Wash immediately or rinse off: Don’t let sweaty garments sit in the laundry basket. Rinse in cold water or hang to dry to avoid musty odors.
Separate the laundry: Always wash sports clothes separately from everyday clothes – this prevents odor and lint transfer.
Use the right detergent: Choose liquid detergent and dose sparingly. Too much detergent can leave residue that clogs pores and fibers.
No fabric softener: It destroys the material’s properties (especially breathability and water resistance).
Protect your clothes: Always turn garments inside out and close zippers – this preserves both the fabric and any prints.
2. Washing cycling clothes
Temperature: Wash at 30 °C to preserve elasticity and function. Occasionally you can wash at 40–60 °C to eliminate bacteria and odors.
Program: Use a sports or synthetic program if available.
Drying: Air dry in a ventilated space. Avoid tumble dryers – heat damages elastane and can trap odors.
Sports bra: Wash after every workout. Preferably place in a laundry bag if it has underwire or padding.
3. Washing and care of rain and shell garments (e.g. Gore-Tex, Eco-Shell)
Keep garments clean: Dirt and sweat clog pores and reduce both waterproofness and breathability.
Detergent: Only liquid, preferably specifically for shell garments. Avoid powder and fabric softener as they leave residues in the pores, ruining ventilation and waterproofness.
Temperature: Follow care instructions – usually 30–40 °C.
Reproofing:
When water no longer beads on the surface, it’s time to reproof or reactivate the impregnation with heat.
Reactivate impregnation with heat: 15–20 minutes in tumble dryer/drying cabinet (low heat) or ironing with a towel in between. If this doesn’t work, it’s time to reapply waterproofing.
Wash first, then spray or run a reproofing treatment in the machine.
4. Drying
Sportswear: Always air dry, in a ventilated space or outdoors if weather permits.
Shell garments: Preferably hang dry. If necessary: use a short program in drying cabinet/tumble dryer (low heat) to reactivate the impregnation.
Tip: Avoid frequent tumble drying – it wears out the materials and destroys elastane.
Household tips for stubborn sweat odor:
Vinegar:
Mix 0.5 dl vinegar in cold water in a sink.
Let garments soak for about 20 minutes.
Wash as usual at 30 °C.
Air dry.
Baking soda:
Pour 0.5 dl baking soda directly into the machine along with a little detergent.
