Proper care and maintenance of your triathlon clothing: tips for long-lasting performance
Why care is crucial
When preparing for a triathlon, it's not just your body that's crucial, but also your equipment. Your triathlon clothing is specifically designed to withstand the high demands of the sport, and to ensure it supports you optimally in every race, proper care is essential.
Less is more! Wash and care properly.
Often, sportswear is washed after every use without first checking whether this is really necessary. Every wash saved not only has a positive impact on water consumption, but also contributes to the longevity of your clothing. It is advisable to be more conscious about washing, as this not only has ecological benefits, but also extends the life of the clothing.
In the case of light soiling or stains , cleaning with a cloth or sponge is often sufficient instead of using the washing machine. Even with frequently worn base layers , it is not absolutely necessary to wash them after each use. The fibers used are usually odorless and the freshness of the clothing can often be restored by simply airing them . It is worth airing the clothing briefly after wearing it before deciding to wash it again.
Particular attention should be paid to the last layer of clothing, especially if it has a waterproof DWR finish, such as the Phantom Jacket . To ensure that this finish works to its full potential, this layer should be washed as infrequently as possible . Targeted cleaning and care of this special layer can help maintain its effectiveness over time and thus ensure the optimal performance of your sportswear. By taking good care of your clothing and considering washing habits, you can not only save resources, but also maximize the functionality and durability of your sportswear.
Practical tips for washing your triathlon clothing
It's often the little details that make the difference. Before putting your triathlon clothing in the washing machine, zip it up to avoid damaging other items of clothing. Avoid using a dryer as high temperatures and mechanical stress can affect the performance of your equipment. Wash clothes at low temperatures (30°C is ideal), use little detergent and choose a low spin speed (<1000) for gentle cleaning. Turn your clothes inside out before washing to minimize color loss and abrasion. Remember not to overload the washing machine to ensure efficient cleaning.
Additionally, it is important to note that you should not let your triathlon clothing dry on radiators . Direct exposure to heat can also affect the materials and reduce their performance. Instead, I recommend letting the clothing air dry , ideally in a well-ventilated area to ensure optimal drying. Make sure that the garments remain in their natural shape to maintain their fit and functionality. By taking this careful care, you can ensure that your triathlon gear lasts longer and maintains its performance over time.
One last tip for you and the environment
The breakage of fibres caused by regular washing not only negatively affects the longevity of your clothes, but also has significant consequences for the environment . The resulting broken fibres, also known as microplastics, enter the oceans via wastewater and contribute to worrying pollution.
To minimize this environmental impact, using a special washing bag is a sensible measure. Such a bag not only preserves the material of your clothes, but also catches the minimal microfibers released during the washing process. In this way, the release of microplastics into the environment is significantly reduced . This is not only a practical solution on an individual level, but also helps to address the larger problem of microplastic pollution in our oceans.
Proper care is crucial for the long-lasting performance of your triathlon clothing. By washing consciously, avoiding the dryer and using a special washing bag, you can not only maximize the lifespan of your equipment, but also act in an environmentally conscious manner by minimizing the release of microplastics . Small details such as closing zippers and loading the washing machine in moderation also contribute to optimal functionality.
