Is handwashing shorts okay?

Hello all,

I have three pairs of biking shorts, and I do long rides every other day or every three days. This means I use up the shorts pretty fast, and need to do wash frequently. I have always had the feeling that handwashing is not enough for biking shorts, and that they need the strong sterilization of a real machine wash. However, I am way too much of an environmentalist to justify running the machine for 2 pairs of biking shorts! So this means handwashing could be much more convenient.

Have you had adequate results with handwashing bike shorts? I'm afraid they won't get clean enough, and I'll get an infection.

Write soon, ladies -- I want to ride on Saturday!! Should I put them in the machine or in the sink?

PS: I know, I know, buy a 4th or 5th pair...but is this the right solution?! Or is handwashing? Do tell.

I don't see why not, providing you are using some sort of soap. Remember our ancestors hand washed for hundreds of years and they seemed to do OK.

~Irulan

There was a thread going for a while on washing and drying shorts, you can probably use the search function to find it. (something about putting shorts in the dryer, I think)

I'm still pretty new, so take everything with a grain of salt.

I used to be in the same boat - so I hand-washed each pair as soon as I took them off. Did this for two months, no problem. But, I just started to get some bad saddle sores, and I'm wondering the same thing - did I not wash them good enough to get rid of whatever bugger causes the saddle sores. I just threw all my shorts in the machine. My plan is to wash them daily by hand, but once every few weeks I'll toss them in the machine.

I usually throw my shorts in both the washing machine and the dryer. But when I'm on long tours I usually don't have easy access to either, so I handwash them and let them dry overnight (and sometimes during the day too, attached to my panniers or trailer!). I haven't had a problem with either method.

Hmm, I only have two pairs of shorts, but I usually have plenty of dirty clothes from dealing with the horses, and the general 10 acre mini-ranch lifestyle. Even still, to "freshen up" my shorts between rides I use baby wipes. Just take a wipe and remove the uh, snail trail from my chamois. Works like a charm. I mean, yeah they're still sweaty and such elsewhere, but they're just gonna get sweatier. That's the only thing I don't want to feel icky, so baby wipes to the rescue. Oh, and the huggies brand baby wipes, something with the "juice" from those wipes is awesome for removing blood stains. Probably a protein thing, because shampoo works as well.

love and cookies
-smurf

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Originally posted by Irulan
I don't see why not, providing you are using some sort of soap. Remember our ancestors hand washed for hundreds of years and they seemed to do OK.

~Irulan

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I second that. Once a month in the machine should be plenty.

it's the dryer that's really hard on your shorts... it kills the lycra. You should line dry them whenever you can.

~I.

I wash shorts, bike socks jerseys whenever I have enough for a full load in the delicate cycle. Use woolite or some other gentle detergent (there was talk on the thread mentioned of some soaps being better than others, sorry gals, I use whatever's on sale). Then line dry 'em, dry in no time flat.

at home I always wash by machine, but on vacation I've sometimes handwashed. Go easy on the soap--it's hard to rinse it all out.

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Originally posted by Trek420
I wash shorts, bike socks jerseys whenever I have enough for a full load in the delicate cycle. Use woolite or some other gentle detergent (there was talk on the thread mentioned of some soaps being better than others, sorry gals, I use whatever's on sale). Then line dry 'em, dry in no time flat.

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baby shampoo is an inexpenseive substitute for woolite and less harsh,

~Irulan

I throw jerseys, shorts et al in and wash using my regular laundry deg - hang to dry. You can tell wash day in my house coz all my bikie gear - including gloves- are hanging all over the place. I don't hand wash coz it seems I can never get all the soap out. (I prolly use too much!) plus I"m lazy - I'd rather be riding.........or running...........or hiking..........or

yep that's how I do it. Socks and head bands go in a lingerie bag ( LOL). You can tell what season it is and who's been doing what , by what is on the line.

~I

Audio-A... also be sure you're rinsing them really well. It could be residual soap that's causing the saddle sores, or at least adding to the aggrivation. I had this problem with plain old underwear that I would hand wash. Now I delicate cycle them (and my shorts) and line dry. No problems.

I agree on drying. Lycra hates heat!! Since my tush seems to like only the champagne-budget shorts, I line dry them. Same for jerseys, tights, etc.

