Riding Gear washing

[davenowherejones]

I sniffed the crotch off my Olympia rain layer riding pants today. I wear these as an overpants with underwear, long underwear and shorts underneath.

I really need to wash these more often. They have an imitation Goretex layer so I am nervous about washing them. I did a hand wash with Woolite and then hung them up. They did not dry fast enough so I put them in the dryer on delicate for a few minutes. I hope they are still water-resistant. I will probably find out later today.

I was going to go camping but the weather channel is calling for snow in the mountain passes. I will go shopping instead. I hope I don't get shot. The drug dealers have lousy aim.

I find it impossible to get my lime green Olympia jacket clean after 84,000 km. I asked the RCMP how they clean theirs? One officer says he just gets a new one, no cleaning required.

[gn2]

Nikwax Techwash.

[Mel46]

Gn2,
Thanks for that tip. I have been wondering about how to clean my MESH jacket and vest. So, all i have to do is pull out the protective plates and put the jacket and vest in a front loader with this cleaner??

[Jge64]

I have washed my Joe Rocket, and my Tourmaster jackets, all I do is pull out the protective pads, set it on gentle wash, throw in a tide pod, and hang it up to air dry inside out… Works fine .... the dirty areas like elbows and collars I pre-treat with laundry spray.

[gn2]

Mel, yes its that easy.
Regular clothes washing products destroy waterproofing, Nikwax products increase it.
There's Techwash and TX Direct wash-in proofer.
Over here you can get twin packs at reasonable prices.
Techwash first then TX straight after and hang up to dry.
Items will be clean, soft and water will bead and run off.

https://www.amazon.com/Nikwax-Hardshell ... B000PGOOIS

If you search around you might also be able to find litre bottles of the stuff.

[Mel46]

I understand the Techwash because you use it as your detergent, but how do you use the TX? Do you put it in the rinse? Does it coat the washer so that your next load will end up being water-proofed as well?

[oliver]

That is quite an opening line to a thread

[WhiteNoise]

Washing Riding Gear, perhaps?

[davenowherejones]

That is quite an opening line to a thread

It was not so much a sniff but the smell was knocking me over.

The pants are Olympia Airglide(?) mesh pants. They have a mesh armour pant and a separate nylon/imitation Goretex inner pant. Most of the time I wear both pants because of cold and rain.

I have a small belt on the inner pants and a 2 inch wide red suspenders on the outer pants. I used to wear jeans under them as well but mostly now I just wear 1, 2, or 3 layers of long underwear.

At one time I had 3 belts to undo quickly if I had to go pee. In the cold I could not find it some days, I had to search for a while to get to the proper layer.

The pants do get washed but not as often as they should. I keep a spread sheet on all my motorcycle stuff. I bought these pants for my DR650. I did 59,000 km on the DR and I have done 76,000 km on the Forza, so the pants have 135,000 km.

I am looking to get a new pair of riding pants.The Olympia's have a few annoying features but are good value for the money. I tried on a $740 pair of Klim Carlsbad pant. They were nice but pricy and only one thick layer. I also tried a $400 Klim thinner pants. I don't mind spending the money if they last but I hate it if I get the wrong size.

Mail order may be cheaper but will it fit my ass? I ride in the rain & cold a lot. I need something good.

[GeorgeSK]

Does Aerostitch have anything of interest to you? http://www.aerostich.com/suits

You ride enough to warrant spending whatever it takes to get the gear that works for you. A couple of years ago Aerostich and Zero did a blog about riding through the winter in Minnesota. If they have stuff for that duty, I would think you could find something of interest.

[you you]

Washing Riding Gear, perhaps?

Let’s not be so sensitive, it isn’t the worst howler on here

[gn2]

I understand the Techwash because you use it as your detergent, but how do you use the TX? Do you put it in the rinse? Does it coat the washer so that your next load will end up being water-proofed as well?

There's instructions on the bottle.
Both versions of the stuff go in the soap dispenser as per normal.
Techwash first, run wash cycle, then put TX in and run a second cycle.
No residue is left in the washing machine, you can use it straight after.

[oliver]

At one time I had 3 belts to undo quickly if I had to go pee. In the cold I could not find it some days

[fish]

I understand the Techwash because you use it as your detergent, but how do you use the TX? Do you put it in the rinse? Does it coat the washer so that your next load will end up being water-proofed as well?

There's instructions on the bottle.
Both versions of the stuff go in the soap dispenser as per normal.
Techwash first, run wash cycle, then put TX in and run a second cycle.
No residue is left in the washing machine, you can use it straight after.

This is good & helpful info gn2.
Thank you.
Fish