How to Wash and Care for Your Cycling Apparel (Without Ruining It)

 So you’ve finally invested in proper cycling gear—those bib shorts that cost more than your jeans, that jersey with pockets that actually make sense, and a wind vest you swore you'd never need (until you did).

But now comes the part no one talks about: keeping your cycling clothes alive.

Because here’s the truth—cycling apparel is fragile, not because it’s badly made, but because it’s high-performance gear. These fabrics stretch, breathe, wick sweat, fight bacteria, and sometimes cost €100+ per piece. They’re not meant to be tossed in the wash with your towels and hope for the best.

Ready to make your gear last longer, smell fresher, and feel better every ride? Let’s dive into the complete guide on how to wash and care for your cycling apparel without wrecking it.

Why You Can’t Treat Cycling Gear Like Regular Laundry

First, let’s get this out of the way: technical cycling apparel is not the same as gym clothes.

Cycling fabrics are often:

  • Ultra-lightweight and thin

  • Antibacterial and moisture-wicking

  • Designed with stretch panels, mesh inserts, silicone grippers, and heat-bonded seams

  • Made from synthetic blends (polyamide, elastane, lycra, merino, etc.)

Your laundry routine for this stuff? It matters. A bad wash can ruin the elasticity, wreck the chamois, and wear out your favorite jersey in a month.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Cycling Apparel Properly

Step 1: Pre-Wash Routine

  • Turn everything inside out. This protects prints, logos, and exposed stitching.

  • Close zippers and Velcro to avoid snagging fabric.

  • Rinse gear quickly if you’re not washing it immediately. Dried-in sweat and bacteria = funk you’ll never get out later.

  • Got mud? Gently hose it off before machine washing — don’t grind grit into fabric in the drum.

Step 2: Machine Washing (the Right Way)

  • Use cold water. Hot water breaks down elastic fibers and damages padding.

  • Set to delicate or sportswear mode.

  • Use a laundry bag for bib shorts or gloves — this prevents stretching and tearing.

  • Wash with similar fabrics only. No jeans, no towels, no heavy cottons.

Detergent tip:
Use a small amount of mild, sports-specific detergent (like Granger’s, Nikwax, or Assos Active Wear Cleanser). Avoid:

  • Fabric softener (kills elasticity and wicking ability)

  • Bleach (do we even have to say this?)

  • Scented detergents with oils (they clog technical fabric pores)

Step 3: Drying

This part is crucial. A lot of gear gets ruined here.

DO NOT tumble dry your cycling clothes. The heat breaks down Lycra, elastic grippers, and the padding in your shorts.

Instead:

  • Air dry flat or on a drying rack, out of direct sunlight.

  • If hanging, support bibs from the legs—not by the straps (they can stretch over time).

  • No radiators or heaters—same reason: heat damage.

Pro fact: Many manufacturers void warranties on gear that’s been tumble dried. Yep, they can tell.

Special Care: Your Bib Shorts’ Chamois

The chamois pad is like the heart of your bib shorts. And it can be tricky.

  • Always wash immediately after use. Leaving sweat and bacteria to “marinate” leads to permanent odors and faster degradation.

  • Use antibacterial detergent if needed, but rinse thoroughly—you don’t want chemical residue sitting against your skin next ride.

  • Don’t wring the shorts. Gently press out water with a towel before air-drying.

Bonus: Chamois cream buildup is real. Rinse thoroughly or pre-soak once every few weeks to clear it out.

How Often Should You Wash Cycling Gear?

After every ride.
Yes, even if you didn’t sweat “that much.” Your gear is absorbing not just sweat, but bacteria and road grime. Rewearing unwashed bib shorts? That’s a fast track to saddle sores and chafing.

Exception: Outer layers (wind vests, jackets) can go a few rides if they didn’t get soaked or muddy.

Common Mistakes That Kill Gear Early

  • Leaving dirty kit in a heap or plastic bag overnight
    → Smells worse than your shoes and starts bacterial breakdown.

