Washing your racesuit

**Adam43** · 8 Nov 2003, 10:36 (Ref:776752)

I can't find the previous thread on this, but I seem to remember the conclusion was don't! Take it too a dry cleaners adn even then be careful!

However my racesuit label indicated it is OK. Here is a little key to the symbols. (what does a line under the A symbol mean? is it just code for dry cleaners?) http://www.planet-stuff.freeserve.co...ds/Washing.htm

.

DAVID PATERSON · 8 Nov 2003, 11:32 (Ref:776795)

Mine goes in the washing machine after every meeting, no probs so far.

**Tim Falce** · 8 Nov 2003, 11:37 (Ref:776797)

Mine goes in the washing machine after every meeting, no probs so far
But you won't know of any problems untill you have to test it, then it will be a bit late if the there are any.

DAVID PATERSON · 8 Nov 2003, 11:44 (Ref:776803)

The suit is regualarly inspected for physical wear and tear and it is always kept in the shade, so no UV degradation. My washing powder isn't flammable and neither is the water, so I don't expect any problems.

**Adam43** · 8 Nov 2003, 12:00 (Ref:776814)

I have to admit I do assume that the label would be different if it made a difference! Surely

I suppose after the next wash I could try to set fire to it

**Peter Mallett** · 8 Nov 2003, 12:08 (Ref:776818)

Quote:

Originally posted by DAVID PATERSON
Mine goes in the washing machine after every meeting, no probs so far.

Ditto.

**Tim Falce** · 8 Nov 2003, 12:09 (Ref:776820)

David, I am no expert on this I would'nt know what is OK, Is Nomex a fire proof material or a material inpregnated with a fire retardent? I was more thinking along the lines of the retardent washing out or the washing powder, many of which contain sand and some strange chemicals, degrading the fabric. I have always dry cleaned mine but will check the label and see what's what. Could save me £12 a time.

**Peter Mallett** · 8 Nov 2003, 12:11 (Ref:776823)

Its a fireproof material.

carrera · 8 Nov 2003, 18:36 (Ref:777074)

Checked with the washerwoman and she informs me that my racesuit goes into the machine set at 30 degrees with a non-biological detergent.

HiRich · 8 Nov 2003, 21:44 (Ref:777208)

It apparently says:
- Machine wash at 40C
- Do not bleach
- Needs ironing
- Can be dry cleaned (underline probably means "with caution")

(I've just bought a new washing machine). I would also suggest you don't use fabric conditioner (it apparently messes with fibres in a way that's fine for T-shirts, but not good for techy stuff).

My suit says "Dry Clean Only", then later says "Drip Dry" - clearly designed for blokes!

midgetman · 9 Nov 2003, 08:30 (Ref:777482)

OK - from the horse's mouth.

Racesuits are OK to wash in ordinary washing machine. Wash them separately from anything else and use a DETERGENT not SOAP POWDER based agent. Reason? David Paterson said "My washing powder isn't flammable " but soap powder can react with especially hard water to leave a residue which is. Wash it separately so no fluff etc from other garments gets into the fabric. The fluff won't be flame retardant.

Use low (40deg) temps not for any fireproofing degradation but to avoid damage to the garment as a whole.

If you've got a Proban suit the retardant properties will NOT wash out - the confusion is caused by the bad wording of the label. However, it will wear away so look out for shiny patches - these are not protecting you.

Nomex doesn't degrade, but every time you work on your car you get dirt on it which'll sustain combustion so make sure you change or wear a coverall before getting oily. This may never wash out properly of course - how many sets of clothes have you ruined working on your car? - which is why you should replace your suits regularly. Not just to provide me a racing budget, honest.

Any questions and send me a PM or contact me thro' racewear.co.uk and I'll try to help.

JustinDawkins · 18 Nov 2003, 13:11 (Ref:787070)

Tip for anyone whos brain is the same size, or smaller than mine (not very many of you):

Do not do a race in the rain in a single seater get your suit, Nomex T-shirt, Gloves and balaclava soaking wet, and then put them in you kit bag and forget them for a week!

The Walter Hays trophy was as wet as they come, any I only rmoved the suit from the bag last night! needless to say it smells and has gone mouldy!!!! a long with the rest of the aforementioned items!!

The worst part is that like many I put my balaclava and gloves inside my helmet, and went mouldy inside there, so that smells too!

I am just off to take my furmenting suit to the dry cleaners.........................

spearce · 18 Nov 2003, 14:56 (Ref:787177)

Justin, same for me too, suit is OK. But inside of helmet didn't look (or smell) too good after a week with wet gloves inside !!!
I've used some foam cleaner to try to freshen things up a little, wonder if anyone will stand within sniffing distance next time out ???

JustinDawkins · 18 Nov 2003, 15:04 (Ref:787186)

its good to know someone is as stupid as me Steve!

I have put my helmet in the airing cuoboard to dry out, not sure what to do about the smell yet - I will have to put a couple of leaves of clover in there!

zefarelly · 18 Nov 2003, 16:14 (Ref:787247)

you can usually get the guts of a helmet out if your careful

just think . . . . someone got it in there in the first place !

PenelopePitstop · 18 Nov 2003, 16:33 (Ref:787269)

Does anyone not wash there race suit? I race a Maestro which is an enclosed space and I think that after a couple of races my ears would water, if i did not wash the romper suit

JustinDawkins · 19 Nov 2003, 09:40 (Ref:788000)

Quote:

Originally posted by zefarelly
you can usually get the guts of a helmet out if your careful

just think . . . . someone got it in there in the first place !

I believe Arai Glue theirs' in for some reason. Thats why they can't be chromed.

spearce · 19 Nov 2003, 11:48 (Ref:788084)

Justin - no need to chrome F/glass or kevlar - it doesn't rust !!!

JustinDawkins · 19 Nov 2003, 11:52 (Ref:788086)

Damn, Ive just had all the bodywork on the Van Diemen chromed!

The drycleaner told me yesterday she doubts that she can get the mould of my racesuit! If this is the case I will have to buy another, or look like a mouldy tramp!

spearce · 19 Nov 2003, 12:03 (Ref:788092)

Hello mouldy tramp, is the 'high grunge' look still in, or did it go when JV lost his ride?

JustinDawkins · 19 Nov 2003, 12:05 (Ref:788094)

It went then, so will have to buy another one!

I don't want to look like the racing equivilent of Kurt Cobain!

**Peter Mallett** · 19 Nov 2003, 12:08 (Ref:788095)

Kurt's dead isn't he?

JustinDawkins · 19 Nov 2003, 12:10 (Ref:788097)

I meant pre '94 Kurt Kobain!

**Peter Mallett** · 19 Nov 2003, 12:14 (Ref:788104)

Pre 94 is even slower!

spearce · 19 Nov 2003, 13:14 (Ref:788196)

There are some strange circumstances and unanswered questions surrounding the death of Kurt Cobain. This information has been the subject of books, television shows, radio shows, quite a few magazine and newspaper stories, even a film. Was Cobain murdered? This site organizes as much of the documented information, research, and media coverage as possible. It exists to either help get Kurt justice, if it turns out he was in fact murdered, or help clear his name and legacy of all these "murder theories" for good, if he wasn't. Whatever you believe happened in April 1994, the fact is he should have never been a victim of shoddy police work, blatant cover-ups, media manipulation, and general misinformation. Justice For Kurt Cobain.

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