How to best wash my cycling clothing?

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Ecover delicates liquid (woollen wash) at 30C for all cycling kit (including the expensive stuff - Assos kit) works fine for us. We don't tumbledry any of it, just left to dry overnight close to but not on a radiator.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I installed this thing called a "Mother" all I do is direct debit it a few ££ each month on payday. And the lycra gets washed, the socks darned and the food cooked.

 

[sabian92]

My bibs get washed at 30 and that's fine for them but my long sleeved thermal top has to be done at 60 or it stinks under the pits (sorry, but it's the truth! ) my tights go in on a 30 as well but it says use non-bio. I don't - am I doing them any harm?

 

[Crankarm]

You must have BO issues if your kit still smells after machine washing in modern powders and machine.

Sports or synthetics programme, 52 or 28 mins depending on degree of uncleanness, Persil Non-Bio, 40C, 800 spin, conditioner, all kit comes out smelling clean and frreshhhh.

 

[simmi]

Been thinking about an upgrade myself, but don't think the trade in price will make it worth my while

Only kidding after all these years am starting to get quite attached to the old girl!

 

[kedab]

....... She's a keeper

just as well, a striker would have ended up in divorce

 

[lulubel]

Ecover, 30 degree quick wash, no fabric softener, everything (except gloves and jacket) washed every time it's worn. Jacket gets a spray of natural deodorant (not anti-perspirant) under the arms every time it's worn to kill bacteria. Washing machine gets an occasional (once every couple of months or so) cycle at 60 or 90 degrees to keep it fresh.

Clothes are always fresh and clean, although being able to hang them outside to dry all year round may contribute to that.

 

[defy-one]

just as well, a striker would have ended up in divorce

after 22 years ... who would have her, or me ???

 

[sabian92]

You must have BO issues if your kit still smells after machine washing in modern powders and machine.

Sports or synthetics programme, 52 or 28 mins depending on degree of uncleanness, Persil Non-Bio, 40C, 800 spin, conditioner, all kit comes out smelling clean and frreshhhh.

I think it's the fact 30 isn't hot enough to kill the bacteria. I am quite a sweaty person when I exercise though, so that's why.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I think it's the fact 30 isn't hot enough to kill the bacteria. I am quite a sweaty person when I exercise though, so that's why.

Neither is 40, or 50, 60 ... to kill ALL bacteria you will have to wash at more than 90 - in practice, you don't need to be sterile to smell fresh
Try "washing" your machine, as suggested above, and change your detergent, maybe use one with softener included, they seem to make the wash smell nice.

 

[sabian92]

Neither is 40, or 50, 60 ... to kill ALL bacteria you will have to wash at more than 90 - in practice, you don't need to be sterile to smell fresh
Try "washing" your machine, as suggested above, and change your detergent, maybe use one with softener included, they seem to make the wash smell nice.

Everything else smells fine though, including my normal clothes. It's that 1 top (it's a Helly Hansen long sleeved one) that's the problem.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Everything else smells fine though, including my normal clothes. It's that 1 top (it's a Helly Hansen long sleeved one) that's the problem.

Sometimes, clothing made of some "poly" or other, smells no matter how you wash it. I am not sure of the exact name of the material, but have bought sports wear like that in the past.
Even freshly washed, it still smelled.
If you can manage to wear cotton under it when new the smell will not develop, ime.
Just went into my wardrobe to retrieve an old top, part of a work uniform, made of that material.
Never wore it for 4 years, was washed, put away for painting purposes.
Will you believe it? It still smells faintly of perspiration!
The label says: 100% polyester.

 

[P.H]

HH stuff is nicknamed smelly hanson for a reason, you're not the only one with this problem.
I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but how soon after wearing it gets washed also plays a part.

 

[Crankarm]

I use a HH warm every morning or evening depending on temp. If in morning it sits in my locker in a placcy bag until I get home in the evening when it is washed with all my cycling kit for the day. It still comes up clean and freshhhh smelling of roses for the next day's commute. Maybe the OP should switch to Persil non Bio powder or consider that they may have a BO issue and therefore need to wash themselves more frequently and perhaps use soap ?

HH known affectionately as smelly Hellys. I think they are brilliant. Really good at wicking and warm. Much better than pure merino base layers such as Icebreaker for high energy activities such as cycling or running.

 

[400bhp]

Stick some bicarb of soda with normal washing powder and turn clothes inside out.