Race Suit Washing

[sam919]

Does anyone know if you can wash a nomex race suit. It says to dry clean but is that for keeping its size or a more underlying reason why it cant be washed? perhaps affecting the fireproofing?

[shortshift]

Er indoors has always washed mine. Never had it dry cleaned.

[RogueMotorsport]

My suit's always fresh and clean ahead of race day. I've never really given much thought as to how this happens - it's probably pixies or something. Maybe I should leave out a saucer of milk?

I'll see if I can find out and report back.

Edited by RogueMotorsport on Friday 27th March 22:49

[RogueMotorsport]

Okay - have found out. We have a machine that cleans it along with regular clothes (apparently there's one that does the dishes too). Never been dried cleaned, and never yet caught fire.

[sam919]

Sorted, to the washing machine it goes!!

[Graham]

IIRC PROBAN suits are coated so cant go in a normal wash... with NOMEX its the actual material so bung it in the wash...

G

[deviant]

Graham said:

IIRC PROBAN suits are coated so cant go in a normal wash... with NOMEX its the actual material so bung it in the wash...

G

When I used to marshal the word on Proban suits from the manufacturer was to use Dreft...I think its called Dreft...essentially its just pure soap flakes with no colours, perfumes, softeners etc in it. You certainly couldnt was them to regularly though, once or twice a season unless they got particularly filthy.

[The Moose]

use a liquid based soap

[OSR]

Don't hang it out to dry in the sun as it can make white suits go an odd shade of yellow. Dunno if it effects other colours or just white but probably safest not to risk it.

[OJ]

You can buy special stuff to wash Nomex in from Demon Tweeks, it's called Molecule... ridiculously expensive mind you, but it supposed to stop stuff from going NHS beige/yellow

It also maintains the fabric's breathability so you don't end up stinking of B.O. by the end of the weekend, which is a common problem with Nomex

I usually dry clean the suit itself though, particularly my new suit which is white and blue

[Graham]

My Black Suit is going a little brown.. but then it is 8 years old..

[GC8]

As people have said: Proban is a coating thatll wash out, but Nomex is a fireproof material and you can wash it to your hearts content.

[rlw]

Graham said:

My Black Suit is going a little brown.. but then it is 8 years old..

so is one of my cats....