Okay, so, I’ve been meaning to give my motorcycle gear a good wash for a while now. It’s been accumulating all sorts of grime and, let’s be honest, it was starting to smell a bit funky. Not exactly the kind of scent you want when you’re cruising down the highway.
First things first, I gathered all my gear. We’re talking about my textile jacket, pants, gloves, and helmet liner. I made sure to check the care labels on each item – wouldn’t want to accidentally ruin anything.
For the jacket and pants, I removed any detachable liners or armor. Those usually need to be hand-washed separately. Then, I checked all the pockets to make sure I didn’t leave anything important inside. I once accidentally washed my headphones, and let me tell you, that was not a fun experience.
Washing Machine Time
Most of my gear is textile, so it’s safe for the washing machine. I threw the jacket and pants into the washer, selected a gentle cycle with cold water, and used a mild detergent. It’s important not to use regular laundry detergent, as it can damage the fabric and waterproofing.
- Filled the washing machine with cold water.
- Added a gentle detergent.
- Selected a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Started the washing machine.
Hand-Washing
While the jacket and pants were in the wash, I tackled the gloves and helmet liner. I filled a basin with lukewarm water and added a bit of that same mild detergent. I gently scrubbed the gloves and liner, paying extra attention to any particularly dirty areas.
- Filled a basin or sink with lukewarm water.
- Added a mild detergent.
- Submerged the gloves and helmet liner in the water.
- Gently scrubbed the items, focusing on dirty areas.
- Rinsed thoroughly with clean water.
Drying
Once everything was washed, I rinsed it thoroughly to remove any soap residue. For the jacket and pants, I hung them up to air dry. I avoided using the dryer, as the heat can damage the fabric and any reflective materials.
- Hung the jacket and pants on hangers.
- Placed them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
- Gently squeezed out excess water from the gloves and helmet liner.
- Laid them flat on a clean towel to air dry.
The gloves and helmet liner I laid flat on a towel to dry. Again, no dryer! It took a while for everything to dry completely, but it was worth the wait. My gear is now clean, fresh, and ready for my next ride. It’s amazing what a little soap and water can do. Plus, it’s way more enjoyable to ride when you’re not surrounded by the smell of your own sweat and road grime. So yeah, if your gear is starting to get a bit ripe, definitely give it a good wash. You won’t regret it!
