Look After Your Cycling Kit With These Quick Washing Tips with GCN
Source: GCN Youtube Channel: Look After Your Cycling Kit With These Quick Washing Tips
Video Look After Your Cycling Kit With These Quick Washing Tips with Global Cycling Network
Video Look After Your Cycling Kit With These Quick Washing Tips with Global Cycling Network YouTube Channel.
Look After Your Cycling Kit With These Quick Washing Tips
Heading 1: The Importance of Cleaning Your Cycling Kit
Keeping your cycling kit clean is essential for maintaining its longevity and performance. After a long ride, your kit is likely covered in dirt, sweat, and grime, which can not only be unhygienic but also detrimental to the fabric. Cleaning your kit promptly after each ride can help prevent bacteria buildup and prolong the life of your gear.
Heading 2: Preparing Your Kit for Washing
Before tossing your cycling kit into the washing machine, there are a few steps you can take to ensure optimal cleaning results. Start by spraying off the bulk of the dirt and grime with a hose or jumping in the shower to remove the excess mud. It’s crucial to avoid letting your kit sit around damp for too long, as this can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Turning your kit inside out, zipping up zippers, and fastening Velcro can help protect the fabric during the wash cycle.
Subheading (H3): Using a Mesh Bag for Protection
Placing your cycling kit in a mesh bag before washing can prevent it from getting twisted and tangled in the machine. This is especially important for delicate items like bibs that can easily stretch or snag during the wash cycle. Consider investing in a guppy friend bag, which not only protects your gear but also helps reduce microplastic pollution in the environment.
Subheading (H3): Sorting Your Laundry
When washing your cycling kit, it’s essential to separate it from other items like towels or jeans to prevent color bleeding. Washing similar clothing with similar clothing, such as whites with whites and colors with colors, can help maintain the quality of your gear. Using color catchers in the wash can provide an extra layer of protection against color transfer and ensure your kit stays vibrant.
Heading 3: Choosing the Right Detergent
Opting for a non-bio detergent designed for sports clothing is ideal for cleaning your cycling kit. Avoid using biological detergents that contain enzymes that can degrade the fabric. Washing your clothes at 30°C is recommended to prevent damage to elastic components and protect the integrity of the fabric.
Subheading (H3): Avoiding Fabric Softeners and Stain Removers
Fabric softeners should be avoided when washing your cycling kit, as they can trap dirt, oil, and affect the fabric’s breathability. Fabric softeners can also destroy water repellent coatings on certain garments, rendering them less effective. Likewise, stain removers can be harsh on the fabric and should be used sparingly or avoided altogether to maintain the quality of your cycling gear.
Heading 4: Drying and Maintaining Your Kit
Properly drying your cycling kit is crucial for preserving its shape and performance. Hanging your gear to dry on a line or clothing horse is preferred over using a tumble dryer, which can cause premature wear and tear. Special care should be taken when drying items like Merino wool base layers, as they can stretch when wet. Water repellent or waterproof clothing may need extra care, such as reactivating water repellent properties with a tumble dryer or iron.
Subheading (H3): Reproofing and Maintenance
After several washes, water repellent clothing may require reproofing with a dedicated spray to restore its waterproof properties. Using a technical reproofing sports wash can help revive waterproofing properties and maintain peak performance. Regular maintenance and care can extend the life of your cycling kit and keep it looking and performing at its best.
In conclusion, cleaning and maintaining your cycling kit is vital for optimal performance and longevity. By following these tips and best practices, you can ensure that your gear stays in top condition ride after ride. Remember to prioritize proper washing techniques, avoid harsh chemicals, and take care when drying and storing your kit to enjoy many more miles on the road.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel Global Cycling Network and do not necessarily represent the views of Bicycles4ever Cycling Culture.
