Cleaning the Gear

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:42 pm

My mesh-and-textile jacket is looking a bit grungy again, and I'm looking for tips to clean it up. The list of "do not"s on the garment care label read like something you might find on a pair of stone tablets, forbidding both machine washing and soaking. I've had some good results in the past cleaning the outside by wearing it in the shower, soaping it up, rising off, then letting it drip dry. Any other suggestions?

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 5:17 pm

I'm not sure if this is OK but last year before putting my non-mesh jacket away for the Summer I laid it out on the driveway and sprayed it with water, then spritzed with Simple Green, brushed it with a soft car wash body brush and rinsed it off.
Even though any washing could degrade the water-proofing, I needed to get it a little bit clean. I figure Simple Green can cut through the oils and gunk without being too harsh on the fabric.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 7:01 pm

I'm not sure what the best cleaning method is other than to Google Billy Mays and see what miracle cleaner comes up, but I now have a pair of white mesh summer riding pants, so I am definitely going to be searching for the best cleaning solution too.

Demo_Nic · Post by **Demo_Nic** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 7:02 pm

Oxiclean??

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 7:33 pm

Did some reading on other forums real quick and lots of folks are using the hose/driveway method and others using washing machine. Some even use the bathtub; good idea.
The first link has some comments from a guy with white jacket and pants who claims they do great in the washer and still look new (if he is to be believed

)

Be sure to read the instructions for your particular jacket, of course.

Below are many similar discussions. Follow advice at your own risk as most jackets state you can't wash them. I really think this is for the chemicals they are treated with; not because a motorcycle jacket won't stand up to washing. One of mine states that you can only wipe it with a damp cloth. C'mon! That's not gonna be enough for road grime, bug guts, dirt and all the stuff that splatters me when I ride in the rain behind cars and trucks! I have heard reports where all sorts of bacteria and fungus are kicked-up from the road during rain storms

.

http://www.motorcycleforum.com/showthread.php?t=84182

http://vfrworld.com/forums/gear-accesso ... acket.html

http://www.stromtrooper.com/off-topic-m ... chine.html

http://www.motohouston.com/forums/showt ... p?t=122405

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 8:27 pm

I toss my jackets into the washer on delicate (I'm fortunate to have a front-loader...if you don't have access to one, go to the laundromat...don't do this with a top-loader) and wash with NikWax products (TechWash for cleaning, then again TX-Direct to get waterproofness). I've done this with all my jackets, from the cheapies to the mind-boggling expensive kit. Never had a problem. DO NOT DRY IN THE DRYER. Hang to dry. I don't even put my jackets in the sun; just put 'em on the hanger over the shower rail. And obviously, remove the armour, zip up all zips, and don't put anything else in...one item at a time or you'll have mad Velcro love going on.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Jun 04, 2012 12:03 am

siobhan wrote:I toss my jackets into the washer on delicate (I'm fortunate to have a front-loader...if you don't have access to one, go to the laundromat...don't do this with a top-loader) and wash with NikWax products (TechWash for cleaning, then again TX-Direct to get waterproofness). I've done this with all my jackets, from the cheapies to the mind-boggling expensive kit. Never had a problem. DO NOT DRY IN THE DRYER. Hang to dry. I don't even put my jackets in the sun; just put 'em on the hanger over the shower rail. And obviously, remove the armour, zip up all zips, and don't put anything else in...one item at a time or you'll have mad Velcro love going on.

^^ Me too.

Also, if you have a quilted liner, take that out! Fleece liners and nylon ones can be washed separately.

cdwise · Post by **cdwise** » Mon Jun 04, 2012 12:14 am

siobhan wrote:I toss my jackets into the washer on delicate (I'm fortunate to have a front-loader...if you don't have access to one, go to the laundromat...don't do this with a top-loader) and wash with NikWax products (TechWash for cleaning, then again TX-Direct to get waterproofness). I've done this with all my jackets, from the cheapies to the mind-boggling expensive kit. Never had a problem. DO NOT DRY IN THE DRYER. Hang to dry. I don't even put my jackets in the sun; just put 'em on the hanger over the shower rail. And obviously, remove the armour, zip up all zips, and don't put anything else in...one item at a time or you'll have mad Velcro love going on.

I remove all armor and put in the front loading washing on gentle, hang to dry. Periodically on my waterproof jackets I'll add some of the stuff from REI to refresh the waterproofing. I've got one that needs that treatment right now after a spring of bugs.

BootScootin'FireFighter · Mon Jun 04, 2012 12:47 am

after CB, all my gear and luggage was quarantined and banned from the apartment until thoroughly cleaned. I threw it all in one of the industrial washers at work. No issues, but I probably voided the warranty on the trousers.

bluebuddygirl · Post by **bluebuddygirl** » Mon Jun 04, 2012 1:35 am

I was going to suggest Nikwax tech wash as well. That is what I have used on mine.