Dirty Laundry - Technical Clothing

Ground Effect cycle clobber is constructed from a range of technical fabrics mixed and matched to (depending on conditions) keep you warm or cool, repel wind and rain, deal to sweat, minimise odours, and look sharp (always). Garments generally don't require any special treatment down at the Laundromat but there are a few tricks that help preserve the imbedded technology.

Industrial Revolution

All Ground Effect clothing enjoys a warm machine wash at around 40°C. Hand washing is therapeutic and often the only option on tour, but machines (especially front loaders) are gentle on your gear, tough on dirt and rinse really well. Soap or detergent residue is not desirable, especially for HydroFoil™ rainwear and eXo™ or Softail™ pads.

Not the Chemical Brothers

Avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach or oxygen whitener (sodium percarbonate) - they contain enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage technical fabrics and cause skin irritation. Bleach rots natural fibres like merino and cotton and strips the dye. With shorts in particular chemicals may result in 'nappy-rash'. If you're experiencing issues in that department try a change of cleaning brew. Fabric softener is unnecessary and will destroy HydroFoil™ rainwear. As a rule of thumb, plant based soaps that are touted as easy on the planet are also easy on your gear and your body.

Hangin' Around

Most Ground Effect garments emerge near-dry from the spin cycle. A quick spell on the line will finish the job. If you must use the dryer then select the warm (not hot) setting. UV rays naturally dull stubborn marks, kill bugs and generally invigorate your clothing. They also accelerate the decay of lycra - the stretchy component of ShockWave™ fabric. The fabric is knitted so the lycra lies on the inside - shielding it from the sun when you're out riding. So it's best not to dry them inside-out. It's not a bad idea to do so occasionally as the sun does help keep the eXo™ and Softail™ pads hygienic - although they is treated with an anti-bacterial finish anyway. Best practice is not to wear underwear with your riding shorts so you need to wash them daily.

Stay Clean to Stay Dry

HydroFoil™ Endure rainwear has a unique, PFAS-free, silicone-impregnated water resistant treatment that lasts longer and stays drier than standard finishes, maintaining its breathability in wet conditions. Dirt 

Accumulated dirt, body oil, sunscreen, insect repellant and sweat degrades this treatment and the waterproof-breathable membrane. So. wash often - even with no visible dirt - to maintain performance and extend garment life. In real terms that translates to washing after about half a dozen outings, or after a particularly grubby ride. If it looks dirty, then your garment is definitely overdue some love.

After washing, preferably line dry or if that’s not practical give it a spin in the dryer on a warm (not hot) cycle. Unlike standard DWR treatments HydroFoil™ Endure’s integrated silicone treatment does not require ‘recharging’ in a dryer. And because the treatment is so durable, it is only after extended use that there will be any benefit from reproofing with a water repellent solution like Nikwax TX Direct - $29 from Ground Effect.