Vanquish stinky cycling clothing

[Dirt]

Greetings humans.

I had a much overdo experience this weekend that made my cycling life much more enjoyable. Cycling clothes are often synthetic and tend to hold odor, even after a good washing. Stuff smells fresh and clean out of the washer, but once you wear it for a little while and start to perspire, the odor comes back really strong. Regular detergents don’t get rid of this either. 1/3 cup of vinegar in the fabric softener cycle can kinda help a little…. but not really. I used to end up tossing clothing long before its duty cycle had been completed because it just smelled so rank.

Then along came the wonders of Penguin Sport Wash. http://www.penguinapparelcare.com/sport.html

The stuff works. I hadn’t used it in a while… It became obvious last week that it was time. I stopped off at REI and picked up a bottle. I also went to Conte’s and picked up a bottle of Assos Active Wear Cleanser (http://www.worldcycling.com/Assos-Active-Wear-Cleanser/productinfo/ASNWASH/) and went to town. I did 5 loads of cycling clothes (4 with Sport Wash, one with Assos AWC). The stuff is awesome. Things smelled a little funny as it hung and dried…. especially since I had washed 30 jerseys, 15 pairs of shorts, 10 sets of tights plus assorted leg/arm/knee warmers. By morning the shop had returned to its normal state. I tend to use the Sport Wash over the Assos because it is a lot cheaper. Both work well.

You don’t have to use it for every wash. I tend to use it for a few wash cycles, then put it away for a while.

Yesterday’s ride was the proof that the stuff worked. I’m not saying that I was instantly transformed into a lilac bouquet after 65 miles setting pace for a group on the Eastern Shore. What I will say is that I didn’t cause anyone to pass out from smelling my base layer when I changed at the end of the ride.

One additional thing. I took the opportunity to re-treat my rain gear at the same time. High tech rain gear needs special care. There are special washes and retreatments that get them much closer to working the way they were when new. I use Nikwax Tech Wash (http://www.nikwax.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=268&activity=) to clean my rain gear. I’ve found that it helps. Nikwax also has products that are designed to really restore the waterproof nature and promote breathability in rain gear once they’ve been cleaned. This stuff works pretty well.

I hope that helps y’all a bit. It sure makes my house a much happier place.

Love,

Pete

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[thecyclingeconomist]

Thanks for this thread… coming from the west coast where you never get soaked, even on the hardest of rides due to the dryness of the air… this has been a new found problem. I was on the edge of chucking about $750 worth of clothing…something I can’t afford to do!

Time to get some Penguin wash…

Please don’t put your helmet in the dish washer… totally would ruin this integrity of the foam.

Another thumbs up for the Giro pro-light… I love that helmet. Picked up two for a great deal on hucknroll or chainlove (I think?)

[Author]

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