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..?

[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 ...

[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..?

+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 ! 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.