How to best wash my cycling clothing?

[sabian92]

Sometimes, clothing made of some "poly" or other, smells no matter how you wash it. I am not sure of the exact name of the material, but have bought sports wear like that in the past.
Even freshly washed, it still smelled.
If you can manage to wear cotton under it when new the smell will not develop, ime.
Just went into my wardrobe to retrieve an old top, part of a work uniform, made of that material.
Never wore it for 4 years, was washed, put away for painting purposes.
Will you believe it? It still smells faintly of perspiration!
The label says: 100% polyester.

Yeah, I don't know what it's made from but it does smell if it's done on a 30 or 40 wash, although it does state it needs a 60 wash. The ONLY item of clothing I own that needs a 60 wash....

HH stuff is nicknamed smelly hanson for a reason, you're not the only one with this problem.
I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but how soon after wearing it gets washed also plays a part.

Yeah, I can see why although once it's done at the proper temp it's fine.
It's one of these:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/helly-hansen/stripe-crew-dry-base-layer-ec016743
Warm as anything which is annoying as it smells more if you sweat, but being warm makes you sweat....

 

[Blue Hills]

Try "washing" your machine, as suggested above, and change your detergent, maybe use one with softener included, they seem to make the wash smell nice.

I'd always understood that softener should be avoided with sports/cycling gear.

Haven't used the stuff in years for anything anyway - twas surely one of those invented products for a need that didn't really exist*

* unless you starch your shirts maybe?

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I'd always understood that softener should be avoided with sports/cycling gear.

Sorry, did not know that. I don't use them either normally. bought them a couple of times by mistake though

 

[2Loose]

To get rid of odour from clothing then you must kill the bacteria causing it. Fabric conditioner just covers up the smell with perfume and also makes the fabric wear quicker.
If you can't use old-skool bio powder (which contains bleach - kills bacteria) but fades blacks\colours, then one trick is to put the item in the freezer over night.

Certainly works a charm with my crash helmet lining and old trainers :-)

 

[Pat "5mph"]

To get rid of odour from clothing then you must kill the bacteria causing it. Fabric conditioner just covers up the smell with perfume and also makes the fabric wear quicker.
If you can't use old-skool bio powder (which contains bleach - kills bacteria) but fades blacks\colours, then one trick is to put the item in the freezer over night.

Certainly works a charm with my crash helmet lining and old trainers :-)

let's hope you don't work with food
Anyway, freezing does not kill bacteria, only makes it dormant - I work with food

 

[2Loose]

No I don't work with food Pat, nonetheless freezing stops stuff smelling fairly effectively. Honest!
Maybe the stinky bacteria is less resilient than the stuff that makes you sick? (although the stink from my trainers did used to make me feel pretty ropey )

 

[Blue Hills]

Added back-up info: Just washed a cycling top for the first time I bought from Eduinburgh Bike Co-op over the hols - label specifically says not to use fabric conditioner.