Lycra getting destroyed in the washing machine

[citizenmtb]

Does anyone else have this problem?

Just back from a ride and looking at my jersey thinking it's looking like it's had it from being washed too many times It suddenly dawned on me that it's only a month or two old and can't of had more than a couple of washes.

I've had this happen of all of my bibs and jerseys despite doing up the zippers, turning them inside out, washing on their own and making sure not to put velco in they always get pulled apart by the machine. Does anyone have any good tips for making kit last longer? I'm thinking sticking them in a pillow case is the next move..

[Herman Toothrot]

Low temp short washes I only do mine at 30oC short cycle and they seem to last fine.

[JEA1K]

Something isn't right either with your washer, the wash you're using or the material of the items. Mine are fine after a lot of washes ... 20 deg or even on a 40 deg wash, all with other items (darks). The only issue I get with wear is the sun bleaching colours out on the back of my jerseys and transfers cracking after 2 years of washing.

[okgo]

They also probably don't need a 1200rpm spin.

[louiebaby]

Mine get lobbed in the normal 40 degree wash, with a 1400rpm spin, they do fine. (Complete with all sorts of kids clothing and weird women's zips and buckles.

They get picked out before the tumble drier though.

[TwistingMyMelon]

30 degree mixed low temp wash

My santini shorts have lasted years of abuse

My Aldi tops have lasted years of above as well

Leave to dry on radiators

[Your Dad]

If you're using fabric conditioner/softener, stop adding it to the wash.

[yellowjack]

My washing machine has a "Sports Wear" program on it.

When selected it defaults to a 54 minute cycle time, washing at 40°c and spinning at only 800rpm. I can manually drop the temperature to 30°c if the washing instructions on the bike gear call for it. No problems with most of my kit, but to be honest a lot of it won't get clean (Swinley 'ginger' mud, black leaf-mulch derived mud on trails, chain lube, brake dust, etc) so I bung the kit I value less (and therefore wear more) into the machine at 40°c on a cottons cycle, and spin the living st out of it (1200rpm). But I accept that if it gets wrecked, then I'm to blame.

[citizenmtb]

I omitted the wash cycle from the OP but it has been 40c delicate cycle which is only 50 minutes and 700 spin.

I've tried them in a pillow case this time to see if it helps.

Strangely I noticed the same thing in another washing machine so I feel like i'm doing something fundamentally wrong for it to keep happening.

[condor]

What washing powder/liquid are you using and do you use too much?

[citizenmtb]

condor said:

What washing powder/liquid are you using and do you use too much?

This sort of Surf liquid stuff, just chuck a cap full in the dispenser tray:

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?i...

[Your Dad]

citizenmtb said:

condor said:

What washing powder/liquid are you using and do you use too much?

This sort of Surf liquid stuff, just chuck a cap full in the dispenser tray:

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?i...

Use non-bio, and something that doesn't make your kit smell like a tart's boudoir.

[gazza285]

This is a problem I didn't know existed, all my kit from merino to my PH tops all goes in the same washing basket as my work overalls, all mine, the wife's and both kids clothes, they even get washed with my Fell running shoes sometimes, and all without any excess wear and tear. The only thing that's washed separate are my waterproofs...

[E65Ross]

I use a 30deg wash and use this stuff

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/halo-proactive-sports-wash...

Never had a problem using that stuff.

[HappyMidget]

Use something like this to protect any delicate items of clothing in the wash: https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/rue/Brabantia-Wash-Bag-...

[condor]

citizenmtb said:

condor said:

What washing powder/liquid are you using and do you use too much?

This sort of Surf liquid stuff, just chuck a cap full in the dispenser tray:

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?i...

I think using the cap full may be the problem - it's too much ( I know the bottle might suggest it, but the manufacturers want you to buy more). As an experiment, try washing some clothes that are used to your cap full treatment, without using any washing liquid and see how much detergent residue is left from the previous washing.
I always use the extra rinse option on all my laundry washing, along with half the recommended amount of detergent. Have no problems with my clothes.

[Craikeybaby]

I wash sportswear on a a normal cycle, at 30°c with non bio liquid and no softener and it seems to last well.

[velocgee]

Craikeybaby said:

I wash sportswear on a a normal cycle, at 30°c with non bio liquid and no softener and it seems to last well.

+1

[greenamex2]

I wear "Lycra" plus base layer three times a week and wash it once a week.
Just wash it at 30 degrees with a 800RPM spin.
Been doing this for 5 months and it still looks fine.

Use normal washing liquid and some smelly granule things so I don't pong too much by the end of the week.

What make is your kit (mine are Gore/Sportful/Bontrager)?

[coupeboy]

I've always washed my kit on a normal 40deg wash and never had any issues. Some of my kit has lasted for years of being washed at least twice per week...