How to wash cycling clothes and rainwear? Follow these tips

Cycling clothes and rainwear often get a lot of wear: sweat, dirt, rain and wind. How do you make sure they stay in top condition? We share the best tips! Read here how to wash and maintain these garments properly. 

Before washing, always read and follow the instructions on the care label.

With these tips, your cycling clothes will stay like new! Find out why good maintenance is important and how to wash your clothes properly.

 

Do not use fabric softener 

Do not use fabric softener. Fabric softener is not recommended because it forms a layer that makes the fabric less functional. Moreover, it can affect elasticity and cause skin irritation.

 

The main concerns are: 

Close all zips and Velcro fasteners

Do not iron

Wash the item inside out

Do not dry clean

Wash at up to 30 degrees

Do not soak in water

Do not use fabric softener

Do not tumble dry

Wash with similar colours

Do not fold and store wet

Do not bleach

Do not dry on a heat source

Wash your clothes as soon as possible after cycling to prevent bacteria from sweat and dirt accumulating. Ready for the start? Follow the steps below for washing your cycling clothes and always check the washing instructions for each item for any exceptions. 

 

Step 1 | Prepare 

Close Velcro and zips and put your clothes in a laundry bag if necessary to avoid damage. Turn clothes inside out to protect the colour.

 

Step 2 | Wash

Add washing powder. Use too little rather than too much and never use fabric softener. Set the washing machine on hand wash or sports wash mode, with a maximum of 30°C and low spin speed.

 

Step 3 | Drying

Let your cycling clothes air dry on a washing rack. Lay cycling shorts flat to prevent stretching of the braces.

Water-repellent items with DWR finish
Overshoes, gloves, bodies, rainwear, selected trousers and selected shirts

AGU's water-repellent items are treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. This ensures that raindrops bead on the fabric and roll off easily. This prevents water and dirt from penetrating the outer fibres of the fabric. You can wash these items normally according to the washing instructions on the label. The DWR finish wears off the items over time, this is a natural process. 

Fabric softener affects the DWR finish. It is an agent that breaks down this finish, so the pearl effect will no longer occur. Rainwater then penetrates the fabric's outer fibres. Also, the breathability of the fabric decreases if you use fabric softener.

 

Waterproof rainwear with Poray membrane and DWR finish
Rainwear

For all AGU waterproof items, a so-called Poray membrane is incorporated into the fabric. This membrane is waterproof and breathable, acting as a barrier between the fabric and your skin. In addition, the membrane ensures an item's breathability. It is always possible to rinse rainwear with water. Nevertheless, we recommend you wash the item occasionally according to the washing label. This will remove accumulated dirt and dust and preserve the functionality of the fabric with the Poray membrane.

 

TIP: Winter clothing with lining 

Some winter clothing uses a special lining. For example, the Polartec Alpha thermo jacket. You can wash these according to normal instructions.

Step 1 | Prepare 

Empty all pockets, close the zips and relax the drawstrings. Clean the soap and fabric softener compartment of your washing machine thoroughly to remove residues, so that the water repellency is not affected.

 

Step 2 | Washing your jacket

Place the item in the washing machine, follow the washing label and use the correct amount of detergent. Wash a maximum of three items at a time at 30°C and rinse extra in case of soap residue.

 

Step 3 | Treat the DWR

To treat the DWR coating, choose between Wash-In or Spray-On, depending on your preference. For the Spray-On method, it is important that the item is completely dry.

1. Spray-On: Make sure the item is completely dry. Spray evenly from a distance of 20 cm until the fabric is damp, wait 10-15 minutes and repeat. Let the fabric dry at room temperature.
2. Wash-In: Shake the bottle beforehand. Put 125ml wash-in into the washing machine's detergent drawer. 125ml equals 3kg. Choose a short wash cycle at 30°C. Let the fabric dry at room temperature.