And, don't machine wash water-resistent stuff. It takes away the resistancy and then you have to re-coat. Gently rinse or sponge off the mud.

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[i]

And, don't machine wash water-resistent stuff. It takes away the resistancy and then you have to re-coat. Gently rinse or sponge off the mud. [/B]

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It's probably better to thoroughly clean fabrics treated with DWR ( Durable Water Repellency) than to let them get too dirty, Dirt and grime will break it down more than the occasisonal toss in the wash. Even on the most expensive shell fabrics, the DWR needs to be renewed once in a while. A toss in the dryer will reactivate it to a certain degree.

From www.goretex.com care:

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Gore shell fabrics are treated with an ultra-thin treatment called DWR, a durable water repellent polymer applied to the outermost fabric layer. This treatment penetrates the fibers and lowers the surface tension of the fabric, causing water to bead up and roll off the outer layer of fabric, instead of being absorbed.

Water-repellent outer fabric provides additional insulation and prevents liquid from saturating your garment's outer fabric, a condition known as 'wet out' that can make you feel damp and clammy. Your garment may even feel like it's leaking, although it's not.

Regular wear and tear, plus exposure to dirt, detergents, insect repellant, and other impurities, causes DWR failure. DWR is not permanent on any fabric. Its effective life depends upon how you care for your garment and how rigorously it is used. The most effective way to maintain your Gore garment's water and stain repellency is to wash it, rinse it, and put it in your dryer. The washing removes contaminants and the heat from the dryer helps redistribute the DWR treatment on the fabric surface.

If water fails to bead up on the surface of your cleaned and tumble-dried garment, its DWR treatment has reached the end of its useful life. But don't worry: You can restore a Gore garment's durable water repellency by using a topical DWR revival treatment for outdoor fabrics, available at most outdoor retail shops.

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here is another good article on care and maintaning of DWR treatments, from MEC
http://tinyurl.com/4nbrh

~irulan

i MACHINE wash my shorts every few days... moreso cuz i only have 4 headbands and need to wash them... so hubby's and my shorts get done! i HANG them to dry.. no dryer and no fabric softener...

i think they would take forever to dry if i hand washed them cuz the chamois would hold a lot of water!

(same for our jerseys.. machine wash, hang dry)

I used to wash my lycra shorts on the delicate cycle and line dry. I noticed after a long summer of wearing the same 2 pairs of shorts and hanging them dry, that they started to smell a little strange (AFTER they were washed/dried). I was washing them in cold water and figured that maybe all of the bacteria created by sweating and being a girl wasn't being adequately squelched in the cold water and room temp air. I started drying them on the delicate cycle - and have not had the problem since. They are showing no signs of additional wear from this method.

If I were going to run a small load of anything, I would rather it be something important like my BIKE CLOTHES!!

Cherice

i too noticed a strange smell after washing and line drying the lycra shorts.
so i turn them inside out and spray the chamois with 'spray and wash' letting it soak in a bit before washing. i use the extra-long wash cycle (putting in jerseys, socks, bras, shorts, etc.). if it's an especially dirty day, give it a pre-wash soak too. use softener. then extra spin cycle and line dry everything. Monday's all the door frames are filled with bikin' stuff (both mine and the mr.) i have shorts that are 4 or 5 years old and still in good shape. i can preset my washer for this special cycle, so it's not a lot of extra pushing of buttons.
soph

I found that turning my shorts inside out helps, too. The first time I washed them I noticed the chamois wasn't entirely clean. Dunno about the spray and wash, just turned um. I actually used to take my shorts into the shower with me after my rides. In the summer when my bathroom window was open they dried quick and it kept them tidy between real washes. Now that I'm actually riding trails, by the time I get home, sometimes I just don't feel like showering anymore. *grins* So now I stick with my baby wipes.

love and cookies
-smurf

Line dry is a must for anything with lycra. The fibers disintegrate in the heat of a dryer. as for spray and wash, some ladies who are sensitive will need to be careful about that. If you add an extra rinse cycle, then any detergent or extras should be fine and not irritate the sensitive skin down there. I don't know for sure about fabric softeners but they are harmful to many fabrics, especially those with any waterproofing. read your labels because fabric softener might be bad for lycra too.
Who knew washing could be so difficult?!

