How to wash cycling clothes: practical guide

Washing cycling clothing: better by hand or in the washing machine?

As we have seen, washing cycling clothing in the right way is essential to preserve its technical properties. First, try to wash your clothes as soon as possible after each use. Leaving them sweaty, wet or dirty for too long can promote the proliferation of bacteria, bad odors and persistent stains, as well as spoil the properties of the tissues. 

Before washing, always check the labels for manufacturer’s specific instructions regarding temperatures and washing methods. Not all cycling clothes should be treated the same way and some fabrics may require specific washing methods, so before proceeding with the wash, check which items can be washed in the machine and which by hand. 

In general, hand washing is the safest method, especially for delicate garments or with silicone inserts, reflective details or particularly elaborate prints. To wash by hand, fill a basin with cold or warm water (never higher than 30°C) and use a mild detergent, preferably specific for sports or technical garments. Soak the clothing and let the detergent work for a few minutes. Gently rub the dirtiest areas, such as the inside of your shirts or the bottoms of your shorts, with your hands or a soft brush. After removing the dirt, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water to remove any traces of detergent and wring out the clothes gently, without twisting them excessively so as not to compromise the elastic fibers.

Washing in the washing machine can also be a practical and fast choice, provided that you take the right precautions. First of all, select a programme for delicate or sporty garments, with a maximum temperature of 30°C and a reduced centrifuge to minimize the stress on the tissues. To protect the clothes and avoid possible tears or damage caused by friction with other garments or with the washing machine basket, you can put them in a special bag or protective net for washing. Again, use a mild detergent and never the softener, as the latter can compromise the adhesion on the glues and breathability of the fabrics leaving oily residues that reduce their effectiveness. Washing clothes in reverse is an additional useful trick to preserve prints and logos.

In either case, it is important not to neglect drying. Always avoid the dryer, as intense heat can damage synthetic fibres and elastic bands. The best option is to hang clothes in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and direct sunlight, which could discolour the fabrics. 

Fabric softeners are also harmful, as they create a patina on the fabric that reduces breathability and water repellency, which are essential for technical clothing. Bleach, with its aggressive whitening action, can irreparably damage the fibers and membranes, compromising their structure and functionality. Chemicals designed to remove odors are also not recommended because they can deteriorate the quality of fabrics in the long run.

Other useful tips for the care of your sportswear

In addition to a careful choice of washing methods and detergents, there are other measures that can help keep your sportswear, and especially cycling clothing, in optimal conditions, extending its durability and performance. 

First, if you can’t wash your clothes right away but plan to do so within a few hours of use, soak them in cold water until you can proceed with hand or machine washing. If you can’t wash them during the day, spread them out in the open air, preferably in a well-ventilated and shaded place, to dry the sweat and prevent bacteria from proliferating in the fibers. Avoid leaving clothes in plastic bags or putting them in the laundry basket with the rest of your laundry, as they may stay wet and absorb bad smells. 

Before washing, it is good practice to inspect the clothes and pre-treat any stubborn stains. Mud, grease or dirt can be removed more easily by applying a specific detergent or Marseille soap to the affected area before putting the garment in the washing machine. In the specific case of cycling clothing, it is important to pay special attention to areas that are most exposed to dirt, such as the bottom of the legs, often subject to splashes and mud, and the pad, which accumulates sweat and bacteria.

Another aspect often overlooked is the emptying of pockets. Before washing any sportswear, it is crucial to make sure that all pockets are empty.  This not only protects the garment from damage caused by forgotten items, such as keys or coins that could scratch the fabric, but also preserves the washing machine from possible breakdowns. Before you start washing, check all your pockets, not forgetting the back ones, where you usually store energy bars or other small items useful during bike rides.

Finally, ironing is a practice to be avoided for cycling clothing, which is usually made with anti-wrinkle fabrics. The heat of the iron may damage the fibers and breathable membranes, compromising the functionality of the clothes.

Nalini cycling clothing, from jerseys to bib tights, jackets and accessories, is designed to offer cyclists the maximum comfort and performance. Breathable, lightweight and aerodynamic fabrics combined with innovative technologies ensure an optimal riding experience in all conditions. To prolong the life of your clothes and preserve their characteristics for a long time, you must follow the correct washing procedures and always keep in mind the precautions described in this guide.

The care of your cycling clothes is an investment for your comfort and your performance on the bike. Respecting the washing and maintenance instructions, and using the right products, will allow you to enjoy for a long time the properties of technical fabrics and innovative technologies that characterize Nalini clothing.

Need more advice on how to take care of your cycling clothing, or would you like more information about Nalini products?