Washing clothes

the_scattman

To All.

Despite washing my clothes straight after a ride they still come out the washing machine slightly smelly . I don't use conditioner as it's not recommended, so does anyone have any recommendations/tips to prevent this.

Thanks

Herbsman

When you go in the shower after a ride, keep your clothes on and scrub them with the soap while they're still on your body. Then wash them in the washing machine as normal, perhaps with a pre-wash.

If this doesn't work try leaving them to soak for a few hours in some antibacterial disinfectant.

thistle_

I had this problem but thought it was because I sometimes left them festering for a day or two until I had enough washing for a full load :roll: Now I put stuff on a short wash straight away and wash again when I have more stuff.

I use conditioner (never heard not to use it) and sometimes a bit of Vanish powder in the wash which seems to help a bit.

I also heard a hot wash helps get rid of smells, and some detergents work better than others.

BruceG

the_scattman wrote:

To All.

Despite washing my clothes straight after a ride they still come out the washing machine slightly smelly . I don't use conditioner as it's not recommended, so does anyone have any recommendations/tips to prevent this.

Thanks

REALLY, you are asking for advice on how to do your laundry in a cycling forum!!!!! PHONE YOUR MOTHER

Frank the tank

BruceG wrote:

the_scattman wrote:

To All.

Despite washing my clothes straight after a ride they still come out the washing machine slightly smelly . I don't use conditioner as it's not recommended, so does anyone have any recommendations/tips to prevent this.

Thanks

REALLY, you are asking for advice on how to do your laundry in a cycling forum!!!!! PHONE YOUR MOTHER

Or b0llock the wife.

beinbhan

Try using Halo sports wash you can get it at Tescos

Secteur

Is it just your cycling kit that's smelly, or ALL your washing... If the latter may be a problem with the machine... Occasionally the waste water pipe on ours blocks and the load smells, needing re-doing...

Otherwise I wonder if your kit is just a bit old and impregnated with bacteria... Maybe boil wash them?

edenchristopher

I love this forum!

Stone Glider

The problem with low temperature washes is that they do not truly clean the garments. This is fine for 'lightly soiled' items but fails when 'sweaty' clothing needs cleansing. Use a hotter cycle. The reason fabric conditioners are not used on cycling clothing is that the oils clog the 'technical' fabrics and remove the 'wicking' effect.

Herbsman

thistle (MBNW) wrote:

I had this problem but thought it was because I sometimes left them festering for a day or two until I had enough washing for a full load :roll:

Indeed, better to wash the stuff straight away.

I use conditioner (never heard not to use it) and sometimes a bit of Vanish powder in the wash which seems to help a bit.

I also heard a hot wash helps get rid of smells, and some detergents work better than others.

Conditioner shouldn't be used on cycling clothing. Apparently it can reduce the effectiveness of wicking fabrics.

Hot wash is not recommended either; some manufacturers recommend 30-40 degrees maximum temperature

mrushton

If you have a number of items try a cold wash first then a hand wash setting. Or a synthetic 40 degree quick wash.Use a soap liquid or flakes. DP liquid soap or 'Granny's Soap Flakes' made into a solution are my choice.

thefd

Just don't wash them for three weeks like this guy!

alihisgreat

beinbhan wrote:

Try using Halo sports wash you can get it at Tescos

This stuff looks interesting; I'll definitely try it out.

Secteur

I never knew you shouldn't use fabric conditioner... Have always used it on all my cycling gear, but I have never consciously noted a loss in clothing performance... But I will stop using it just in case...

Beatmaker

ALIHISGREAT wrote:

beinbhan wrote:

Try using Halo sports wash you can get it at Tescos

This stuff looks interesting; I'll definitely try it out.

+1. There are a couple of good reviews of it on Amazon.

turbo_hamster

Beatmaker wrote:

ALIHISGREAT wrote:

beinbhan wrote:

Try using Halo sports wash you can get it at Tescos

This stuff looks interesting; I'll definitely try it out.