My jerseys washing instruction specifically said no softeners so - its no softeners on bikie clothes in my house. I don't wash them on cold water tho - coz my washer has 1 setting - wash warm, rinse warm! (thats what happens when you buy used.) I do turn everything inside out though - not sure why - it just seemed the right thing to do. I have 1 older pair of shorts that I used to dry and now they're a tad - ummmm - 'sheer'. I'm guessing the heat must've affected the lycra somehow. I'm trying to decide if I could pass them off as 'summer weight' shorts or just toss em. They aren't see-thru but you can tell what colour my skin is! :p

Can you believe we have 2 pages (22 posts) about dirty laundry?:eek: :cool: :D :rolleyes: ;) :p

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Originally posted by CorsairMac
my washer has 1 setting - wash warm, rinse warm! (thats what happens when you buy used.)

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you could turn off teh hot water where it goes into your washing machine, if it is like mine it has a place where cold water goes in and a place where hot water goes in then it will only get cold water

i washed my bike shorts for the first time today and i threw them in the dryer because i wanted to go for a ride today and it was the only way they would be dry in time for my ride, i did it on the lowest heat setting and when i took them out all the clotehs where a bit cool and not warm at all, i am glad for this thread in the futer i will wash them sooner and hang them to dry

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Originally posted by Adventure Girl
Can you believe we have 2 pages (22 posts) about dirty laundry?:eek: :cool: :D :rolleyes: ;) :p

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I am so with Adventure Girl on this one!

Bike gear is...gear. Sports gear (running, swimming, riding, skiing etc etc) is a tool . Tools are meant to be used. Care for them, but don't treat 'em with kid gloves.

Bike shorts are exposed to extreme temperatures all the time. They are also exposed to salt, blood, mud, gravel, bugs, snot, UV rays, sunscreen, pb&j, Cytomax....the list goes on and on. The Lycra breaks down with simple movement and the friction caused by thighs-meeting-bike-seat.

Life is too short and there are way too many trails and roads to explore to waste time worrying about "ruining" bike clothes. A little known fact about bike clothes is that the worst thing you can do to 'em is to leave them stuffed in a drawer; unused and unloved.

:D

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Originally posted by doc
Line dry is a must for anything with lycra. The fibers disintegrate in the heat of a dryer. as for spray and wash, some ladies who are sensitive will need to be careful about that. If you add an extra rinse cycle, then any detergent or extras should be fine and not irritate the sensitive skin down there. I don't know for sure about fabric softeners but they are harmful to many fabrics, especially those with any waterproofing. read your labels because fabric softener might be bad for lycra too.
Who knew washing could be so difficult?!

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fabric softeners affect wicking and water repellent properties of the high tech polyesters found specifically in fleeces.

Irulan

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It's probably better to thoroughly clean fabrics treated with DWR ( Durable Water Repellency) than to let them get too dirty, Dirt and grime will break it down more than the occasisonal toss in the wash. Even on the most expensive shell fabrics, the DWR needs to be renewed once in a while. A toss in the dryer will reactivate it to a certain degree.

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I'm not talking waterproof fabrics like Goretex. I'm talking about some of the less expensive water-resistent nylon fabrics. I have friends who put their jackets in the washer and dryer with every wearing and then wonder why the garment doesn't repell ANY water.

I've found rinsing or sponging keeps these types of garments grime free and in better shape for years and years. And, if iI need Goretex to stay dry and clean, I stay off the trails and take my Goretex fishing. I've got all kinds of garments including Goretex waders and jackets, Activent, you name it, and my stuff lasts forever. Matter of fact, I wish it wouldn't last so long so I would have an excuse to go buy more.

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Originally posted by SadieKate
I'm not talking waterproof fabrics like Goretex. I'm talking about some of the less expensive water-resistent nylon fabrics. I have friends who put their jackets in the washer and dryer with every wearing and then wonder why the garment doesn't repell ANY water.

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yep,constant washing... that would kill any coating or treatment!

Industry tip: If any of you want to check out the newest, coolest water resistant fabrics, check out things made with EPIC fabric. It's pretty amazing stuff. Instead of coatings or lamination, the fibers are "encapsulated", that is the treatment is built into the fibers and therefor cannot be lessened with laundering. EPIC is also made out of cotton (!!) and not synthetic materials. I don't see that this new fabric has trickeled down from technical gear to cycling yet, but soon maybe.

