Washing your bike shorts is crucial to maintaining their functionality and lifespan. Bike shorts are usually made of synthetic materials that wick away moisture and provide compression and support during cycling.
Also, proper washing will help to maintain these qualities to extend the lifespan of the shorts. But how to wash bike shorts? This article will guide you through the steps of washing bike shorts to keep them clean and in excellent condition.
How to Wash Bike Shorts – Step by Step
Step 1: Familiarizing the Care Label
When learning how to wash cycling shorts, you should always check the care label for specific instructions. The reason? The care level will provide information on the recommended washing temperature.
Whether it’s using or not using bleach or the shorts should be tumbled dried or hung to dry. By following the care label instructions, you will help prevent damage to the shorts to ensure they last as long as possible.
Step 2: Pre-Treating the Stains
This step is only applicable if the bike shorts have any stains. When it has, it is best to pre-treat them before washing. This action will help in removing the stain more effectively during the washing process.
You can pre-treat stains by applying a stain remover or laundry detergent directly to the affected area. Then, let it set for a few minutes before washing. Make sure to check the care label to make sure that the pre-treatment product is compatible with the fabric of the bike shorts.
Step 3: Wash Separately
Just like when washing regular clothes, it is best to wash bike shorts separately from the other garments, especially cotton ones. The reason? Cotton fabrics can produce lint that can stick to the synthetic fibers of the bike shorts, making them less effective at wicking away moisture.
Washing bike shorts separately can also help prevent any snags or pulls from washing with other garments.
Step 4: Using a Mild Detergent
When washing bike shorts, using a mild detergent free from bleach or fabric softeners is essential. Harsh detergents can damage the synthetic fiber of the shorts, reducing their effectiveness at moisture-wicking and providing compression and support. Mild detergents are gentler to the fabric and will help maintain the integrity of the bike shorts.
Step 5: Use Cold Water
Using cold water is essential when washing bike shorts because it helps to prevent damage to the synthetic fibers of the shorts. Synthetic materials such as polyester and spandex, which are commonly used in bike shorts, can be sensitive to high temperatures.
Hot water can cause these fibers to break down, weaken, and lose shape, reducing the shorts’ effectiveness at moisture-wicking and providing compression and support.
Additionally, hot water can cause the color to fade or blade, which can make the shorts look worn out and less attractive over time. In addition, using cold water is gentler for the fabric and helps maintain the shorts’ integrity.
Step 6: Turn Shorts Inside Out
Before washing the bike shorts, please be reminded to turn them inside out. Doing this action will help prevent any damage to the shorts’ surface to maintain their appearance. Turning them inside out will also help ensure that any stains on dirt on the inside of the shorts are effectively cleaned during the washing process.
Step 7: Turning the Shorts Inside Out
When washing the bike shorts, it is best to use a delicate cycle. This action will help to prevent any damage to the fabric and maintain the integrity of the shorts. A delicate cycle uses a lower spin cycle and less agitation, which is gentler for the fabric and helps to prevent any snags or pulls.
Step 8: Air Dry
Air drying bike shorts after washing is important because it helps to prevent damage to the synthetic fibers of the shorts. Synthetic materials such as polyester and spandex, which are commonly used in bike shorts, can be sensitive to high temperatures.
Tumble drying on high heat can cause these fibers to break down, weaken, and lose their shape. When it happens, it will reduce the effectiveness of the shorts at moisture-wicking and providing compression and support. Additionally, high heat can cause colors to fade or bleed, which can make the shorts look worn out and less attractive over time.
How Often to Wash Bike Shorts
The frequency at which you should wash your bike shorts depends on how often you wear them and how sweaty tour rides are. Generally speaking, you should aim to wash your bike shorts after each use.
This is because sweat and oils from the skin can build up on the fabric, leading to odor and bacteria growth. Washing your shorts after each use helps to remove these substances and maintain the integrity of the fabric.
However, if you only wear your bike shorts for short rides or if you ride infrequently, you may be able to wear them multiple times before washing. In his case, it is essential to use your judgment and assess the condition of the shorts.
If they don’t smell or feel dirty, wear them again before washing. Additionally, if you are unable to wash your shorts immediately after a ride, you can hang them to air out and wash them as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Washing bike shorts is an essential part of maintaining their functionality and lifespan. By following the steps on how to wash bike shorts, you will be able to keep them clean and in good condition. Always check the label’s care for specific instructions and the other steps presented in this article.