My gear stinks! Should I wash it?!

[Davey]

So, I've had my latest set of riding gear for just over 2 years now. It's Frank Thomas textile and waterproof stuff and pretty good. It's kept me warm and dry in some of the most hideous conditions! However...

It's starting to really stink as I've never washed it! It's becoming a problem as I am riding to work and showing up in front of clients and I can almost see them wincing! My gloves are the worst by far.

So, something needs to be done right? But the care instructions say wash it with a sponge and a bit of soap. I think it's gone beyond that stage now (plus I really can't be bothered with the hassle), and I'd rather just bung it in the washing machine. Is this gonna trash the waterproofing abilities though?

So what would you do??? Vote away!

 

[Smersh]

The way I see it, the gear took care of you so far, now it's your turn. :spank:

 

[huxy]

I threw mine in the bath, warm water, and one of those dissolving washing powder thingies. Loads of grot came out so I think it worked. Seems fine now.

Not quite as harsh as a spin cycle, but doesn't take long either.

 

[Motogiro]

I like huxy's idea.
My wife uses some kind of 'Pet and Husband Stain and Oder Remover' that she sometimes sprays on me when I come in from a hard days playing in the twisties.... :rof:

 

[The Toecutter]

I wonder if the dry cleaners could get it done without damaging it??? call em and ask... :BLAA: :rockon:

 

[Davey]

I wonder if the dry cleaners could get it done without damaging it??? call em and ask... :BLAA: :rockon:

Ah I forgot about the dry clean option! But I've just checked the gear and it says dry cleaning is out as well! I like the bath idea though...

 

[Motogiro]

I wonder if the dry cleaners could get it done without damaging it??? call em and ask... :BLAA: :rockon:

You have to be careful with dry cleaners.
BryanDH had his done at a dry cleaners and they didn't get the chemical completely out of the padded areas. He was on ride and had to cut it short to return home. He ended up with chemical burns and had to go to the hospital.

 

[Goop]

Take my advice. Avoid the dry cleaners. Or have a burnt ass like mine. My legs and ass itch today and the skin is peeling off. :BLAA:

 

[Popeye70]

There are special detergents for Gore-tex and other "membrane textiles" that are used on sailing gear, hunting gear, rain gear and similar. Have you looked into those? You should be able to buy it at your nearest outdoor retail store.

 

[Wolfman]

Bin it all, and go get some nice new gear...once the smell is "in", no matter what you do, it will come back!

 

[wolfe1down]

Remove your armour and use a front load washing machine on the gentle cycle. Throw in a waterproofing agent and you should be good to go.

 

[Botch]

Remove your armour and use a front load washing machine on the gentle cycle. Throw in a waterproofing agent and you should be good to go.

I do this a couple times a year, jacket, gloves, and helmet liner, never had a problem. I suggest "joining" any velcro (like the straps on your gloves) or else everything sticks together.

 

[Nelly]

The way I see it, the gear took care of you so far, now it's your turn. :spank:

+ 1, treat it like your second skin and wash it.
Maybe you are are treating it like your skin already.......Stinky lol

Nelly

 

[Shinn]

I shower my textile gear down, add a little soap and she comes clean and smells fresh!

Now hate to ask, but how do you clean leather gear (gloves too)? My gloves are a wee bit smelly after two years.

 

[Davey]

+ 1, treat it like your second skin and wash it.
Maybe you are are treating it like your skin already.......Stinky lol

Nelly

Ha! Cheers Nelly! lol

 

[Davey]

I shower my textile gear down, add a little soap and she comes clean and smells fresh!

Now hate to ask, but how do you clean leather gear (gloves too)? My gloves are a wee bit smelly after two years.

Yes, I was wondering that as my gloves are kangaroo leather on the palms (the Aussies will be happy - a few lees roos jumping out at them!). I guess it's ok to get them wet as they are waterproof gloves, therefore designed to be exposed to the rain. But will it have a bad effect on the leather if I use a mild detergent?

 

[DaveOTZ]

I dont mind the looks of gloves... not that this ever caused a problem... Soaked em in water and woolite... Then Turned the oven up and let them dry on the stovetop after a few hours they smell great and they shrink up a little (I stretch out gloves like a F'er...) Then I moisturize my hands and put on the toasty gloves... Go For a Ride... I actually sometimes cook my gloves either way... Its the Kramer Method... :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[lytehouse]

I use this stuff:

Wash-in cleaner for waterproof clothing and gear - Tech Wash

 

[Popeye70]

I use this stuff:

Wash-in cleaner for waterproof clothing and gear - Tech Wash

+1 on Tech Wash. I use it on my sail gear.

 

[Nelly]

Yes, I was wondering that as my gloves are kangaroo leather on the palms (the Aussies will be happy - a few lees roos jumping out at them!). I guess it's ok to get them wet as they are waterproof gloves, therefore designed to be exposed to the rain. But will it have a bad effect on the leather if I use a mild detergent?

Bees wax from foot locker £4.00 will put the nourishment, suppleness and moisture into any leather.

Nelly

PS Heine Gericke sells Nikwax products that can be used in the washing machine.
My Devon II jacket has been washed 4 times. its 5 years old and still waterproof.