Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, uses bicycles for transportation, recreation, exercise, or sport. Those people who are engaged in this kind of activity are called cyclists. Cycling is an activity that dates back to the 1800s. However, there are versions of bicycles from 1493 and 1700s. The practical bike that people considered was built in 1817 by Karl von Drais, a German civil servant. Person to person the choice is different, some people like a cycle, some are like icebike, some are like motorcycles. But cycle lovers because they care about their clothes to keep the net and clean for daily use.
In 2023, when the Covid-19 pandemic affected most countries of the world. It was observed that there was a drastic increase in the usage of bicycles. Moreover, cycling became a prevalent mode of transportation over the fear of public commute. The activity of cycling has been part and parcel of most commuters nowadays.
Contents
Cycling Clothes
As the activity of cycling grows, so as the tools and apparel used increases. One of the most sought out equipment for cycling is its apparel. Cycling clothes are essential for this kind of activity, especially for recreation, exercise and most of all, sport.
Cycling clothes offer comfort and more outstanding performance for cyclists. Most cycling apparels are cycling shorts, but there are also shirts available.
These shirts used for cycling are different from those that are worn casually. Cycling clothes are made up of different fabrics. Cycling jerseys are made up of synthetic fabric. These jerseys are designed to carry away sweat from your skin easily so that they can evaporate easily. This design is essential as the use of cotton in any activity that involves sweat only soaks up moisture and retains it, sometimes causing the smell.
Unlike regular cotton clothes, the method of cleaning your cycling clothes is different. There are specific methods to follow in cleaning your cycling clothes properly. These methods are intended to effectively clean the fabric as well as avoid damaging the material. It is essential to follow these as most cycling clothes come at a high price.
Hand Wash or Machine Wash?
When taking care of your favorite cycling apparel, one might ask which method should cycling clothes be washed: hand wash or machine wash? Manufacturers of cycling clothes mostly recommend the use of laundry machines in cleaning your cycling clothes. One of the reasons for choosing machine wash is getting rid of trail grime and sweat more effectively.
Another reason for choosing laundry machines is that synthetic fiber garments, especially those water repellent ones, have a so-called “memory.” Doing a hand wash on these garments presents a risk of shrinking the garment or overstretching it. With the use of a laundry machine, the dryer’s heat will help bring back the original state of the garment, returning to its original fit and size. In the long run, this means that machine washing helps your apparel function better and longer.
If you opt to have your cycling clothes laundered at a laundry shop, do not worry. Leave special instructions for the staff to note—nevertheless, the teams of commercial laundry shops, like Liox, are reliable. They are an expert in the field.
Do’s and Don’ts
To properly care for your cycling apparel, aside from choosing whether to hand wash or machine wash them, you have to be aware of certain do’s and don’ts.
Hang After Use
The first right thing to do in properly caring for your cycling apparel is after using, hang the jersey and shorts inside out. This tip is when you are not able to clean the garment right away after using it. They should be hanged to avoid throwing them in a pile. Throwing them in a pile will lead to cause growth of bacteria that causes order. This is due to the sweat and grime that stayed in the cloth after use.
If you do not have the time to wash your cycling clothes after use, it is important not to re-wear them during the second cycling activity. Re-wearing your cycling clothes before cleaning is very unhygienic and can cause rashes, chafing, and even infection in the worst cases. That is why it is essential to clean cycling clothes every use.
Delicate Cycle
When doing laundry for your cycling clothes, hand-washing or machine washing comes down to preference. However, there are advantages, as mentioned earlier, in machine washing. When cleaning your cycling clothes, it is essential to set your laundry machine in a delicate cycle. This will prevent the laundry machine from tearing or damaging the fabric in your cycling apparel.
Though machine washing is beneficial, you can opt for hand washing if you want. With this method, you’ll face a lesser possibility of damaging your clothes, especially the crotch part of your cycling shorts or pants, which often gets into contact with the bike’s seat. In addition, it’ll help to use the right equipment to protect your cycling attire. For instance, if you want to keep your cycling bottoms from getting premature damage, buy a unicycle or a bicycle with delicate cushioned seats from a trusted brand like YoYoSam.
Separate The Clothes
One of the most important aspects to remember when doing laundry for your cycling clothes is to separate them from your regular clothes, especially cotton-made fabric. It is also important not to wash them together with any clothes that can potentially damage the fabric, like velcro or bulky items like jeans or towels.
For sports bras with hooks, make sure to separate and toss them in a lingerie bag to keep them from getting caught with other clothes. Moreover, opt for washing detergents designed for activewear, as they don’t have any added color, softener, or fragrance. They’re skin-friendly as well.
Zip-Up
It is also essential to zip up your cycling jersey when cleaning it, and turning it inside out, especially when it is a screen-printed jersey. To ensure that the jersey is safely cleaned, it is also recommended to use a mesh lingerie bag in machine washing. A helpful tip aside from zipping up your jerseys is never to forget to check your cycling clothes’ pockets. Anything that may be left inside the pockets of your cycling clothes, such as coins or keys, in machine washing them, can potentially cause tearing and damage in the fabric.
Furthermore, when machine washing cycling jerseys, avoid mixing them with other clothing items that have zippers. If you’re washing multiple jerseys at once, make sure to wash them by batch and according to similar colors to avoid staining them.
Since jerseys don’t work well with friction, don’t put them into the dryer after washing. Air dry them instead. If you wear your jerseys every day, it’s best to invest in more than two pieces to prevent the need to dry them hastily.
Check The Labels
Another critical factor in properly cleaning your cycling clothing is to check the labels. These labels are located inside the garment. You’ll find them at the nape, on the waist area, or the sides of the garment. The labels offer instructions on how to wash the apparel. Most manufacturers and brands have those labels with different instructions.
Some brands of cycling clothes use different materials in making their cycling clothes. Hence, some cycling clothes offer other features, such as water repellent or wind resistance. These features should be taken into account when cleaning your cycling clothes. That’s why you should always check the labels.
Furthermore, reading sportswear labels will help you identify their best washing temperature. Since cycling clothes typically have moisture-wicking and breathable properties, it’s advisable to wash them in tepid or cold water. Although hot water is helpful to eliminate bacteria and germs from your sweaty clothes, it can actually destroy the sportswear’s fabric.
Key Takeaway
Cycling clothes are very delicate and essential to maintaining. Cleanliness is vital to wearing cycling clothes. Following these tips will surely help you have a safe and comfortable ride and a fresh look. Cycling is a fun and adventurous activity. That is why it is essential to clean and maintain your equipment, especially your apparel, properly!
