Washing genuine chamois lined shorts

[rrarider]

I have a couple of pairs of cycling shorts with a genuine chamois insert. By this I mean it's a piece of leather from a chamois goat, not a piece of synthetic material. These are quite old , still in good condition and comfortable. I wash them, as was recommended, in soap flakes.

It appears that soap flakes are no longer manufactured and are now impossible to obtain. My alternatives are : 'liquid soap flakes' (sic) or buying some castile soap (maybe Knight's Castile) and grating it. I am asking if any member still using old style shorts, has tried either of these options and can comment on their success or failure of the method?

 

[PK99]

I have a couple of pairs of cycling shorts with a genuine chamois insert. By this I mean it's a piece of leather from a chamois goat, not a piece of synthetic material. These are quite old , still in good condition and comfortable. I wash them, as was recommended, in soap flakes.

It appears that soap flakes are no longer manufactured and are now impossible to obtain. My alternatives are : 'liquid soap flakes' (sic) or buying some castile soap (maybe Knight's Castile) and grating it. I am asking if any member still using old style shorts, has tried either of these options and can comment on their success or failure of the method?

Do you wear woollen cycling shirts as well?

I'm puzzled as to why you would want to wear real chamois shorts, there is a very good reason modern shorts use synthetics - they are better!

 

[Gert Lush]

I have a couple of pairs of cycling shorts with a genuine chamois insert. By this I mean it's a piece of leather from a chamois goat, not a piece of synthetic material. These are quite old , still in good condition and comfortable. I wash them, as was recommended, in soap flakes.

I'm puzzled as to why you would want to wear real chamois shorts, there is a very good reason modern shorts use synthetics - they are better!

 

[vickster]

What's wrong with the liquid ones? Don't you dissolve the flaked variety in water so they are made into a liquid?

 

[fossyant]

Tesco usually sell soap flakes. Good for washing waterproof kit.

But, I would seriously move over to modern synthetic pads. No need for cream and no messing with drying out the leather pad. I wouldn't go back. Can't believe the lycra is still OK as that deteriorates.

Make sure your old shorts aren't see through