Detergent

[Shaula]

What is the best detergent you guys recommend for cycling clothes? I have a front loader HE washer. Thanks!!!

[Blue_Fedora]

I use Tide TotalCare for all my clothes... including cycling clothes. I skip any kind of fabric softener for the workout clothes as it effects the wicking properties.

After reading various forums I've learned quite a number of people use special detergents for their cycling clothes... but I don't.

[Blueberry]

Charlie's Soap I use it for everything. Of course, it's cheaper at Whole Foods!

[Owlie]

I don't use fabric softener, so I just use the same detergent I use for everything else.

[ny biker]

I use 7th Generation detergent for all laundry.

For cycling clothes I sometimes do a long pre-soak, also with 7th Generation, to make sure I'm getting the sweat and sunscreen out.

[rubywagon]

I use Seventh Generation on regular laundry, but my cycling clothes are extra stinky, so I use WIN detergent on my high tech fabrics.

[Irulan]

Here's my soapbox about WIN etc. I've been a techincal fabric specialist for 15+ years, and I have been asked about it a LOT.

WIN is regular detergent with oxygenators (aka Oxiclean) added, specially packaged and marked up. You can get the exact same results with your regular laundry product and a scoop of Oxiclean. But hey it's your money.

Woolite- is actually very harsh with lots of conditioners added to it which makes everything feel so soft. You are much better off with regular old baby shampoo.

Do not use fabric softener with wicking or technical fabrics of any sort. It actually gums up the fibers so that they won't function properly.

Dryer heat is another thing that will kill your technical fabrics, especially anything with lycra in it.

I know, more than you asked for but I am fairly rabid about this subject.

If your stuff has really nasty stink to it, soak it overnight in Biz and then wash with detergent and oxyclean.

Dawn will get most bike related grease out of clothes.

[abejita]

I use Tide TotalCare for all my clothes... including cycling clothes. I skip any kind of fabric softener for the workout clothes as it effects the wicking properties.

After reading various forums I've learned quite a number of people use special detergents for their cycling clothes... but I don't.

I believe that Tide TotalCare has fabric softener in it.

[Blue_Fedora]

I believe that Tide TotalCare has fabric softener in it.

It does not contain fabric softener but according to their website it does have Protective Fiber Complex. Based on my 11 months of using it, it hasn't impacted the wicking of my family's athletic clothes.

[Irulan]

It does not contain fabric softener but according to their website it does have Protective Fiber Complex. Based on my 11 months of using it, it hasn't impacted the wicking of my family's athletic clothes.

Protective Fiber Complex.

What exactly is that?

I just love technical obfuscation.

[Blue_Fedora]

Protective Fiber Complex.

What exactly is that?

I just love technical obfuscation.

Couldn't tell ya! LOL! But I can tell ya that when I don't use fabric softener along with the Total Care, there's a serious static cling problem... so that tells me whatever it is it's NOT fabric softener! LOL!