SUMMER CLOTHING CARE

Unfortunately, improper care can diminish and even alter fabric and garment performance. For the best results and performance from your garments, follow these general rules:

1. Use simple detergents with no additives:
Never use detergents with fabric softeners, perfumes or any additive type product. The general rule of thumb is the simpler the better. Many detergents with additives leave "surfactants" behind on a fabric's fibers that inhibit the technical performance. Typically the best detergents to use will have "Clear" or "Free" in their names. Don't pour the detergent directly onto the clothing, put it in the washer first, when you start the water. If something is not functionally working, but is not dirty, try rinsing it twice in warm to hot water. This will help get rid of the harmful surfactants.

2. Read the care content label:
On the inside of your garment, or on the hangcard, there are instructions for the care of that individual piece. On garments this will be on a side seam or back seam label. Follow those directions. On finer fabrics, use a "Gentle" cycle. Close all zippers, attach "hook and loop" closures on gloves

3. You can use the dryer, carefully:
If you use a dryer be sure to use a lower/ warm heat setting (Do NOT use a commercial dryer or a "Hot" setting). This will often restore the fabric and help the water and wind repellent qualities. If in doubt, hang the clothing to dry.

4. Cycling Shoe Care & Maintenance:
Clean mud off with a damp sponge and then stuff the inside of the shoes with paper to help absorb moisture and maintain shape. Never clean shoes in a washing machine.
Keep the outsole clean by scrubbing with a soft brush when needed.
Air dry at room temperature. Do not dry the shoes by a fire, radiator or other heat source.
Do not leave them in your car on a hot day. Extreme, direct heat can cause the materials to dry out or crack. This will damage your shoes and void your warranty.

WINTER CLOTHING CARE You’ve just spent a few hundred dollars on a new outfit, and you should expect it to last for many years. Following the care instructions will extend the life of your garment.
The most important thing to remember with clothing care is to read the care instruction label and follow the recommendations. On the inside of your garment, or on the hangcard, there are instructions for the care of that individual piece. On garments this will be on a side seam or back seam label. Follow those directions. On finer fabrics, use a "Gentle" cycle. Close all zippers, attach "hook and loop" closures on gloves. Don't dry clean when it says to machine wash, and don't tumble dry with heat if it says to line dry.
Use simple detergents with no additives: Never use detergents with fabric softeners, perfumes or any additive type product. The general rule of thumb is the simpler the better. Many detergents with additives leave "surfactants" behind on a fabric's fibers that inhibit the technical performance. Using non-detergent soap cleaners such as Nikwax Tech Wash will clean your technical garments without compromising breathability or waterproofness. Don't pour the soap directly onto the clothing, put it in the washer first, when you start the water. If something is not functionally working, but is not dirty, try rinsing it twice in warm to hot water. This will help get rid of the harmful surfactants.
Do not dry your clothing in a hot dryer, as they will melt. Always try to hang dry a technical garment- be it a jacket, pant, or long underwear. If you use a dryer be sure to use a lower/ warm heat setting (Do NOT use a commercial dryer or a "Hot" setting). This will often restore the fabric and help the water and wind repellent qualities. If in doubt, hang the clothing to dry. Down garments must be tumble dried on low- place clean tennis balls in dryer to fluff up the down. Don't iron clothing with an outer weather coating such as Gore-Tex or Helly-Tech, or you'll melt the garment. If your clothes are wrinkled, hang them in the bathroom while you take a shower, use a steamer, or put them in a cool dryer.
Most coated nylon clothing will repel stains. But, if not, try water first, then a mild soap and water, then a stain remover. Some manufacturers recommend against using the brush head that comes with many commercial stain removers. Instead, work the remover in gently by hand.

Stain Removal List
Skiwear manufacturer recommendations for common stains:

Alcoholic beverages: Soak fresh stains in cold water and a few tablespoons of glycerin (available at drug stores), rinse with white vinegar and water.

Ballpoint ink: Apply hair spray and rub with a clean cloth.

Condiments (catsup, mustard): Sponge promptly with water, then apply liquid detergent to the stain and soak until removed.

Coffee and tea: Rinse in cold water if the stain is fresh, and moisten with white vinegar and launder if it persists. If the stain isn't fresh, stretch the stained fabric over a bowl and fasten with a rubber band. Pour boiling water over the stain then sponge hydrogen peroxide mixed with water on the stain and launder.

Heavy grease and road grime: Apply a solvent or a commercial waterless hand cleaner called "Goop" (available at automotive and hardware stores). Rub gently and launder.