How To Care For Your Cycling Jerseys

Say you’ve just returned home from an exhilarating bike ride. The next thing on your mind is dealing with the pile of sweaty cycling jerseys. 

We’ve all been there, but those trusty jerseys that have been your ride-or-die deserve some TLC. Plus, it’s your sweat; you ought to clean it. 

So, let’s dive into the art of caring for your cycling jerseys, ensuring they last longer, perform better, and continue to keep you comfortable during your rides.

Why Should You Care For Your Cycling Jerseys?

Cycling clothing is a different breed. Regardless of the jersey size, It’s designed to become a second skin, offering the perfect fit, comfort, and performance as you pedal through terrain. 

However, cycling jerseys are not indestructible. Exposure to dirt, sweat, sun, and friction can cause them to wear out over time. So it’s a must to take proper care of your cycling jerseys. Let’s share some tips on how to care for your cycling jerseys!

How To Care For Your Cycling Jersey

Cycling clothing is a different breed. Regardless of the jersey size, It’s designed to become a second skin, offering the perfect fit, comfort, and performance as you pedal through terrain. 

However, cycling jerseys are not indestructible. Exposure to dirt, sweat, sun, and friction can cause them to wear out over time. To ensure your cycling jerseys stand the test of time, follow these expert guidelines.

Wash It After Each Use

To ensure the longevity of your cycling jerseys, it’s essential to clean them after every use. Use a mild, perfume-free, and dye-free detergent to avoid clogging the fabric’s pores. 

Opt for cold water to prevent shrinking or color fading, particularly important if your jerseys contain elastic materials like spandex or lycra. 

Always select a gentle washing cycle to prevent stretching or tearing. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners as they may compromise the fabric’s integrity. 

Consider placing your jerseys in a mesh laundry bag to safeguard them from snagging or rubbing against other clothes or zippers in the washing machine.

Dry Gently & Carefully

Drying your cycling jerseys with care is crucial. If you’re using a dryer, choose a low-heat setting to prevent shrinkage or damage for jerseys with synthetic fibers or plastic components. 

Whenever possible, opt for air drying to maintain the jerseys’ natural shape and elasticity. Hanging them on a clothesline or a drying rack is an effective method. 

Ensure they’re not exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause fading or discoloration, particularly for jerseys with bright or dark colors.

Store Jerseys Neatly

Storing your cycling jerseys neatly is key to preventing wrinkles, creases, and damage. This approach also aids in organizing your cycling wardrobe and makes it easier to locate your jerseys when needed. 

Begin by folding your jerseys inside out; this shields the outer surface from dust, dirt, or insects and guards against color fading or bleeding. Use padded hangers when hanging your jerseys to maintain their shape and prevent stretching or sagging. 

Avoid wire hangers, which can leave undesirable marks and damage the fabric. Lastly, ensure you don’t overcrowd your closet or drawer. Proper spacing allows your jerseys to breathe, helping to prevent wrinkles or creases while also enhancing accessibility.

Repair Timely & Promptly

Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can significantly extend the lifespan of your cycling jerseys and save you money. For minor tears or holes, go with a simple sewing kit.

You can use a needle and thread to stitch up the damaged area or apply a patch to cover it. Always make sure that the color and fabric match for the best results. 

However, for major damages, alterations, or adjustments like fixing a large tear, a broken zipper, or a loose hem, it’s advisable to consult a professional service, such as a tailor or seamstress. 

Gentle Hand Washing is the Way

When it comes to cleaning your cycling jerseys, hand washing is the preferred method. Use a mild, neutral soap to gently cleanse your jerseys. 

You can also opt for sports-specific laundry detergents, just ensure they’re as neutral as possible – that means no added perfume or softeners. 

While it might sound tempting to postpone this task, try to wash your jersey on the same day you’ve worn it, especially if it’s a particularly sweaty or dirty ride.

If your jersey only needs a quick freshening up, a light rinse with cold water can do the trick. For heavily soiled jerseys, soaking them in cold water with a dash of soap for about 30 minutes before hand washing is effective. 

Pro Tip: In the summer, you can get creative by taking your jersey into the shower with you. Use a neutral soap and scrub the jersey while wearing it, then rinse and wring it out. Winter clothing like jackets and long bib shorts might require a different approach.

Say No to Hot Water

One crucial rule is to avoid hot water when washing your cycling jerseys. Most of these garments are crafted from synthetic fibers that don’t play well with high temperatures. 

Many cycling outfits boast advanced technical fabrics, providing breathability, insulation, and waterproof properties. Hot water can strip away these features, so stick to 30°C max.

Precautions To Maintain When The Machine Calls

In an ideal world, we’d all hand wash our cycling jerseys, but sometimes life gets in the way. If you must resort to using a washing machine, take extra precautions:

• Separate Your Loads: Keep your everyday clothes far away from your cycling gear.
• Zip It Up: Close all the zippers, Velcros, or any other fasteners on your jerseys.
• Inside Out: Place your cycling clothes inside out in a mesh laundry bag. This protects both the fabric and the vibrant colors.
• Cool and Short: Opt for a short wash cycle at low spin, using cold water (max 30°C). Some washing machines even have sportswear-specific programs.
• Swift Action: After the wash cycle ends, do not leave your wet or damp clothes inside the washing machine. Hang them up as soon as possible to prevent unpleasant odors and fabric deterioration.

What Not To Do

There are certain practices you should steer clear of to ensure your cycling jerseys remain in top shape:

• No Softeners or Bleach: Fabric softeners can compromise breathability and bleach is known to destroy fibers.
• Stay Away from the Dryer: Avoid tumble dryers at all costs. High temperatures can wreak havoc on your precious gear.

Maintain Extra Care For Merino Wool Jerseys

If you own merino wool jerseys, these beauties have specific care requirements:

No Wool-Specific Detergents: Avoid specialized wool detergents containing fabric softeners. They are designed for regular wool and may harm your cycling jerseys.

Handling Moisture: Merino wool absorbs sweat but takes longer to evaporate than synthetic fabrics. They weigh more due to retained moisture during washing. To preserve their integrity, hang them to dry, folding in half over a drying rack to distribute the weight evenly.

Conclusion

Caring for your cycling jerseys is not only good for your jerseys, but also for yourself. Follow these tips to keep your cycling jerseys clean, fresh, and functional. You can also enjoy their comfort, performance, and style for longer.