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.
Re: here's my $0.02 worth
Quote:
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.
baby shampoo is an inexpenseive substitute for woolite and less harsh,
~Irulan
Forget the laundry... Go ride your bike!
Can you believe we have 2 pages (22 posts) about dirty laundry?:eek: :cool: :D :rolleyes: ;) :p
Re: Forget the laundry... Go ride your bike!
Quote:
Originally posted by Adventure Girl
Can you believe we have 2 pages (22 posts) about dirty laundry?:eek: :cool: :D :rolleyes: ;) :p
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