Clean Shorts

[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.