Smelly cycle kit - what to do?
- Thread starter Schneil
- Start date
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Ah I think I can see where I'm going wrong here, I'm wearing the same top and shorts for 2-3 days of commuting.
Also I don't think my washing liquid and 30 degree washing is cleaning the smell out of the clothes (Persil non-bio small and mighty).
I can't try a different liquid as my skin is very fussy (I have problems with eczema).
I don't think my washing regime is getting all the ground in dirt, oils and bacteria out of the clothes.
(also I think getting boiled in the bag on winter commutes when wore my jacket didn't help).
I'm going to try a hot wash at 60 on one of my tops to see if that banishes the smell without damaging the fabric.
(the tops are Foska Coolmax polyester). Then I'll take advantage of the sunny weather and leave out all day in the sun tomorrow.
If that doesn't give me any joy, I'll try sodium bicarbonate or vinegar in the wash, this might dissolve the oils/kill bacteria
(silly question, but if vinegar's acidic, wouldn't it react with the bicarb?)
and if the above doesn't work I'll try the meths option.
Also I don't think my washing liquid and 30 degree washing is cleaning the smell out of the clothes (Persil non-bio small and mighty).
I can't try a different liquid as my skin is very fussy (I have problems with eczema).
I don't think my washing regime is getting all the ground in dirt, oils and bacteria out of the clothes.
(also I think getting boiled in the bag on winter commutes when wore my jacket didn't help).
I'm going to try a hot wash at 60 on one of my tops to see if that banishes the smell without damaging the fabric.
(the tops are Foska Coolmax polyester). Then I'll take advantage of the sunny weather and leave out all day in the sun tomorrow.
If that doesn't give me any joy, I'll try sodium bicarbonate or vinegar in the wash, this might dissolve the oils/kill bacteria
(silly question, but if vinegar's acidic, wouldn't it react with the bicarb?)
and if the above doesn't work I'll try the meths option.
Ashtrayhead
Über Member
- Location
- Belvedere, Kent.
Yes, but that's what gives it exceptional cleaning qualities when combined. (Also gets rid of limescale from taps and sinks and baths and leaves a lovely shine!)
Bodhbh
Guru
As others have said, merino is great. tbh it's pretty hard to actually make the stuff pong. Only thing for me, is it's a matter of time till it gets thrown in the tumbledryer or something by mistake and shrinking. Tends to get motheaten if not careful too.
Should be able to use watered down bleach on man-made fibres? Dunno, just a wild thought. Test it first, don't take my word for it !
Should be able to use watered down bleach on man-made fibres? Dunno, just a wild thought. Test it first, don't take my word for it !
potsy
Rambler
- Location
- My Armchair
Eww, what a minger
Clean shorts and top everyday is the way to go Schneil, stop giving us Stopfordians a bad name
BrumJim
Forum Stalwart (won't take the hint and leave...)
- Location
- Selly Oak, Birmingham
Merino, bamboo or coffee beans are your best option. Get rid of the polyester.
Belfastox
Regular
- Location
- Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim
Merino wool - fabric of the gods.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Watch the shorts.... ergh - deffo new on every day, and get them dried out fast in-between. If I'm at other sites during the day, I take a spare base layer.
pshore
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Last contour N of Cambridge
Another merino fan here. It can have a slight eau de moulin about it but subtle and not offensive.
I also have a mix of other sports gear made with man made fabrics, some better than others. Some fabrics just hang on to the smell - putting them through the wash makes them smell clean but within one wear get their smell back. Bicarb of soda treatment helps a bit but is hassle.
My favourite treatment is to just pour boiling water over the affected area and it keeps ingrained smells at bay for a few weeks. I feared damaging the fabrics and melting my cycling gloves but they have survived ok. Besides, the gloves were so offensive I would have put them in the bin and replaced them.
I also have a mix of other sports gear made with man made fabrics, some better than others. Some fabrics just hang on to the smell - putting them through the wash makes them smell clean but within one wear get their smell back. Bicarb of soda treatment helps a bit but is hassle.
My favourite treatment is to just pour boiling water over the affected area and it keeps ingrained smells at bay for a few weeks. I feared damaging the fabrics and melting my cycling gloves but they have survived ok. Besides, the gloves were so offensive I would have put them in the bin and replaced them.
BentMikey
Rider of Seolferwulf
- Location
- South London
You guys REALLY haven't smelt a bad odour until you've been in an ice hockey locker room. It can be like being smacked in the head with a cricket bat, but curiously you get used to it and even addicted. One of the lads had kit that would just about crawl off on its own.
In my defence I don't have as epic a commute as some of the rest of the fellas on here. 5 miles, appx 15-20 mins. However I'm definitely going to invest in more shorts. I do wear MTB baggies though, so more ventilation
So the consensus is merino tops or base layers. What about shorts?
