CanadianBiker32

how to wash spandex.lycra

jersey. Shorts

what are best ways to prolong life of clothing

mprince

I just follow the care labels that are in all garments. Usually this is machine wash and drip dry. I've got jerseys that are well over 15 years old (and a couple pairs of shorts) that are still going strong.

There's also a point of view (that I agree with) that washing soon after riding prolongs the life of cycling clothing more than anything. Letting the clothes sit in a pile soaked with sweat is not good for them.

GlennR

Gentle cycle and hang after

Phil_gretz

In the U.S. folks began using washing machines in the early 20th century. By mid century, most folks were using them. That, a cool water wash cycle, laundry detergent and line drying is about all that's needed.

Now, up in the Great White North, who knows...

nomadmax 

I turn everything inside out and zip it up as well.

Koyote

Zip up all zippers. If left unzipped, the teeth will abrade fabrics.

Optional: place everything in lingerie bags, and don't overstuff them. This will reduce mechanical abrasion in the washing machine.

Use gentle detergent (Woolite is not gentle; use Dreft or other detergent designed for baby clothes).

Gentle cycle, or Handwash cycle if your machine has it.

Use the Extra Rinse option if your machine has it. Lycra doesn't like having detergent left in it.

Optional: dry on lowest heat setting for 15 mins to take out some moisture; skip this step if you are being super-cautious.

Hang to dry; make sure shorts are inside-out or they will take 2x as long.

Note: NEVER put anything with velcro in with your cycling clothes; velcro sticks to lycra and will cosmetically damage it. In other words, wash cycling gloves separately, by hand, in a sink.

wingless

My favorite neon yellow jersey had a dirt spray up the center back that would not come off, despite pre-treatment scrubbing w/ liquid detergent.

The solution that worked was to use bar soap and tap water to scrub off the stains, followed by a normal cold water washing machine wash.

Looks new again.

Koyote

Glad it worked for you. I've done this with Spray and Wash (or similar) followed by a looong soak in detergent solution in a sink, followed by a machine washing.

Mulberry20

The only two detergents that get my gym clothes clean and really free of odor are HEX, which is a sport detergent for synthetics, and Seventh Generation which you can buy at Target. The later is really good and giant bottle is cheap, ironically because it is a plant-based detergent. Not letting them sit around dirty is important too. At lease rinse them in water and hang up.

topflightpro

I zip the zippers on my jerseys and put my really nice skinsuits into bags for washing them. But otherwise, most of our cycling clothes go in with the regular wash - cold water and normal cycle. I do hang dry them though.

Also, use less detergent than you think you will need, double rinse, and add some vinegar to the wash.

Laundry detergent tends to cling to synthetic fabrics more than natural ones. This leads to perma-stench. Using less detergent, double rinsing and vinegar help release the detergent from the fabric so your clean cycling clothes don't develop a permanent smell.

downhillmaster

If only these precious garments came with care labels...

PoorInRichfield

^ This. I didn't even know mesh wash bags existed until I got married and saw my wife using them I put my gloves and anything else with Velcro on it in one bag to prevent the Velcro from destroying other fabrics. I put my socks and sweat bands in another bag just to make it easier to get them out of the washer.

berner

I hand wash everything immediately after use. While still damp with perspiration, just a minute or two of washing does the job.

rydabent

I have a magic drawer that clean cycling clothes magically appear. After a ride I throw them in a hamper, and like magic they reappear in my magic drawer.

Just Mark

You guys really wash your cycling clothes?

wolfchild

Is this a serious question ??

indyfabz

When touring, if there is a shower I will wash them while I wash myself, which is usually within an hour of arriving at camp. Need to get them hanging to dry as soon as possible.

50PlusCycling

Hand washing with mild detergent, and then hang them to dry. Machine washing and drying is tough on clothes, and is the primary cause of wear and fading. Get enough jerseys and shorts that you can give each set time to dry before using them again. A good mild detergent is a decent quality shampoo. Dandruff shampoo works well to kill fungus in shorts. I was a medic in the Army, where so-called "crotch rot" was an issue with Infantrymen spending lots of time in the field with high heat and humidity, and few showers (and not fun, at least for me, to diagnose). Dandruff shampoo (like Head and Shoulders) was the best non-prescription cure.

u235

Wow, its a synthetic material, I throw mine in the wash with my other clothes with average cost detergent on cold and most times it goes into the dryer. Instead of all the time spent on weekly or daily rituals I'd rather just buy new ones a year earlier if they deteriorate . Maybe because it is for cycling it requires more work then normal. I *do* use Odoban occasionally in the rinse cycle in all of my clothes and washables if it stinks but I already have it for other things around the house. Not just because it is cycling clothes. Sams club has it cheap.

NoWhammies

We're still waiting for electricity to get here. Once that happens I'll let you know.

Troul 

New every time

c_m_shooter

I normally only do one load of laundry per week. When I didn't have a weeks worth of cycling shorts and jerseys I washed them while taking a shower after my ride and hung them to dry. I don't bother with cycling specific clothes anymore. I only wear poly compression under shorts and mostly wear fast drying fishing shirts, so the laundry gets done when it needs done in the washing machine.

Garfield Cat

Not only that but I use that 5 gallon bucket like the one I see at Home Depot. I don't fill it up to the top but just enough to use laundry liquid and cold water to soak the clothes. While soaking, I use the same water to wipe down the bike. Then go back to agitate the clothes a bit. Then rinse, and hang dry.

Getting perspiration off the clothing immediately and a rinse in cold water is what I think will allow the material, especially the foam padding to last a bit longer.

woodcraft

I'm trying to think of any cycling clothing aside from gloves that I have actually worn out.

In general, the stuff lasts like crazy with gentle machine washing and drying.

blacknbluebikes 

I think some of my oldest lycra is more than 6yrs, and those are still doing fine. I avoid the lower-priced stuff, maybe that helps.
Successful method: Machine wash, gentle cycle, use only Atsko Sport-Wash for these materials with 2 tbsp borax pre-wash. Line dry overnight. excellent long-term results: colors still strong, elastic intact, material feels new.