As avid cyclists and creators of premium cycling apparel, proper laundering is essential to keep our gear performing at its best.
Washing cycling clothes requires some special care to preserve the technical fabrics and ensure the garments retain their comfort, wicking ability, and durability over repeated wearing.
That's why the team at Canari created this expert guide, providing you with all of the information you need to keep your gear in the best condition.
Preparing Your Cycling Apparel for Washing
Before tossing your cycling kit in the wash, take a few minutes to get it ready. This ensures the garments remain in great condition. Make sure to zip up all zippers, fasten velcro closures, and secure drawstrings. This step helps to protect zippers from potential damage. It also prevents loose ties from tangling in the washing machine or catching onto other clothes.
Choosing the Right Detergent and Wash Cycle
Cycling apparel is designed with high-performance fabrics intended to wick moisture and provide reliable comfort mile after mile. To maintain the technical properties, choose sports or outdoor detergents without dyes, fragrances, or additives whenever possible. Gentler, delicate detergent is another good option.
Modern washing machines have various cycle options suitable for most performance fabrics - just avoid fabric softener or dryer sheets which leave a residue.
The Importance of Avoiding Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners and dryer sheets should never be used when laundering cycling clothing or technical fabrics. The waxy residue these products leave behind can inhibit moisture wicking, degrade fabric performance, and shorten the usable lifespan of your cycling kit.
Effective Stain Removal Tips for Cycling Gear
As seasoned riders, we understand how cycling gear can accumulate tough stains on the trails. Knowing how to pre-treat these stains effectively before washing is crucial to keeping your clothes in top shape.
Overnight Soaking for Tough Stains
For more stubborn stains on cycling kits, try letting the clothing soak overnight before washing. Here's our process:
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To prepare, use a sink or tub filled with cool water, and then add a small amount of gentle laundry soap.
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Submerge the stained garment and let it soak for 8-12 hours. This allows the detergent to break down oils and lift stains from the fabric.
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After soaking, wash the clothes as usual, but with an additional rinse cycle. This helps to remove deep stains.
Drying Your Cycling Clothes Correctly
Proper drying is just as vital as washing to keep cycling kits performing their best.
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Lay the garments flat or hang them up with enough spacing to air dry. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
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Avoid using a dryer, as heat can degrade technical fabrics.
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If you're in a rush, use a fan to speed up air-drying without causing heat damage.
Special Care for Gloves and Accessories
Essential accessories such as gloves, caps, and booties need unique care to prolong their lifespan and functionality:
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To protect your accessories during machine washing, it's optimal to place them inside a mesh laundry bag. This mitigates potential wear and tear from the machine's agitation.
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For items that are better suited to hand washing, use cool water and a mild detergent. Don't forget to rinse thoroughly to fully remove any detergent residue.
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Once washed, lay these items flat to dry, ideally away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. To help gloves retain their shape, consider stuffing them with towels during the drying process.
Understanding Canari's Fabric Technology
Our premium cycling apparel uses high-tech fabrics engineered for cycling. We select moisture-wicking polyesters to keep riders dry and mesh for ventilation. For warmth, we use brushed fabrics. Tightly woven yet breathable microfibers provide wind protection. We also offer tri-laminates with thermal regulation and soft inner faces. At Canari, our fabrics are chosen for consistent comfort, durability, and high performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my cycling clothes still smell after washing?
If odors linger after washing, try soaking the cycling clothes overnight in a tub with cold water and a few tablespoons of baking soda. The baking soda helps remove stubborn odors at the fiber level. After soaking, wash as usual and allow extra time to line dry. The sun's UV rays also help eliminate odors.
Can I wash my cycling clothes with other garments?
Only wash performance cycling apparel with similar athletic clothing. Lint and residue from cotton tees can contaminate the technical fabrics. For best results, wash cycling kits separately from casual wear using a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
How often should I wash my cycling shorts with chamois padding?
The chamois pad should be washed after every ride. Sweat and bacteria trapped in the pad material can lead to irritation or saddle sores if worn repeatedly. Allow the shorts to air dry fully between rides. We recommend owning multiple pairs of cycling shorts to extend the lifespan of each pair by rotating usage.
