Properly washing your trisuit is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. You should handle it gently to preserve its fabric integrity and specialized properties.
To effectively clean your trisuit while protecting its materials, follow these simple steps based on recommended care practices.
Gentle Washing Methods
The key to washing a trisuit is gentleness. You have two primary options: hand washing or using a machine on a specific setting.
- Hand Wash: This is often the gentlest method. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge your trisuit, gently swish it around, and let it soak briefly if needed. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all soap is removed.
- Machine Wash: If using a washing machine, select the cold, gentle cycle. This setting minimizes agitation and heat, both of which can damage the delicate fabrics and compression properties of your suit.
Before washing, always remember to turn your tri-suit inside out. This reduces friction on the outer surface, helping to prevent pilling and fading of colors and logos.
Key Things to Remember
Certain substances and practices can significantly degrade your trisuit's performance and lifespan. Be sure to avoid the following:
- Avoid Bleach: Bleach is a harsh chemical that will damage the fibers and cause colors to fade rapidly.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can leave residues that clog the fabric's pores, negatively impacting its breathability and water-resistant properties. They can also break down the elastic fibers.
- Avoid Harsh Detergents: Stick to a mild detergent. Strong or harsh detergents can strip the fabric of its protective coatings and degrade the material's elasticity.
Using inappropriate products can degrade the suit's elasticity and water-resistant properties, diminishing its performance in swimming, cycling, and running.
By following these guidelines – washing gently with cold water and mild detergent, turning the suit inside out, and avoiding harsh chemicals – you can ensure your trisuit stays in excellent condition for many races to come.