+1. There are a couple of good reviews of it on Amazon.

+2 I have been using this stuff for at least 6 months and it is noticably better at de-stinking sports kit than other washing liquids. Polyester and similar fabrics will suffer if washed in hot water, so Halo is my only choice for sports kit.

robbo2011

Assos Active wear cleanser is good at keeping stuff stink free.

Velonutter

beinbhan wrote:

Try using Halo sports wash you can get it at Tescos

^Yep what he says, been using this for a couple of years now, absolutely brilliant and perfect if you are hyper allergic and have to use a non-bio.

If you have really sweaty turbo or roller sessions then I have not found anything better.

Stone Glider

'Hotter' not 'Hot'.

Gizmo_

Wash lycra at anything over 40 deg C and it'll only be useful to Action Man...

I use BioTex on mine when needed.

Leeuw

I use whatever is in the cupboard - Ariel, Persil, whatever - but non-bio tablets, on 30deg wash, never had a smelly moment (and I do get a bit sweaty!). However, in my pre-wicking undervest days, I did used to suffer with a bit of post-wash pong.

Are you wearing a wicking undervest? My kit is pretty dry when I get back, and it's in the machine within minutes of getting home...

Dorset_Boy

No technical fabric should be washed with conditioner as it will adversely affect the breathability.

Halo was sounds interesting - one to put to the Mrs!

bockers

Get a washing machine that has a steam function. Works well with out LG washing machine, but also stick it in the wash as soon as you have taken it off, and don't leave it in the machin after the wash.

As an aside all washing machines should run on their hotest cycle at least once a month. Kills much of the bacteria and prevents the drain pipes blocking.

rick_chasey

Gizmo_ wrote:

Wash lycra at anything over 40 deg C and it'll only be useful to Action Man...

I use BioTex on mine when needed.

Really? Works for me.

Wash it BEFORE it gets really smelly too.

Scrumple

FFS

The elastic fibres are gradually broken down by heat, and vigorous spins cycles.

Most bio powders are too aggressive for delicate performance garments and will reduce their life.

The smell is from dampness and can best be got rid of by a few hours in a freezer to kill the bacteria. Although that may damage the elastic...

Stick to supermarket own brand delicates liquid - cheaper than the branded stuff and pretty much the same. Assos is horribly epensive but it does smell lush.

Same thread every year - gets hot and people smell.

robbo2011

I don't think the Assos stuff is that expensive considering how long it lasts. I use it at least once a week and one bottle lasts the best part of a year. £12 per year isn't really so expensive for a years worth of cleaning.

flasher

http://methodlaundry.co.uk/

TheEnglishman

Just put a cap full of vinegar in the wash. Just google vinegar and musty clothes. It really works.

hulla the hulla

TheEnglishman wrote:

Just put a cap full of vinegar in the wash. Just google vinegar and musty clothes. It really works.

Ahh the Lynx Chip Shop effect

I jest, vinegar is good for cleaning a lot of things - my hobby is detailing cars (no I'm not Polish before you ask ) and all my micro fibre cloths get a vinegar wash to help break down the waxes / sealants I use.

Also, my Mrs uses that Halo stuff, it "cured" a couple of problem jerseys that never smelt right despite repeated washing - seem fine now so another vote for it !

jonomc4

two days ago I ordered Nikwax Basewash from Amazon - it is specifically for sports clothes - it apparently helps the wicking effect and kills the odours.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001DL9MG8/r ... B001DL9MG8


Obviously I have not used it yet - but I saw it being recommended on another bike website so I am going to give it a try

rdt

Nikwax stuff is usually ludicrously expensive, cleverly compounded by 'usage instructions' which suggest you use an order of magnitude more of the stuff than is probably needed. Surprised the instructions don't say "rinse, repeat" too for added measure, and amazed that such a fat margin business hasn't drawn more (any!) competition. Yet.