Cleaning Gear

[beddowsm]

I do a lot of trail riding and tend to sweat a lot fighting a 200KG bike. I normally only wear a base layer and my textile jacket over the top. The jacket absolutely stinks. The base layer does a good job of getting the sweat away from my body...but only as far as the jacket. The jacket has vents that I normally leave open but obviously these are not enough.

Anyone advise on best cleaning products, I dont think I can just pop it in the washing machine (or can I?)?

Same goes for my helmet. I use a Airoh S4. The lining is fixed in. It looks and smells terrible. So without a detachable helmet liner what are my options.....other than to buy a new one, or just suck it up and enjoy the smell each time I wear it!

[Redmurty]

I always use nikwax i have found nothing better yet, if you do let me know cheers spud

[Tyrant68]

Can only think use febreeze on the helmet. There must be someone who does a type of freshner for one.
If the jacket fits in the machine wash it in there with Nikwax wash in . Don't use normal detergents, their job is to break the fibres down to remove the dirt but will also remove the waterproofing, leave the Comfort out! :laugh:
Then reproof.
Millets or any outdoorsy shop will sell.

http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/index.php#

http://www.nikwax.com/en-gb/activity/in ... m=CLOTHING

[Redmurty]

I think Nikwax does something for your helmet, Oh err vicar you could also try soap flakes rather than detergent, White vinigar in your washing machine cleans all the detergent out before you try to reproof, if you end up smelling like a chippy dont blame me, this tip was from "SCOUSE"

cheers Spud

[herman]

I use a plasterers bath in the garden with washing powder but luke warm water and give the offending article a good prodding with a broom,let it soak then hang it up and blast it with a hose. Must admit all my lids have removable liners but if you are prepared to wait for it to dry for a week or more then there is no reason you cant immerse this too? Whatever you do don't force dry stuff on a rad they smell worse,warp,buckle,etc.

[Mad Cow]

Nik Wax Tech Wash for me too, all I do is make sure the detergent drawer is not full of soap (it rarely is a I use liguid capsules for ordinary washing that don't seem to leave any residue).

I also use Nik Wax TX Direct to reproof gear afterwards, just leave it in the machine, put the TX in and run the cycle again, dry in a tumble drier afterwards.

For the helmet, try Boots cleansing wipes, get the unfragranced ones in a blue packet, keep your eyes open as they often sell them three for two (like now).

These clean up the lining really well and dry quickly as they don't soak the lining. My off road helmet's lining is removable (Lazer MX6) but I can't be bothered most of the time.

They are also great for cleaning the outside of your helmet (ohh errr)! visors, removing dead bugs off your gear and bike and cleaning anything without getting it too wet.

There are some aerosol cleaners about too:

http://www.getgeared.co.uk/PROCYCLE_Hel ... ner_300_ml

[GreatScott]

Same goes for my helmet. I use a Airoh S4. The lining is fixed in. It looks and smells terrible. So without a detachable helmet liner what are my options.....other than to buy a new one, or just suck it up and enjoy the smell each time I wear it!

As it is the bacteria that makes the helmet smell I used to spray the inside of my C2 with anti-bacterial kitchen cleaner as the liner isn't removal either. Don't suppose for one moment it is recommended but seems to work.

[Domsday]

Was given the tip of using a shower and baby shampoo... Not tried it myself though.....

[Kerswellcrank]

I just bought an Airoh S4, the instructions with it show how to remove the lining. Maybe if yours is older it isn't removable, but might be worth trying....

Pull out the rubber chin piece, this leaves room to pull the cheek pieces forward and out.
There is a small plastic tab tucked behind each cheek piece, pull the tab to untuck the main lining at each side. Lastly, unclip the front and rear plastic vents. The whole lining should now come out.

It's a bit fiddly getting it all back in neatly, but I've had mine out and back in with no problems.

Hope this helps.
Cheers,

Steve.

P.s. I'm a fan of Nikwax Techwash too.

[beddowsm]

I just bought an Airoh S4, the instructions with it show how to remove the lining. Maybe if yours is older it isn't removable, but might be worth trying....

Pull out the rubber chin piece, this leaves room to pull the cheek pieces forward and out.
There is a small plastic tab tucked behind each cheek piece, pull the tab to untuck the main lining at each side. Lastly, unclip the front and rear plastic vents. The whole lining should now come out.

It's a bit fiddly getting it all back in neatly, but I've had mine out and back in with no problems.

Hope this helps.
Cheers,

Steve.

P.s. I'm a fan of Nikwax Techwash too.

Thanks Steve, glad you posted. Ive just checked (found the instructions!) and the liner is removable on mine. Just had a quick go and it will come out...havent taken out completely. Only going to get it filthy at the weekend so will wait until next week and give my gear the overhaul and clean it needs....and deserves.

Thanks for all the replies!