Wheeliefun's Multisport Clothing Care 101
Do you find that your bib shorts just don't feel the same after 3 or 4 months of training and racing in them? Ever notice how your tri top just doesn't feel silky smooth as your run after a few trips through the washer? If you're anything like me, most of you haven't given much thought to how you wash your favorite cycling kit. I know when I was in college it was the last thing on my mind, until someone informed me, "I can see right through your shorts dude." Thankfully I hooked up with Dave at Wheeliefun and got set straight on how to properly take care of my multisport apparel.
- Never put anything the dryer...ever. The dryer is your enemy and will destroy all of the special microfibers that aid in wicking and ventilation until you're left with plain old Lycra (it's basically Under Amour at that point...) Let your clothes air dry in a well ventilated area. If you want it to dry quickly, roll your clothes up in a towel then unroll it.
- Never use bleach. Simple.
- Never use fabric softener.
- Try and avoid using powdered detergents, use liquid detergents with the least amount of fragrance. Powdered detergents are abrasive on the material and will cause it to wear out faster.
- Pre treat your stains with Shout gel using a small toothbrush.
- When you do wash, use a gentle cycle with cold water. You'll want to do all of your training clothes in a separate load given all the special attention they'll need.
- Don't store jersey's and tops on hangers as it will make them baggy and stringy. Fold them up and put them away.
- For a fresh fragrant smell, put a dryer sheet between garments.
- Don't wash darks with lights.
- Never put winter gloves in the washer. Once the lining/insulation comes out they're near impossible to put back in. Just trust me on this one...
- If you have zippers, clasps, or velcro - make sure it's closed. The zippers act as a file against other fabrics.
- Check your pockets for GUs, money, cell phones, power bars etc. GU does not make a good fabric softener.
- Helmet care - if you can remove the pads they're machine washable. After a year replace the pads. You can hand wash the straps with shampoo and water. Depending on how much you ride a helmet is good for 2-3 years or one crash. The more you ride, the sooner you should replace your helmet.