions and feedback on Merlin itself or any of our products specifically. Why not send us your feedback by using the Contact Form. Also, beneath each product is a Reviews section where you can voice your thoughts

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR MY 2-YEAR GUARANTEE?

Please read the Guarantee Page and see link for registration.