How do you clean your gear?

[MystikEagle]

Hi guys. Just wanting some advice on how to clean my riding gear. If I had leather, I would be away laughing but I got synthetic instead due to waterproofness...
I have just wiped all over with a damp cloth but this took ages and the gear still seems dirty. Is there a better/easier way to clean it?

[Ocean1]

In summer it's mostly bits of dead flying livestock, it usually rots away before autumn.

If not then the first ride in a decent downpour sorts it out.

[MystikEagle]

It is more the road dirt and dust that I was wanting to clean off. Although a ride in the rain would probably fix that too :)

[slofox]

Clean..? Gear..? Wha..? :confused:

[FJRider]

It is more the road dirt and dust that I was wanting to clean off. Although a ride in the rain would probably fix that too :)

You haven't been anywhere yet ... give it a couple of years and ask us then ... :innocent:

[Ocean1]

It is more the road dirt and dust that I was wanting to clean off. Although a ride in the rain would probably fix that too :)

Whatever, do not use detergent. And don't scrub them, both will damage the magic waterproofing shit.

If you insist on subverting the natural course of events in such things go get some Nikwax Techwash from a bike shop.

[Ender EnZed]

Clean..? Gear..? Wha..? :confused:

+1

In 6 years the closest my current gear has come to a wash is a ride in the rain.

[Berries]

+1

In 6 years the closest my current gear has come to a wash is a ride in the rain.
+2. Be about ten years for my favourite jacket. I am afraid that if I wash it it will lose its magical waterprooof powers so won't risk it. Bumble bee innards either dry and crack and fall off or if it rains they get washed off. Job jobbed as they say.

Dust? Go faster.

[FJRider]

.. Dust? Go faster.

Yep. And if you fall off .. fall off on clean stuff.

[pritch]

As Ocean says the Nikwax range is good - if a bit expensive. I just put the suit in the washing machine, after removing all the armour.
When it's dry you can spray it with the Nikwax waterproofing.

I've done that twice in eight years.

Cleaning riding gear is best done at the height of summer, you don't want it taking longer than necessary to dry.

[FJRider]

As Ocean says the Nikwax range is good - if a bit expensive. I just put the suit in the washing machine, after removing all the armour.
When it's dry you can spray it with the Nikwax waterproofing.

I've done that twice in eight years.

Cleaning riding gear is best done at the height of summer, you don't want it taking longer than necessary to dry.

I use Nikwax TX Direct wash in. A 300ml bottle cost me $22 about two years ago (spray on will cost more). Still have half of it left.

[MystikEagle]

Ok, so don't worry about cleaning my gear then...
Thanks for your help guys :)

[FJRider]

Ok, so don't worry about cleaning my gear then...
Thanks for your help guys :)

Nothing shouts NEWBIE ... as much as shiny new gear ... <_<

[duckonin]

Whatever, do not use detergent. And don't scrub them, both will damage the magic waterproofing shit.

If you insist on subverting the natural course of events in such things go get some Nikwax Techwash from a bike shop.

Have scrubed wife's pink jacket three times using sunlight soap comes up good has never leaked, it is a (spool). It is the waterproof membrane that keeps the waterout. Dry in shade but where it is warm.
Most gear can be hand washed in warm water, use a washing machine at your own peril ! :eek5: Leather sponge it off with warm water do not dry in the sun.

[duckonin]

Nothing shouts NEWBIE ... as much as shiny new gear ... <_<

Common now we all like to have shiney new gear. Bikes especially.:yes:

[FJRider]

Common now we all like to have shiney new gear. Bikes especially.:yes:

Posers especially you mean ...:innocent:

[Subike]

Common now we all like to have shiney new gear. Bikes especially.:yes:


Agree with this, but, A brand new shiny bike and all new gear? As apposed to a brand new shiny bike and well worn leathers? Who would you ride beside? Not always a rule of thumb, but a good indication.

I use Dubbin once a year before winter on my leathers, a good thick coating well rubbed in. Seems to work well for me.

[catharsis]

haha what's so bad about shiny new gear?
Unless you always want to rock outdated gear we've all got to wear new stuff some time ;)

[Subike]

haha what's so bad about shiny new gear?
Unless you always want to rock outdated gear we've all got to wear new stuff some time ;)

The only time i would need to get new gear would be if I went from a 6 pack to a keg, a 30 year of leather jacket with the odd repair and a weathered look seems to blend in well . Boots Gloves and helmet, they need replacing regularly, but Jacket and Pants? Na they still fit after 30 years so why change whats really really comfy and works. Plus the dubbin I clean them with? needed a new tin last year, after 29 odd applications.

[GrayWolf]

haha what's so bad about shiny new gear?
Unless you always want to rock outdated gear we've all got to wear new stuff some time ;)

I hear Bendon do a good line in gear for the fashion victim Errr I mean Fashion Conscious among us :facepalm:

[GrayWolf]

Hi guys. Just wanting some advice on how to clean my riding gear. If I had leather, I would be away laughing but I got synthetic instead due to waterproofness...
I have just wiped all over with a damp cloth but this took ages and the gear still seems dirty. Is there a better/easier way to clean it?

Most modern jackets and pants have zip out inners, maxhine wash ob delicate/wool isung a wool soap .... Sponge off the outer with similar or a specialist cleaner... if leather?? WHY??? just oil it every so often.....

[MystikEagle]

Sweet as! The odd wipe with a damp rag it is!

[catharsis]

Yeah so by "outdated" I actually meant technology wise and safety certification wise. Not as in, "ahh that jacket screams 1983"
Shows you old farts have been watching way too much E!

[duckonin]

Agree with this, but, A brand new shiny bike and all new gear? As apposed to a brand new shiny bike and well worn leathers? Who would you ride beside? Not always a rule of thumb, but a good indication.

I use Dubbin once a year before winter on my leathers, a good thick coating well rubbed in. Seems to work well for me.

99% of our riding is by ourselves (wife/I), we like it that way. Occasionally with one newbie who may of wanted the use of a mentor for a few rides. Newbie stays out front . So now we can have new shiny gear.:yes: Dubbin is good. I make my own Bee wax/oil product, almost the same as Dubs. Leather comes up a treat.

[caspernz]

My leathers, which I don't use much anyway, once a year a good rub with dubbin after cleaning off remnants of suicidal bugs with a damp cloth.

My fabric suit, which I wear on commutes and most long trips, well I find that a bit of rain every now and then keeps them clean. Boots and gloves just get dubbin on them every few months.

You'll soon suss out what works for your kit :2thumbsup