Getting the stank out of your kit
05-11-11, 05:11 PM
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Getting the stank out of your kit
I just got our new team kit a few months ago, and it already stinks. I've tried many washing methods, including adding some simple green; I don't sweat like crazy, I wash jerseys and bibs after one use, cold cycle on gentle, hang dry, the works...and my stuff still has a salty/sweet/stanky smell that I just can't get rid of. What's your method of getting your kit to smell pretty?
05-11-11, 05:27 PM
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give it to my wife.
05-11-11, 05:33 PM
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Instructions from my wife - Take a cup of 20 Mule Team Borax, dissolve in hot water in a large dishpan or small bucket, then let it cool to lukewarm. The powder won't dissolve completely in cold water. Take your jerseys and bibs and let them sit for 30 minutes, longer if really stanky and dump the funky liquid before you throw in the washer. You can add more predissolved Borax to the washer you need. This also takes some of the sunscreen staining out of the jerseys too. Works for me.
05-11-11, 05:45 PM
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You may wanna try regular Tide. Very perfumey. Far too strong for me. The fragrance adheres to synthetic "technical fabrics" much more than to cotton. Now whether this will actually get the funk out your particular kit or simply mask/mix with the smell resulting in a just as undesirable sweet funk I dunno. YMMV.
05-11-11, 05:56 PM
#9
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All synthetics end up with permanent stank. Convert to merino wool, not only is it very comfortable, even in hot weather, but it fights stink. I can wear my clothes a week with literally no stink. Amazing stuff.
05-11-11, 06:05 PM
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Tide Febreze Sport detergent works for me. At least I haven't been able to out funk it yet.
05-11-11, 06:46 PM
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I might have to try a merino wool jersey here in deep South Texas. But if I die from the heat, know that my ghost will haunt you in particular.
05-11-11, 07:18 PM
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05-11-11, 08:53 PM
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I use Seventh generation detergent which is both eco-friendly and seems to work just fine on my cycling gear. I've worn/washed my bibs 30-40 times so far and they smell like...fabric.
05-11-11, 10:59 PM
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Will Borax work?
05-12-11, 01:29 AM
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Uhm, I don't have this stank problem, and I don't use borax. Be sure you're not using softener, clean your laundry machine by running a cycle of bleach water through it, presonal hygiene ( not sayin nothing just add it to the check list), don't leave your kit sitting for more than a day after sweating in it, be sure you hang dry not lay flat, and every few washes use the warm water option.
05-12-11, 01:43 AM
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05-12-11, 06:42 AM
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Someone gave me this hint - white vinegar. I buy inexpensive white vinegar and fill a spray bottle. I spray the heavy under the arms and the pad... less elsewhere. No more stank!