CARE

How to keep your kit happy

A DayFrit Care Guide

Look, we get it. After a solid ride, the last thing you want to do is baby your kit. But here's the thing: those Italian fabrics we obsess over? They've got feelings too. Treat them right, and they'll keep you comfortable for years of coffee stops and KOM hunts.

The Golden Rules

1. Don't Be That Person Who Leaves Sweaty Kit in a Bag

Seriously, don't. Your chamois has been through enough already. Get that kit out of your bag as soon as you're home and give it some air. Think of it as CPR for your cycling shorts.

2. Cold Water is Your Friend

Wash in cold water (30°C max). Hot water might feel therapeutic after a hard ride, but it's basically kryptonite for technical fabrics. Save the hot water for your post-ride shower.

3. Skip the Fabric Softener

We know it smells like spring meadows, but fabric softener is the enemy of moisture-wicking. It clogs up those fancy Italian fibers we spent so much time sourcing. Your kit needs to breathe, not smell like a garden center.

4. Detergent: Less is More

Use a sport-specific detergent if you've got it, or just a small amount of regular detergent. Think espresso shot, not Big Gulp. Too much soap leaves residue that makes your kit feel weird and smell funky.

The Washing Ritual

Before You Start:

Turn everything inside out (protect those logos you paid for)
Close all zippers and velcro tabs
Check pockets for gels, cash, and that energy bar you forgot about

The Wash:

Cold water cycle (gentle or delicate setting)
Sport detergent or small amount of regular detergent
No fabric softener (we're serious about this)
Wash with similar colors (your bright yellow jersey doesn't need to meet your white base layer)

Pro Tip: If your kit is particularly ripe after a long ride, give it a quick rinse in cold water first. Your washing machine will thank you.

Drying: The Art of Patience

Do This:

Air dry away from direct sunlight
Lay flat or hang up (avoid stretching)
Give it time – good things come to those who wait

Don't Do This:

Tumble dry (unless you want your medium kit to fit your 12-year-old cousin)
Direct sunlight (UV rays are great for vitamin D, terrible for lycra)
Radiators or heat sources (see tumble dry comment above)

Special Care for Special Pieces

Bib Shorts & Chamois

Your chamois is basically the MVP of your kit. Treat it like the hero it is:

Never use fabric softener (seriously, we'll say it again)
Don't wring or twist
If it starts to smell like a farm animal, it's time for a deeper clean with sport-specific detergent

Jerseys & Base Layers

These workhorses deal with all your sweat and glory:

Turn inside out to protect prints and logos
Check for stains before washing (energy drink stains are sneaky)
Hang on padded hangers to maintain shape

Jackets & Outer Layers

Your weather protection deserves respect:

Check care labels (some need special treatment)
Reactivate DWR coating occasionally with specific products
Store hanging, not stuffed in a drawer

Stain SOS

Grease/Chain Marks: Pre-treat with dish soap before washing. Work it in gently, then wash as normal.

Energy Drink/Gel Stains: Rinse immediately with cold water, then wash. The longer you wait, the more permanent your poor nutrition choices become.

Blood (It Happens): Cold water and soap immediately. Hot water sets blood stains, and nobody wants to explain that to their laundry.

Storage Wisdom

Clean kit only (dirty kit breeds bacteria and bad smells)
Somewhere dry and well-ventilated
Avoid cramming everything in one drawer
Rotate your kit – don't play favorites

The Bottom Line

Your DayFrit kit is built to last, but it's not indestructible. A little care goes a long way, and your future self (and riding buddies) will thank you for not being that person with the questionable kit hygiene.

Remember: good kit care isn't just about making your clothes last longer – it's about making sure every ride feels like a good day.