Washing cycling clothes also has its own tricks, in order to prolong the lifespan of the garments and prevent them from wearing out prematurely. These are clothes made with special fabrics (lycra, polyester, polypropylene), which require a completely different washing and drying process than street clothes. Likewise, items like the jersey and bib shorts should be washed quite frequently, ideally always after each ride. Both the jersey and bib shorts are exposed to external agents that speed up the wear of the fabrics, such as sweat, mud, and the action of sunlight, which fades the colors. Below we give you some simple guidelines so that when you wash your cycling clothes you don't damage them unnecessarily and you can have your favorite gear ready for much longer. Also, don't forget to keep your shoes and gloves clean, or accessories like headbands, caps, or knee pads (in the case of enduro or downhill riding).
Wash your clothes right after your ride
Don't leave it in a basket or on a chair waiting to be washed later. Sweat can damage the fabrics if you leave it in the basket with other clothes. If you can't wash it immediately, you can soak it in a bucket with cold water and then let it dry before putting it in the washing machine. This pre-wash can also be very useful if the jersey, bib shorts, or jacket are very dirty (for example, after a ride with a lot of mud). The dirt will come off the fabrics and it will be easier to remove it during the wash.
Don't mix your jersey and bib shorts with other clothes
It is not recommended to wash your cycling clothes in the same load as street clothes, such as jeans, sweatshirts, or shirts mainly made of cotton. Mixing fabrics and colors could damage the fabric of your jersey or bib shorts. Ideally, wash your cycling kit separately.
If possible, wash it by hand
If you have time and you like to keep your cycling clothes spotless, it's better to wash them by hand in a bucket or basin with cold or lukewarm water. This will prevent the spinning and tumbling of washing machines from damaging the fabrics. However, it's very important not to use hot water.
Use a neutral soap
This type of soap has a very balanced formula that, besides not wearing out the fabrics prematurely, also includes ingredients that are beneficial for the skin, preventing irritation from contact with the garment.
Never use fabric softener
The use of fabric softeners is contraindicated when washing your jersey, bib shorts, and specific cycling garments. It is enough to apply a little soap or detergent (if using a washing machine) to the garment. Never add fabric softener to your cycling clothing, as these products contain an oily film that could clog the breathable fabrics of the jersey or bib shorts, and also deteriorate the foam or chamois pad of the latter.
How to properly hand wash your jersey
As for the jersey, you should apply soap and focus on scrubbing the areas that usually show the well-known white rings of dried sweat: armpits and back. Always gently scrub the fabrics, especially the most breathable ones like the mesh on the sides. Once you have scrubbed the area, let the soap work for a few minutes and then proceed to rinse. We recommend having one container for washing and another for rinsing with cold water so you can clean several garments without using too much liquid.
How to properly hand wash your bib shorts
In the case of the bib shorts, you will mainly need to scrub the chamois pad, as it is the part that can harbor the most sweat and all kinds of bacteria. You should also pay special attention to the back of the garment, which is most likely to get dirty with mud. To make this process easier, turn the bib shorts inside out before putting them in the water bucket. For rinsing, repeat the same process as described for the jersey.
How to wash cycling clothing in the washing machine
If, on the other hand, you are used to washing your cycling clothes in the washing machine (which is what most cyclists actually do), try to always choose a quick wash program (30 minutes) at a maximum temperature of 30º Celsius. This will be enough to thoroughly and safely clean all your garments. If possible, avoid choosing a spin cycle, as it could damage the breathable properties of the fabrics and the colors.
How to properly dry your cycling clothing
Once the washing is done, it’s time for the drying phase. First of all, avoid using a dryer or placing the garments next to a heat source to dry them faster, such as a radiator or stove. The best thing is to hang them stretched out with clothespins outside and in the shade. This will help preserve the original colors.
Never iron your cycling kit
Cycling clothing, such as jerseys, bib shorts, technical base layers, socks, etc., should not be ironed. This is a mistake made more often than we think. Just as with drying, you should avoid applying heat to the fabrics. The vast majority of cycling garments are made from lycra or polyester, very elastic (the first can stretch up to six times its original length) and durable fabrics that do not wrinkle.
Tips for washing cycling shoes
When it comes to cleaning cycling shoes, the washing process is similar to that of clothing. It is enough to rub the outside of the shoe with a damp cloth to remove mud or dust if they are not very dirty. However, if there is a lot of mud or dust, the best option is to submerge the shoes in water. First, you should remove the insoles to soak them separately, all in a bucket with cold or lukewarm water (no more than 30ºC). Apply a little neutral soap, although you can also use a mild dishwashing liquid. Then, simply scrub the shoes with a soft brush and let them sit for a few minutes. Finally, rinse with clean water and let them dry in the shade at room temperature. You can wash the shoes with the cleats attached as long as you dry them well afterwards with a dry cloth and apply a bit of spray lubricant to prevent rust. 2017/11/zapatilla-mtb.jpg">
Chamois, gloves, knee pads, and other garments
Other common essential accessories for your rides or training sessions with the bike are gloves. They do not need to be washed as frequently as jerseys or bib shorts. However, if you sweat a lot on your hands, it is best to wash them by hand, under the same conditions as the latter. For other tougher and heavier garments, such as protective gear for enduro or downhill (knee pads, elbow pads, or shin guards), the washing should be similar to that of shoes. Avoid putting them in the washing machine and clean them by hand, soaking them in a bucket with lukewarm water. This type of accessory does not need to be washed as often, at most every two or three rides. The protective panels are covered with denser and more resistant fabrics than those of jerseys or bib shorts.