Irulan

I'm bumping this back up on this rainy-threatening-to-thunderstorm day (if I take the bike out it'll downpour, if I stay in it'll be fine, oh heck I'm going outside).

question is this: over the seasons from different charity bike rides I've got jerseys that are signed/drawn all over by my sponsors. As far as I know all the "art" is with a water proof pens like sharpies. I've worn them once, put 'em away although one's up on my wall. I'm afraid to launder it and wear again because either every thing'll wash off or smudge.

hand launder? dry clean? leave it alone and let the Smithsonian deal with it? :o

got any sharpies around? You could always do a test... mark up something you don't care about, let it age appropriately, then wash it. Other than that I'd try hand washing with some baby shampoo ( very gentle) and hope for the best....

~I.

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Originally Posted by Adventure Girl

Can you believe we have 2 pages (22 posts) about dirty laundry?:eek: :cool: :D :rolleyes: ;) :p

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OK SUNNY CAL GIRL!!!! Not fair. I'm sitting here reading about laundry cuz I am bored and want to bike. It's 34 out and overcast. It has been spitting rain and threatening ice. I guess I would bike out to grocery shop but I just changed over to clipless, even on the beater and haven't actually tried them on real road (just the trainer). ho hum first day of spring my b***!!!

Barb, sunny CA gal my a** ;-)

Rained buckets yesterday, my hat's off to all who rode.

No sooner did I step outside for a jog with dog (more like shuffle, stop, sniff, roll, repeat. No, I'm not the one sniffing and rolling) then it started drizzleing, then rain. I come back inside....stops.

I'm sure AG, jobob, V, SadieK and the others are all out there just as many of you are riding through snow hail gloom of night etc. I'm doing my bit.

If I ride the cycleops your day will be sunny, if I saddle up it'll poar. Also; never get behind me in the supermarket line regardless of how short the line is. Whoever is in front of me can't remember their pin code, has no checks or cash.

Irulan, as always you're the best. Shoulda thought of that, like testing cleaners on furniture, doh!

many years ago I read in a bike magazine that bike shorts should be washed on gentle in cold water, inside out, then hung to dry, preferably in the SUN. the sun would kill any bugs, etc, that might remain in the chamois.

I do always cold water, no dryer, line dry, tho must admit a tiny bit of frabric softener sneaks into everything, but that's balanced because I use purex baby soft for all my clothes because of sensitive skin. Yes, on holidays I hand wash. Every second day I do a load, even in the off season, because of kickboxing clothes - same idea - only 2 bottoms for that , too. :o In biking season, with 2 of us, I hate having to do a load every second day (or even after each ride) but it still happens. I must admit, this process has a tough time removing that outer bit of evil mud. (you have not seen mud til you've seen cariboo mud :eek: it will stain paint!!), but this stuff is to be used, so mud stains get to stain there!!

and, yes, I'm posting about laundry because there is 6 inches of snow outside that fell over the last 2 days and I'm guessing some of it should be shovelled. :mad: ICK

Namaste,
~T~

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Originally Posted by pedalfaster

I am so with Adventure Girl on this one!

Bike gear is...gear. Sports gear (running, swimming, riding, skiing etc etc) is a tool . Tools are meant to be used. Care for them, but don't treat 'em with kid gloves.

Bike shorts are exposed to extreme temperatures all the time. They are also exposed to salt, blood, mud, gravel, bugs, snot, UV rays, sunscreen, pb&j, Cytomax....the list goes on and on. The Lycra breaks down with simple movement and the friction caused by thighs-meeting-bike-seat.

Life is too short and there are way too many trails and roads to explore to waste time worrying about "ruining" bike clothes. A little known fact about bike clothes is that the worst thing you can do to 'em is to leave them stuffed in a drawer; unused and unloved.

:D

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Wash normally together in regular det. and dry in fluff or low heat dryer. Enjoy the ride, sweat and dirty them all over again then wash and fluff/low heat again. Clean is what matters to me, will not worry about breaking them down. They are used with love!

I wash mine with my feet. ;)

V.

Veronica

Is that in the same vat you're stomping grapes in for wine?

T
:cool:

You betcha! :p

I'm picturing it like the "I love Lucy" grape episode. There, that dates me. :D

Trek, doing my bit for CA cyclists: went outside to do weeding, it started to rain, came inside, it stopped.

You saw it in reruns - not the original. ;)

V.