How to clean race suits?

RF_Racer · 23 Jun 2009, 11:39 (Ref:2488972)

I have an Alpinestars race suit, but I am not sure how to get it cleaned. Any ideas??

andy97 · 23 Jun 2009, 11:56 (Ref:2488994)

I think I just washed my Sparco in the machine. Use a Non soap based powder as this can leave a non fire resistant residue. Previously I had taken it to be dry cleaned & they wouldn't take it.

Jennifer_ni · 23 Jun 2009, 12:12 (Ref:2489004)

I put my Alpinestars in the washing machine on a 30 degree wash with no powder or anything the other week and it came out just fine. It has on the washing instructions that it can be put in the machine up to 50 degrees but i think 30 is just fine.

PTRACER · 23 Jun 2009, 12:34 (Ref:2489023)

I take it the suit needs to go in on its own...

What about the nomex underwear?

Eric Ridler · 23 Jun 2009, 12:42 (Ref:2489032)

If you look on the Marshals Club web site:

http://www.marshals.co.uk

and click on the Regalia section you will see instructions for washing Proban Overalls but these rules would apply to any flame retardant material. As for the Nomex undies, throw them in as well and save on water!

RF_Racer · 23 Jun 2009, 12:51 (Ref:2489041)

No soap? so how can they be cleaned? you need something to clean them?

None soap based? whats that then? can you give me names of suitable poweders? maybe delicate on for use on baby clothes etc?

andy97 · 23 Jun 2009, 13:12 (Ref:2489055)

Detergent, not Soap. Ariel, Daz OK IIRC but avoid Persil, Surf and other soap based powders.

Another thread on this here: http://tentenths.com/forum/showthrea...highlight=soap

K1 CERB · 23 Jun 2009, 13:19 (Ref:2489060)

My Alpinestar suit gets washed on 30deg, small amount of persil or similar, & setting for extra rinising.

ChrisA · 23 Jun 2009, 13:20 (Ref:2489063)

I have bought an OMP suit, for safety-car work, and the washing instructions say ''hand wash'' using a soft detergent.

andy97 · 23 Jun 2009, 13:29 (Ref:2489070)

And just to confuse things, my washing machine has a "hand wash" setting!

RF_Racer · 24 Jun 2009, 09:35 (Ref:2489622)

Thanks for the tips guys. I used Ariel 30deg washing liquid at 30deg using the wool wash mode, came out nice and clean

Stuart H · 24 Jun 2009, 16:33 (Ref:2489885)

I've had my overals for about 5 years. 2 of them years they were stored in the cupboard.
I dont bother washing mine - I dont use them very often.

**Peter Mallett** · 24 Jun 2009, 16:55 (Ref:2489906)

Get your wife or girlfriend to do it.

And when you get rid of the black eye, don't use powder use liquid. Powder leaves deposits in the fabric and thus reduces the effectiveness.

**Tim Falce** · 24 Jun 2009, 16:55 (Ref:2489907)

I used to get mine dry cleaned but now stick it in the washing machine on a 40degree wash, it's still in one piece and I haven't set on fire yet.

midgetman · 25 Jun 2009, 06:30 (Ref:2490233)

It's not the powder Peter, it's the composition of the powder. As said before Persil etc are soap and it's the soap that leaves chalky deposits.

Had one chap once with a black Proban suit, said the colour had washed out. Got him to wash it again in detergent and he was convinced the colour had washed back in!

Perfectly OK to wash Nomex in machine, low temp to avoid shrinkage and keep colours fast. Wash separately from anything else to avoid contamination. Everything that's been said above really :-)

socram · 25 Jun 2009, 09:13 (Ref:2490302)

From a manufacturer - we get ours dry cleaned by choice and they are like new. But they can be washed, but some fabrics are less colour fast than others - beware the reds...

Surprised that a dry cleaner refused to clean a suit though. Never had that problem.

Most suit manufacturers use the same fabrics to world wide specs.

Nomex underwear can certainly be machine washed, but as with ALL garments, read the care label first!

midgetman · 25 Jun 2009, 09:23 (Ref:2490308)

Socram, it's our elf'n'safety culture here that stops dry cleaners taking Nomex. They're terrified that they'll be sued if the wearer goes up in flames!

MG Racer · 25 Jun 2009, 12:11 (Ref:2490391)

I decided to take a leap of faith - correct washing powder in hand and set the machine at 30 degress and in she went. Sparco Sprint.

Everything appears well and looks the same size as I started with. Certainly cleaner and doesnt smell anymore.

andy97 · 25 Jun 2009, 12:17 (Ref:2490395)

Smelly race sits, Castrol R & burger vans are all part of the "appeal" of club racing!

RF_Racer · 26 Jun 2009, 10:25 (Ref:2490966)

We could do with out the crappy burger bars and greasy cafes!!!

Jen-MSAR · 29 Jun 2009, 10:25 (Ref:2493143)

We sell a product that has been specially developed for fireproof material such as Nomex. It is called Molecule. It really does make a difference in caring for your race suits and helping them stay fireproof and as protective clothing.

http://www.msar-safety.com/moleculet...4552c36cbad73c

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