The Best Way to Wash Your Cycling Clothes

Your cycling clothes are an investment, so it's crucial to wash and care for them like new ones by following these easy instructions. Whether it's your jerseys, bibs, or cycling shorts, proper care will ensure they last longer and perform better.

Here are some guidelines on how to wash cycling shorts, shirts, and other cycling apparel:

1. Get Your Clothing Ready for Washing

Before washing your apparel, take the time to get them ready. Cycling shorts, jerseys, socks, gloves, shoe coverings, and other items should all be zipped up and turned inside out before being thrown into the washing machine.

Using a wash bag for smaller items can help protect delicate fabrics. Items with hook-and-loop fasteners should also be stored in zipper mesh bags. Keep those materials restrained because the rough surfaces can seriously harm your clothing's delicate synthetic textiles. Secure the hook-and-loop closure on every component to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

2. Separate Your Cycling Apparel from the Rest of Your Laundry

Consider your clothes for cycling similarly to how you would your undergarments. Always wash your cycling kit separately from your other clothing. This is especially crucial for the first wash since some of the sublimated dyes may bleed, and you don't want to stain other clothes.

Using dye-trapping sheets like Shout Color Catchers can help absorb any excess color in the laundry, keeping your cycling clothing looking fresh and vibrant.

3. Check the Washing Instructions and Set the Machine to Cold

Before washing, it's important to check the washing instructions on the label of your apparel. Refrain from using hot water when washing your gear. It's easy to imagine that washing your sweat-soaked clothes in warm water will help remove it, but in reality, it can compromise performance fabrics, especially for water-repellant apparel.

Set your washing machine to cold or tap cold to protect the fabrics and prevent light and dark colors from bleeding. Modern washing machines often have a gentle or delicate cycle, which is ideal for cycling gear.

4. Use a Mild Detergent and Avoid Fabric Softener

Using a gentle detergent is key to cleaning your cycling clothes effectively. When you use softeners and strong washing detergents with harsh chemicals, it can quickly degrade the fabric's performance.

Furthermore, do not use fabric softener and do not use bleach, as they can damage the high-performance textiles that make up your gear. Standard detergents can be too harsh, so opting for a normal detergent without additives is best.

OxiClean Odor Blasters Odor & Stain Remover Laundry Booster, when used in conjunction with a mild detergent, can effectively eliminate odor-causing bacteria without harming the quality of the fabric.

OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover Spray can also help tackle tough stains like grease, salt, and mud—common issues for mountain bikers. Simply mist your cycling apparel as soon as it is taken off so that the stain can be addressed before machine washing.

5. Air Dry Your Cycling Apparel

Keep your bicycle gear separate from your bikini. Everything is on the line, even the socks! The synthetic fibers in the fabric may be broken down by the heat from the dryer, shortening the lifespan of your clothes.

The reflective or heat-transfer logos may also peel or fall off due to the heat breaking down the glue. And as we already mentioned, intense heat can significantly reduce the effectiveness of water-repellant apparel. Therefore, it's best to air dry or line dry all your cycling apparel to maintain its performance and longevity.

6. Hand Washing Your Cycling Gear

While using a washing machine is convenient, hand washing your gear is a gentle alternative that further extends the life of your cycling clothing. When doing so, use cold water and a mild laundry detergent, ensuring that you rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

Keep Your Cycling Clothing Ready for Every Ride

Taking care of your cycling clothes doesn't have to be complicated. By checking the instructions on the label and following these simple steps—getting your clothing ready for washing, separating your cycling kit, using cold water, avoiding fabric softeners, and air drying—you can keep your gear in top condition for many rides to come. Whether you opt for machine washing or manual washing, these practices will help maintain the integrity of your cycling apparel.

Remember, having the right gear can make all the difference in your cycling performance and comfort. Before you hit the road, be sure to explore our personalized cycling apparel, from custom cycling jerseys to high-performance cycling socks. Designed to enhance your riding experience, we are your one-stop shop for personalized gear that keeps you looking and feeling great on every ride!