8 Surprising tips to keep your kit looking new

Kits are expensive, especially with the ZAR exchange rate and you’ll want to make sure they last as well as look and smell good. But one of the most destructive things to the technical fabric used in cycling kits is improper washing. You should always read the care instructions on your clothing but here are some basic washing tips to limit wear, fight odours and keep your kit looking new and bright

#Tip 1

Hose it down/ pre-rinse

When you take off the dirty items, be sure to face the dirty side out and untangle your socks and knee or arm warmers. Give it a good hose down before washing it.

#Tip 2

Hang it up, if you’re not washing your kit immediately

Whether your ride was wet or dry, don’t come home and just toss your kit in the hamper where they’ll remain sweaty and balled up until laundry day. Stains and odor-causing bacteria love to fester in moist, dirty laundry.

#Tip 3

Wash after every use, Avoid smelly kit

Wash your kit after every ride.

#Tip 4

Velcro is evil

Keep them separate or better yet, handwash anything with Velcro individually.

#Tip 5

Zip up jerseys and turn bibs inside out

Zippers can get tangled up, caught in the washing machine or damage other clothing.

#Tip 6

Avoid detergents and softeners

use detergent specifically made for technical, high performance materials or keep it as simple as possible: no parfumes, no dyes, no bleach, no softeners.

#Tip 7

Cold, gentle cycle

Wash your kit only with other technical fabrics and use the gentle cycle with a cold wash and rinse.

#Tip 8

Do not tumble dry

Best to avoid the dryer altogether and hang your kit to dry. Technical fabric dries quickly so you won’t be waiting long.