Clean Shorts

[CorsairMac]

ok - this is just gonna blow everyones mind but I wash mine based on miles. Since I"m a bike commuter and I avg 12 miles a day, I wear my shorts for 2 days - or 24 miles. If I do a noon ride then I wash my shorts every day since a noon ride is 10-15 miles or 22-27 miles that day. I do wash them in cold water and hang them to dry and I use Tide since that's the only thing that seems to keep the shorts and jerseys smelling fresh. I own 6 pairs of long shorts and 4 pairs of short shorts so I have shorts for the weekend just in case I do use a pair every day (or I've gone over a week without doing laundry {see the how many jerseys is too many thread lol}) To date I haven't had any issues with yeast infections or saddle sores caused by wearing a pair of shorts for more than 1 day. I've even - - taken Fridays commuter shorts which have only been worn for 12 miles and worn them for a 20+ ride on Saturday before throwing them in the wash.

[Bad JuJu]

I understand the "our own healthy flora" theory, and I also think that we can sometimes attempt to be too clean for our own good--keeps us from building up our body's own defenses.

Having said that, however, I don't know if I could bear to put on a pair of shorts I'd already worn without washing them. On the other hand, I live in Florida, so maybe my cycling clothes get sweatier and funkier than they would in a drier, cooler climate.

Anyway, I just wanted to mention an idea for machine-washing--in addition to using a mild biodegradable cleaner and the delicate cycle, I put my shorts in a lingerie bag for washing. This saves them from some of the wear-and-tear of machine agitation. And hang dry them every time--the dryer is notoriously tough on delicate fabrics. Though I suppose it might not be a bad idea to run them through the dryer on the air cycle, with no heat.

Just some ideas, though I admit I really like that washing-in-the-shower idea, too.

[Trekhawk]

When I get back from a ride I pop all of my cycling gear in my front loader together. At this time of year that includes tights and jacket. I wash them on the hand wash cycle and then air dry them on a rack (inside if the weather is horrid outside on the deck if nice). This seems to work well for me but I do have three sets of bike shorts.

[Geonz]

I think time is more of the factor.

I thought "shower washing" was when I got home from the ride all sweaty, peeled off, leaped in the shower and just tossed the shorts & jersey & bra in there with me and kneaded it with my toes in the shampooey soapy water coming off my hair....

[caligurl]

i wash my shorts after every wear (just like i wash my underwear after every wear!)

i was all my cycling stuff in the washer... i use dye-free, scent-free detergents (was advised that woolite is one of the harshest detergents out there.. and to use the "free" stuff for delicates!)

i do not use fabric softener on my cycling clothes (or workout clothes, either)

i hang all my cycling.... usually inside.. (but ocassionally i'll get ambitious and hang them outside! lol!)

[Dianyla]

CorsairMac, I'm with you on the "12 mile rule" for rewearing shorts. It's like the 5-second rule for dropped food on the floor.