The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Kit Fresh, Functional, and Long-Lasting
If you’re investing in high-performance cycling gear whether it’s a breathable jersey, padded bib shorts, or moisture-wicking base layers keeping them clean isn’t just about smelling fresh. It’s about performance, comfort, and longevity. Knowing how often you should wash your cycling clothes is essential to preserving the technical features of your apparel and ensuring you stay comfortable every ride.
Here’s everything you need to know about how frequently you should wash each piece of your cycling kit and why it matters.
1. Wash Your Cycling Jersey & Bib Shorts After Every Ride
Even if your ride wasn’t particularly long, your jersey and bib shorts absorb sweat, body oils, and bacteria that build up with each use. Not washing them can lead to unpleasant odors, skin irritation, and a breakdown of the technical fabrics designed to keep you cool and dry.
Especially in hot or humid conditions, or after a high-intensity ride, washing your kit after every session is essential. It’s the best way to maintain hygiene and extend the life of your gear.
2. Prioritize Chamois Hygiene
The padded insert (chamois) in your cycling shorts is designed to sit directly against your skin for hours at a time. That makes it a hotspot for bacteria if not cleaned properly. Always wash your bib shorts or cycling shorts immediately after each ride ever wear them twice in a row without washing. Neglecting this step can lead to saddle sores, skin irritation, or even infections.
3. Base Layers & Socks: One Ride, One Wash
Base layers and cycling socks are in constant contact with sweat and body heat. These garments are designed to wick moisture away from your skin—but that also means they trap sweat and bacteria in the fibers. Treat them just like your jersey: wear once, wash once.
4. Outer Layers: Use Discretion
Jackets, wind vests, and rain shells don’t always need a wash after each ride especially if they’re worn over a clean base layer or jersey and don’t get soaked in sweat. However, if they’ve picked up dirt, road spray, or start to smell, it’s time for a wash.
Tip: Outer layers often feature DWR (durable water-repellent) coatings or windproof membranes. Washing them too frequently or with harsh detergents can degrade these features, so check the care label carefully.
5. After Muddy or Rainy Rides: Clean ASAP
If you’ve just powered through a wet or muddy ride, don’t let your kit sit damp in a bag or laundry pile. Wash it as soon as possible to prevent stains, fabric breakdown, and lingering odors. Dirt and grime can clog breathable fabrics, making your gear less effective over time.
6. Air-Dry Thoroughly Before Storing
Cycling apparel is made with technical fabrics that dry quickly, but it’s still crucial to air-dry them completely before storing. Never toss damp clothes into a gym bag or drawer it’s a surefire way to invite mold, mildew, and permanent odor.
Avoid the dryer unless your clothing specifically states it's dryer-safe. Excess heat can ruin elastic fibers, reflective details, and technical coatings.
7. Rotate Your Kits to Reduce Wear
Owning more than one set of cycling clothing not only gives you options it also gives your gear a break between uses. Rotating your kit allows each set to properly air out and recover, reducing wear and tear from constant washing.
If you're building your cycling wardrobe, consider choosing a few staple pieces with versatile designs that you can mix and match. (Explore our latest jersey collection for inspiration.)
8. Follow the Manufacturer’s Care Instructions
Every cycling brand uses different blends of technical materials some require cold washes, others need special detergents. Always follow the washing instructions on the label to avoid shrinking, fading, or damaging performance properties.
At our shop, we use high-quality materials specifically selected for durability and ease of care because we know your gear should work as hard as you do.
Clean Kit, Better Ride
Washing your cycling clothes regularly is a small habit with big benefits. It preserves the performance of your gear, keeps your skin healthy, and ensures that each ride feels fresh whether you’re training, racing, or just riding for the joy of it.
Invest in great gear, take care of it, and it’ll take care of you.
Need more tips on gear care or ready to upgrade your kit? Browse our latest arrivals or get in touch for personalized recommendations.
