Dirty and sweaty riding gear. This is the everyday life for us dirt bikers.
Since a fresh gear set is typically an investment, one you’d like it to last. One way is to not crash, easy right… The other way is to properly wash and care for your gear.
But how do I do that, how do I wash my riding gear in the best possible way?
You’re in the right place; here are ours how-to of everything you need to know when it comes to washing and taking care of your mx riding gear.
Let’s start by saying:
Follow the instructions on the care label which is attached to each individual product. These must be followed carefully to avoid damaging your gear in the wash.
Some general guidelines:
- Wash your gear immediately after riding. Do not leave it in your gear bag, not even for a couple of days!
- Turn your gear inside out (careful with the pants though).
- Wash by hand using mild detergent or machine wash on a gentle cycle at a low temperature and with a mild detergent.
How to wash your race wear
MX Jersey & Pants
Machine wash. Use a cold gentle or a low temperature cycle. Do not bleach.
Let it line dry. Do not dry-clean or iron.
Wash dark colors separately and use a gentle detergent.
MX Gloves
The same as with your jersey and pants. Be sure to close Velcro and straps before washing.
By washing gloves regularly (with a gentle cycle) they seem to last longer.
The same washing instructions goes for your protective gear.
But please read the washing instructions. Every piece of gear has them.
If it’s really muddy
If you have been riding in the mud and your gear is heavily soiled, start by hosing off as much dirt as possible under low pressure.
You can also remove dirt and smudges with a soft brush, mild soap and rinse with cold water.
You could also let it soak for a day or so. Maybe with some gentle stain remover.
The key here is to get most of the mud off the gear before you throw it in the washing machine. This will help prolong the life of your washer.
How to wash your MX helmet
Throwing your helmet into the washing machine might not be recommended, or even possible, but that doesn’t mean you can’t clean it.
Wash the helmet pads
Almost all motocross helmets these days have removable pads. So start by removing these.
Put the helmet pads into a washing bag and wash them using the “gentle” or “hand-wash”” setting.
You can use a mild detergent, an antimicrobial detergent can help to remove the smell. Because the smell, as you might be aware of, can be pretty bad.
Be sure to always wash at a low temperature. Then let them air dry.
Clean the helmet (shell)
The rest of the helmet you’ll hose of if it’s very dirty.
Then wash the inside and outside of your helmet with soap and mild detergent. Don’t use anything harsh, it could ruin the helmet.
You could wax the outside. This gives it a layer of protection and prevents mud from sticking to it.
How to wash your MX boots
Clean the boots from the worst dirt and mud while you wash your bike.
Use simple green or other mild detergent with water. Do this with a scrub brush for heavily soiled boots, especially if you have white ones.
Remove the footbed or inner booties and wash the by hand.
Once the boots are clean. Place them upside down to drain and leave in a well ventilated space. You can also use a boot dryer for a quick and thorough drying.
If you really care for your boots, you should by the way (look at what they cost), use some kind of treatment to soften up and lubricate the leather and materials.
How to dry your gear after it is washed
Hang your gear up to let it drip or air dry. Do so in a well ventilated area without direct sunlight.
Don’t use the machine dryer, hair dryers or any other type of heat during the drying process. This will void any warranty, especially for pants.
Make sure everything is sufficiently dry before storing it.
If you ride a lot you’ll need a backup set (or two) of gear ready to go.
Store your gear
Now that your gear is clean and dry you need to store it in a dark, well-ventilated area. Your pants are best hung on a wide padded hanger.
Try to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight and UV rays.
Your dirt bike has a dedicated spot and so should your riding gear!
What not to do when washing Mx gear
So far we’ve gone thru what you should do. But there are also some do not when it is time to wash you gear.
Let’s go over and explain what not to do:
- Don’t leave your dirty motocross gear in your gear bag for a week, not even for a few days. Mud and sweat will stain and eventually destroy the fabric.
- Don’t use pressure washer on any of your gear. The high waterpressure will weaken and destroy the fabric and materials in your gear. Use a hose with less pressure. If you have to use pressure, do it from a height.
- Don’t use oxygenated detergents, like napisan, stain remover, spot clean, bleach, or soaking agents. By washing gear using any of the detergents mentioned you risk colors fading and other materials drying out. You’ll also woid warranty since you didn’t follow the listed care instructions.
- Don’t wash gear with any item which has Velcro on it.
- Don’t tumble dry. Just let it hang to dry.
- Don’t iron. You risk melting your gear, especially the jersey.
Conclusion
When it’s time to wash your riding gear:
- Wash your gear directly when you come home. Do not leave it in your gearbag for a week or so.
- If it’s really muddy, hose off most of the loose dirt using low pressure.
- Turn your gear inside out.
- Wash by hand using mild detergent, or machine wash on a gentle cycle at a low temperature and mild detergent.
- Do not use oxygenated detergents. Don’t tumble dry or iron any of the gear.
There are things that you must know before washing and cleaning your motocross gear. But with common sense you’ll be ok!
Feel we missed any info? How do you wash your gear? Let us know!