  • Using dryer sheets or fabric softener
    → Leaves residue that blocks wicking and ruins stretch.

  • Washing with abrasive fabrics
    → Towels and zippers will destroy delicate mesh and prints.

  • Overloading the machine
    → Compression wear like bibs and base layers needs space to move freely.

  • Forgetting to turn inside out
    → Logos peel faster, and inner surfaces don’t get properly cleaned.

FAQs Cyclists Ask About Gear Care

“Can I hand wash cycling gear?”
Absolutely. In fact, it’s gentler than a machine. Use lukewarm water, a few drops of mild detergent, and gently swirl and soak. Rinse thoroughly.

“How do I get rid of the ‘perma-funk’ smell?”
Try a deep soak in water + white vinegar (1:4 ratio), then wash as usual. Enzyme-based sport detergents also help.

“Can I use regular detergent if I’m careful?”
Yes, but use very little, and avoid softeners. If your gear starts to lose stretch or feel “soapy,” you’re overdoing it.

“How long should cycling gear last?”

  • Bib shorts: 1–2 seasons of regular use

  • Jerseys: 2–3+ years

  • Base layers: Until they lose stretch or start pilling
    Taking care of them properly can easily double their lifespan.

Final Thoughts: Treat Your Kit Like You Treat Your Bike

You wouldn't ride your bike 500 km without cleaning and lubing the chain, right? Same goes for your kit. Cycling apparel works hard to keep you comfortable—it deserves a little respect in return.

A 2-minute pre-wash rinse, a cold delicate cycle, and some shade-drying can save you hundreds of euros over the long haul. More importantly, it keeps your gear feeling great, smelling fresh, and working like new.

And let’s be honest — no one wants to be that rider in the group whose bib shorts have a permanent “scent.” Clean it right, and ride on.

Komentarai

Rašyti komentarą

Populiarūs šio tinklaraščio įrašai

How Much Does Good Cycling Apparel Really Cost — and Why?

Let’s be honest: cycling isn’t exactly the cheapest hobby. Once you’ve bought the bike, helmet, shoes, and maybe a few gadgets, it’s tempting to think, “Do I really need €150 bib shorts or a €90 jersey?” You’re not alone. Many new (and even experienced) cyclists hesitate when they see the price tags on quality apparel. But here’s the thing — good cycling gear isn't expensive for no reason , and understanding why it costs what it does can actually help you spend smarter, not just more. Let’s break it down: what does good cycling apparel really cost, what goes into that price, and is it actually worth it? What’s the Average Cost of “Good” Cycling Apparel? Let’s define “good” as gear that is: Comfortable for multi-hour rides Durable after frequent washing Made with performance materials (not basic polyester) Designed with cycling-specific fit and function Here’s a rough breakdown for mid- to high-quality cycling apparel: Item Mid-Range (€) High-End (€) Bib Shorts...
Skaityti daugiau

Top 5 Mistakes Cyclists Make When Buying Gear (And How to Avoid Them)

  Let’s be honest—cycling gear can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just getting started. One minute you’re buying a helmet, the next you’re being told you need bib shorts, base layers, $200 sunglasses, and tires that cost more than your first bike. Sound familiar? If you're reading this, chances are you've either made some questionable gear choices or you're trying not to. Good move. In this guide, we’ll cover the top 5 most common mistakes cyclists make when buying gear —and exactly how you can avoid them. Mistake #1: Choosing Gear Based on Looks Alone We get it. That sleek black-and-neon jersey with the cool logo? Super tempting. But before you drop $120 on a piece of gear just because it looks fast , ask: Is it actually right for how you ride? Why it happens: New riders (and, let’s be honest, experienced ones too) often get swept up in trends. Aero helmets, super-race-fit jerseys, white shoes... they look great in Instagram reels but may not fit your ac...
Skaityti daugiau