how to wash cycling clothing
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
how to wash cycling clothing
how to wash spandex.lycra
jersey. Shorts
what are best ways to prolong life of clothing
jersey. Shorts
what are best ways to prolong life of clothing
#2
Dont fix whats not broken
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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.
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.
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#3
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Gentle cycle and hang after
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#4
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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...
Now, up in the Great White North, who knows...
#5
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#6
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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.
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.
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#7
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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.
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.
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#8
Senior Member
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.
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.
#9
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.
#10
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.
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.
#11
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If only these precious garments came with care labels...
#12
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#16
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Is this a serious question ??
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#17
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.
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#18
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.
#19
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.
Last edited by u235; 08-25-20 at 07:59 PM.
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#21
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New every time
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-YMMV
-YMMV
#22
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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.
#23
Senior Member
Ditto. I wash my cycling clothing immediately after cycling.
If it's only your cycling clothing and probably a few other pieces of clothing in your clothes bin, it's definitely a waste of energy to throw them in the washer. In this case, hand-wash your cycling clothing. They're only few pieces after all, would only take 5 mins tops of your time to handwash.
If it's only your cycling clothing and probably a few other pieces of clothing in your clothes bin, it's definitely a waste of energy to throw them in the washer. In this case, hand-wash your cycling clothing. They're only few pieces after all, would only take 5 mins tops of your time to handwash.
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.
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#24
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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.
In general, the stuff lasts like crazy with gentle machine washing and drying.
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#25
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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.
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.