Washing kit

Hornetto

Probably the most mundane question ever asked on here! :oops:
Having only recently bought my first jersey and lycra shorts, I've come to washing them for the first time. The thing is that it says on the label to hand wash only, which is a bit of a pain. What does everyone do with their kit - hand wash or just machine wash on gentle at 30deg? Does it really matter?
FWIW I've got an Altura Asymetrix jersey and Altura Airstream shorts.

Cheers all.

Tiny Explosions

Machine wash at 30deg for me -not had a problem with it yet

helene

I've got more lycra than fits in one washing machine load (rowing stuff mainly, and padded shorts), and I can't say I've ever hand-washed any of it. It all goes into the washing machine, at 30 or 40 deg, synthetic wash. I've never had any problems with that - just remember it still needs to get sorted into the appropriate colour pile .

graeme_s-2

Just use detergent - no fabric softener.

I tend to put mine on an extra rinse as well, just to make sure it gets all of the detergent out.

Hornetto

Cheers for that - I was hoping that that would be the answer! Having to hand wash everything would seriously put me off wearing the kit regularly!!

unclemalc

Hornetto wrote:

Cheers for that - I was hoping that that would be the answer! Having to hand wash everything would seriously put me off wearing the kit regularly!!

:shock:

No, please, wash it regularly otherwise all sorts of nasty things will bite your bum...

Hornetto

No I said WEARING it regularly

Not going out twice in dirty kit - especially after going commando!! :shock:

markos1963

One tip to help stop plucking, turn the item inside out and do up any zips before putting in the wash.

unclemalc

unclemalc wrote:

Hornetto wrote:

Cheers for that - I was hoping that that would be the answer! Having to hand wash everything would seriously put me off wearing the kit regularly!!

:shock:

No, please, wash it regularly otherwise all sorts of nasty things will bite your bum...

:oops: Sorry

Philip S

markos1963 wrote:

One tip to help stop plucking, turn the item inside out and do up any zips before putting in the wash.

And take extra care that any velcro on items like gloves is fixed up and turned inside out. I've got a nice "brushed section" of lycra just above the groin on my best pair of bib shorts after I allowed someone to do me the favour of washing my kit... :oops: At least it distracts attention from the hairs poking through the lycra down there. :twisted:

mrushton

Philip S wrote:

markos1963 wrote:

One tip to help stop plucking, turn the item inside out and do up any zips before putting in the wash.

And take extra care that any velcro on items like gloves is fixed up and turned inside out. I've got a nice "brushed section" of lycra just above the groin on my best pair of bib shorts after I allowed someone to do me the favour of washing my kit... :oops: At least it distracts attention from the hairs poking through the lycra down there. :twisted:

get yourself some mesh laundry bags and put shorts in one bag, gloves in another etc. Whites wash seperately. i use either a 30deg wash or a -40 deg (slightly less than 40) especially for shorts and a Bio powder. i do a rinse afterwards to remove the detergent.

Slurp

The whole lot gets bunged in at 30deg, delicates cycle. that includes the black lycra shorts and bright yellow Altura jacket. Not had colour running problems. But would reiterate the advice to lock up the velcro. Don't machine dry it though. Let it drip.