Cleaning your gear!

**Gerbs** · 8th March 2011, 07:07

Hey peoples!
I've just finished a 2 week tour around the North and South Islands - and my gear is now covered with bug splatter and smells a leeeeettle whiffy.

I've got the Rev It fabric gear, no leather. I'm assuming the jacket liner can be unzipped and put through the washing machine, but what about the outer?
Can it be drycleaned? Washing machine? Is there a specialist company that can clean them up?

**superman** · 8th March 2011, 08:36

Two week summer tour... sounds like some tasty gear

I'd be tempted to just send the lot into the dry cleaners unless you were airing them out every day after riding. If that's the case then you could just jump in the shower with them on, if you ain't planning on riding for a while as it drys out.

With textiles you could just use some type of non-harsh soap, ie sunlight soap and just scrub all the crap off. And while it's airing give it a spray with some fabric deodorizer if you feel like it.

**davebullet** · 8th March 2011, 09:23

For my textiles - I just take the armour out and soak it in a bucket warm water with a little regular washing powder. I might rub a few grubby bits with sunlight soap beforehand.

Doesn't seem to affect the waterproofing.

**Neon** · 8th March 2011, 16:24

What is this cleaning you speak of?

FFS don't wash textile gear in sunlight soap. Get some proper textile wash from a bike shop e.g. Tekwash. You'll find it distictly less water resistant otherwise (DAMHIK).

**Neon** · 8th March 2011, 16:26

Originally Posted by Gerbs

I've just finished a 2 week tour around the North and South Islands

You lucky, lucky bugger.

**george formby** · 8th March 2011, 16:27

Originally Posted by Neon

What is this cleaning you speak of?

FFS don't wash textile gear in sunlight soap. Get some proper textile wash from a bike shop e.g. Tekwash. You'll find it distictly less water resistant otherwise (DAMHIK).

+1 the reproofer wash is good too.

**steve_t** · 8th March 2011, 16:30

Originally Posted by Neon

What is this cleaning you speak of?

FFS don't wash textile gear in sunlight soap. Get some proper textile wash from a bike shop e.g. Tekwash. You'll find it distictly less water resistant otherwise (DAMHIK).

+1 Nikwax Tech Wash is the go

**johannvr** · 8th March 2011, 16:31

Yip, definietly NO regular washing powder etc - you will in all likelihood stuff the waterproofing and breathing ability up something bad ...

I use Sno-Seal Sportwash, available from the likes of Rebel Sport, Kathmandu etc etc for all my Adventure riding gear - run a bath 1/2 to 3/4 full with warmish water & a capful or 2 of that stuff, chuck gear in & let it soak for a while before handwashing. If you feel that you need to, get in the bath with bare feet & tread the stuff around (it's easier than handwash anyway) - works wonders for getting all the ingrained dust & shite out.

Rinse once or twice, hang up outside on line & give it a good rinse-down with the hose to get the last soap out.

And you're ready for another good ride!!

**Ratti** · 12th March 2011, 14:45

you do need to wash textile gear regularly. Splat clogs the gaps between the fibres and acts as a wicking agent. ie, it wicks water to the inside from the outside of the garment.

several different washes available, bike shops or hunting and tramping places have a selection. Ask around for advice, a reputable shop should have knowledgeable staff that can point you in the right direction.

**trumpy** · 12th March 2011, 18:37

Rev It Techwash. Works well and is anti bacterial as well.

**FJRider** · 12th March 2011, 19:17

Originally Posted by Gerbs

Hey peoples!
I've just finished a 2 week tour around the North and South Islands - and my gear is now covered with bug splatter and smells a leeeeettle whiffy.

I've got the Rev It fabric gear, no leather. I'm assuming the jacket liner can be unzipped and put through the washing machine, but what about the outer?
Can it be drycleaned? Washing machine? Is there a specialist company that can clean them up?

Cleaning is womens work ... leave well alone ....

**baptist** · 12th March 2011, 20:08

Originally Posted by FJRider

Cleaning is womens work ... leave well alone ....

not sure if you are brave or err dead!!!!!!

I'm gonna wait and see

**Berries** · 13th March 2011, 08:27

My 8 year old, used every day Dainese textile jacket could probably do with its first wash. Like dreads, apparently, it has gone beyond the smelly/filthy/feral stage and now has its own sweet aroma of fresh air and dead insect.

Originally Posted by FJRider

Cleaning is womens work ... leave well alone ....

And that is why.

**steve_t** · 13th March 2011, 09:20

Originally Posted by Berries

My 8 year old, used every day Dainese textile jacket could probably do with its first wash. Like dreads, apparently, it has gone beyond the smelly/filthy/feral stage and now has its own sweet aroma of fresh air and dead insect.

And that is why.

LOL. I wonder how many people think the aroma is sweet - I'm thinking it's probably just you