Hygeine

[ayceejay]

A disadvantage with modern cycling wear is that it is all synthetic. Genitals trapped in Lycra with a synthetic 'chamois' pad are in a breeding ground for dog knows what when it gets hot. Changing shorts after every ride and washing seem obvious but do you use a specific soap for the shorts or cover that area with anti-bacterial cream?

 

[fossyant]

Wash shorts as normal in washing machine. E45 as a chammy creme. Sudacrem for any chaffing.

 

[BSRU]

My chamois pads a anti-bacterial and are washed with non-bio washing liquid, after one days riding.

 

[ayceejay]

I am booked for an operation on my private parts this coming Monday, the doctor says that the problem was not caused by the humid environment inside cycling shorts but that it was exacerbated by same. I started this thread in the hope of creating a list of recommendations that would help others avoid a similar fate so if any of the viewers of this thread have something to add I would appreciate it on their behalf.

 

[Rob3rt]

Sounds rather unpleasant!

 

[400bhp]

Add some bicarb of soda to the washing machine with ordinary powder. Try and keep cycling clothing separate from other clothing, both in terms of washing and in terms of storing (dirty washing).

 

[katymac]

I use non-bio washing liquid and Napisan to wash mine and my husband's cycling stuff. It's designed for cleaning/disinfecting terry-cloth nappies but it is great for getting rid of BO in sweaty sports clothes. I think it would also kill whatever unpleasant lurgy are multiplying in your shorts! You can find it with the nappies and other baby stuff in the supermarket or chemist.

 

[numbnuts]

I just bung my cycling gear in with the normal wash, as they say so far so good

 

[ianrauk]

I just bung my cycling gear in with the normal wash, as they say so far so good

this...

 

[TheSandwichMonster]

Get home.
Wash self.
Wash shorts.
Knackers haven't dropped off yet...

 

[BJH]

Non bio powder definitely

Sudocrem as chamois cream - good enough for babies then good enough for me !

 

[compo]

My kit just goes through the normal wash. I don't worry about germs, after all they are my own germs not someone elses. Just keep clean, don't worry about being sterile.

 

[Davidc]

Don't use lycra - problem doesn't exist!

 

[Globalti]

My shorts get washed about every 3 or 4 rides but I shower daily, sometimes twice daily and pay particular attention to washing and drying the undercarriage. Never had any boils or spots in the pad area.

 

[ayceejay]

Sounds rather unpleasant!

Yes Rob unpleasant is right and I shall be off the bike for two weeks. It seems that beyond my OP there is very little anyone can offer. For the healing process the surgeon said to wear loose white underwear made from 100% cotton which, as anyone can see is the total opposite of tight black shorts made from Lycra. I find bib shorts the most practical for riding, so my plan when I get back on the bike is to limit the time I spend in them use a baby type soap (for crotch and shorts) and follow the surgeons advice at other times.
Incidentally were woolen shorts with real chamois inserts more or less hygienic?