PRODUCT CARE
General Washing and Drying Instructions
We recommend washing new apparel before using it. Always read the care label before washing a piece of apparel to ensure you’re using the right care treatment for that specific item. (Confused? Here’s a guide to Laundry Symbols). Unless otherwise specified, do not dry clean.
Wash apparel immediately after use. If you aren’t able to wash immediately, hang it up to dry to prevent bacteria growth/spread. If you have used the item in a chlorinated pool, be sure to rinse the item with fresh water and wash per care instructions as soon as possible.
Check pockets and turn all items inside out.
Close or fasten all zippers, buttons and velcro to prevent damage. Loosen any elastic cords.
A mesh bag is essential for washing bibs, keeping straps and elastics from getting caught on other objects in the machine.
Wash like products and like colors together. Friction from different materials (like jeans, towels or velcro) can damage more delicate items. A fuller load will also mechanical minimize friction from spinning. Wash heavily soiled items separately.
Do not use excessive heat when washing or drying. For the majority of our apparel, we recommend hand or machine washing on the delicate cycle in cold water (not exceeding 30 °C/86°F). Refer to the care label for recommended washing temperature of your specific garment.
Use cleaning products specially formulated for technical apparel. Not only will these cleaners remove the odour caused by sweat and bacteria, but they are designed to rinse without leaving any residue on fabric. Residue from conventional detergents can interfere with fabric performance. If you choose to use regular detergent, we recommend using a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Do not use fabric softeners, chlorine bleach, or detergents with perfumes, dyes, stain removers or other additives. You may also add an extra rinse cycle to remove as much residue as possible.
Line/air drying is generally the best option.* If you need to use the dryer, be sure to use a low or no heat setting. Do not use dryer sheets. Check on the clothing regularly through the cycle to minimize friction from time in dryer. Always refer to the care label for full drying instructions.
Chamois Care
For cycling and triathlon shorts and bibs with a chamois, wash inside out after every single use. Place in a mesh laundry bag and use the delicate cycle if you are not hand-washing. Always hang to dry inside out. Do not place in dryer.
Outerwear and Water Repellent Gear
All apparel should be washed to maintain performance. Obviously, if your jacket looks dirty, it should be spot-cleaned or washed, but even when a garment doesn’t look dirty, small particles can interfere with water-repellency, breathability and moisture-wicking properties of a fabric. Any garment that comes in contact with sweat and is designed to cling to your skin should be washed after every use.
If your waterproof/water-repellent gear isn’t beading water as well as it used to, try cleaning it with a technical detergent to eliminate any particles that may be impairing its performance. You can also refresh water repellency periodically by using a wash-in or spray-on product such as Grangers Performance Repel Plus or Nikwax TX Direct. A spray-on treatment will allow you to target areas that are exposed to the most water. This treatment is recommended once per season (depending on use), or as the garment’s water-repellency declines.
*Using the dryer can redistribute water-repellent treatment on a fabric, helping to reactivate its water-repellency. Additionally, some water repellency treatments require heat activation. Line dry, then use the dryer on a low heat setting for 20 minutes. Always follow the instructions on the care label.
Special Care for Zap Tech Fabric
Zap Tech reflective fabric, available as a safety enhancement on our custom jerseys, shorts and outerwear, should be cared for like any other athletic apparel. Check pockets, fasten zippers and velcro and turn items inside out before washing. Hand or machine wash in cold water on a delicate, low-spin cycle using a sport-specific cleanser. Line/air dry. Additionally outerwear with Durable Water Repellent treatment should be placed in the dryer at a low heat setting for 20 minutes to refresh water resistance. Also refer to the care label attached to your specific item for ideal care instructions.
Reflectivity should be maintained for the lifetime of your garment, barring damage and abrasion to the apparel itself. If you are concerned about the effectiveness of your Zap Tech apparel, take a cell phone picture with the flash on. This will reveal any damage to the Zap Tech fabric.
If you have any questions about a Sugoi Custom product, please contact your Custom Specialist.