Stinky Base layers....
Discussion
AS title.. - the summer is (almost) here, so having seen a bit of use, most of my base layers are now getting a bit... well... smelly...
Have you guys got any tips of how to stop them smelling (I usually wash them at 40 degrees without any fabric softer), or is it a case of just buying new ones?
Don't mind having to buy new oness, but kind of begrudge paying loads when in the most part they're used mostly to commute in..
(They are all HH lifa ones btw)
Thanks for any help!
Have you guys got any tips of how to stop them smelling (I usually wash them at 40 degrees without any fabric softer), or is it a case of just buying new ones?
Don't mind having to buy new oness, but kind of begrudge paying loads when in the most part they're used mostly to commute in..
(They are all HH lifa ones btw)
Thanks for any help!
Rolls said:
AS title.. - the summer is (almost) here, so having seen a bit of use, most of my base layers are now getting a bit... well... smelly...
Have you guys got any tips of how to stop them smelling (I usually wash them at 40 degrees without any fabric softer), or is it a case of just buying new ones?
Don't mind having to buy new oness, but kind of begrudge paying loads when in the most part they're used mostly to commute in..
(They are all HH lifa ones btw)
Thanks for any help!
I've had my HH Lifa tops for years, no problems with smell get some good fabric liquid.Have you guys got any tips of how to stop them smelling (I usually wash them at 40 degrees without any fabric softer), or is it a case of just buying new ones?
Don't mind having to buy new oness, but kind of begrudge paying loads when in the most part they're used mostly to commute in..
(They are all HH lifa ones btw)
Thanks for any help!
JustNeil said:
I'm sure I remember someone saying that the smell comes from microbes in the material. The solution was to put the offending article in the freezer to kill them off. Might be worth a go, I've not tried it myself.
The smell will indeed be from microbes. But would freezing kill them? I'd put a dollop of a good biological cleaner into the wash - Biotex or something.
First off, ditch the liquid detergent and go for a good old fashioned powder like Daz or Ariel. "Which" did a test and found that powders perform much better, although they do fade clothes quicker. Second, try a cupful of white vinegar in the fabric softener tray, or spray some white vinegar on the offending area before the wash. Bicarbonate of soda is also effective.
Try and dry outside on a line rather than on a radiator too.
That's my domestic duties done for the day
Try and dry outside on a line rather than on a radiator too.
That's my domestic duties done for the day
Gizmo! said:
JustNeil said:
I'm sure I remember someone saying that the smell comes from microbes in the material. The solution was to put the offending article in the freezer to kill them off. Might be worth a go, I've not tried it myself.
The smell will indeed be from microbes. But would freezing kill them? I'd put a dollop of a good biological cleaner into the wash - Biotex or something.
Freezing things will stop, or at least greatly slow down bacteria growing. So keeping Camelbaks in the freezer when you're not using it will greatly increase the time you can use them without giving them a good clean, but it doesn't kill them.
It doesn't really help with baselayers because the bacteria will be growing and multiplying like made when you're wearing and sweating in it.
As above washing with Bio powder/liquid at the right temp will probably do the biz.
Merino is good. Worth buying quality stuff though if you'll use it often - I have a few Icebreaker ones that have had years of use, still look fine, and you can wash at 40 degrees with everything else. I've had a few cheapo ones that have shrunk to kiddie size, or bobbled up something chronic with a bit of use.
As for plastic base layers, the problem is bacteria. If you can dry them in the sun, the UV helps kill them off. Else something anti-bacterial in the wash like diluted Milton fluid or specialist sports wash stuff.
As for plastic base layers, the problem is bacteria. If you can dry them in the sun, the UV helps kill them off. Else something anti-bacterial in the wash like diluted Milton fluid or specialist sports wash stuff.
I gave up using HH Lifa tops as no matter what I did they always stunk.
Now using nothing but merino as base layers. My entire collection contains 2 x LS Howeis with high-neck/12" zip, 2 x SS Endura Baa-Baa base layers, and 1 x SS Endura Baa-Baa relaxed cycling top with half-zip. Can wear it for days/weeks without it smelling - just hang it up between uses. Only time I tend to wash mine is if they get muddy when out MTBing...
Now using nothing but merino as base layers. My entire collection contains 2 x LS Howeis with high-neck/12" zip, 2 x SS Endura Baa-Baa base layers, and 1 x SS Endura Baa-Baa relaxed cycling top with half-zip. Can wear it for days/weeks without it smelling - just hang it up between uses. Only time I tend to wash mine is if they get muddy when out MTBing...
P-Jay said:
Only thing I can suggest is get some Merino Wool ones. They just don't smell!
^This.I've got an assortment of base and mid layer Icebreakers which weren't cheap but have been first class. Aside from the stink factor, they are (I was pleasantly surprised to find) very hard wearing AND they stay warmer when wet than anything else.
Kermit power said:
So, Merino seems to be the perfect solution then.....
Unless, like me, you're allergic to wool, in which case it feels like riding in a vest butted from shredded wheat and stinging nettles.
Bamboo-based materials any good in terms of allergies?Unless, like me, you're allergic to wool, in which case it feels like riding in a vest butted from shredded wheat and stinging nettles.
I've got a bamboo-based material T-shirt and it's supposedly similar properties to merino (odour resistance, etc). Seems to work far better than cotton or man-made stuff such as the aforementioned Helly Hansen tops IME.
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