keeping chamois clean and smelling fresh

[Dottie]

I had heard once that one can treat their chamois' with something that will keep them deodorized. What do you all do?

[MightyMitre]

That's a new one on me. I just put my shorts in the machine and they come out fine. Never had a problem. In fact I ususally try to avoid deodorizers of any kind in the 'saddle' area in life in general, as I don't think they're all that good for those delicate bits down under.

Are you talking about proper, old skool leather chamois or just the synthetic kind? I know the old leather ones need to be treated with stuff to keep them supple and stop them becoming hard over time, but no mention of deodorization.

Failing that, there was a big thread a little while ago about washing shorts. You might want to check that out for handy hints.:)

[neuroticcyclist]

Ditto on the comment about synthetic and, yes, do read the prior thread.

I would add to that that I frequently hand wash, always (whether machine or not) wash inside out, rinse A LOT and dry them, when I can, outside in the sunshine. There is nothing like real fresh air and sunshine to make things smell good and do any last disinfecting needed. Avoid that dryer like the plague, though, since it will ruin the shorts.

[DeniseGoldberg]

My cycling shorts don't get any special washing treatment - they go in the washer with no special treatment. On the dryer front... I've had no problem with drying my shorts in a dryer - and I always dry them... It may depend on the brand though - my shorts are Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor.

[jobob]

Failing that, there was a big thread a little while ago about washing shorts. You might want to check that out for handy hints.
Yes, we love to dish on laundry here ;)

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1811

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1604