race overalls how do I wash them?

rallycrosscraig · 14 Apr 2006, 09:00 (Ref:1581048)

daft question I know! but will my race overalls be ok if I wash them in the washing machine anyone tried this?

**Tim Falce** · 14 Apr 2006, 09:04 (Ref:1581051)

washing machine on 40 deg wash or dryclean, done both with no problems.

rallycrosscraig · 14 Apr 2006, 09:14 (Ref:1581063)

thanks, now in the wash (don't want to start the season smelling)

MGDavid · 14 Apr 2006, 10:57 (Ref:1581144)

they will have clear labelling - as blokes can't read instructions I just pass mine to my wife...

**Tim Falce** · 14 Apr 2006, 12:13 (Ref:1581210)

Quote:

Originally Posted by rallycrosscraig

thanks, now in the wash (don't want to start the season smelling)

I meant to say, you have to use a special detergent, not normal powders or the cotton will rot away on laps 6 to 9

rcarr · 14 Apr 2006, 12:25 (Ref:1581219)

My mum always take mine and my dad's down to the dry cleaners

midgetman · 15 Apr 2006, 20:29 (Ref:1583057)

falcemob you're a tease! - not a special detergent, just a detergent based powder. Ariel, Daz OK IIRC but avoid Persil, Surf and other soap based powders.

Reason is that in hard water areas, soap reacts with the water to leave a flammable white deposit (calcium?) which isn't what you want! No worries on the fabric rotting (well, not now Persil not using their super power mix anyhow)

MGD - actually Nomex instructions aren't that clear. Best washing instructions I've seen say: "WOMAN Read the washing instructions carefully and don't make a cock up of my best bit of kit" on the inside of my cycling jacket

Strangely enough Mrs MM makes me wash that one meself

RickP:Clio51 · 20 Apr 2006, 14:26 (Ref:1589738)

Inside out and with the velcros all closed together is the official advice from the father-in-law... (who has manufactured a few suits over the years...)

midgetman · 20 Apr 2006, 18:14 (Ref:1589991)

>>>>>>>>>Inside out and with the velcros all closed together

Aye, that's a good idea.

>>>is the official advice from the father-in-law

Who he then Rick - PM me.

Notso Swift · 22 Apr 2006, 10:26 (Ref:1591669)

Don't use fabfic softener either, leave a coating onthe fibres that you don't want

I always use Woolmix

HrRACING · 23 Apr 2006, 08:32 (Ref:1592537)

Quote:

Originally Posted by falcemob

I meant to say, you have to use a special detergent, not normal powders or the cotton will rot away on laps 6 to 9

thats okay there arn't that many laps in rallycross, ey' Craig!

So how come your selling your car?

BillyT · 24 Apr 2006, 13:56 (Ref:1593778)

If you get them stained then, pre treat them with water less hand wash. Just rub it in then stick in the washing machine, is excellent.

Suze · 15 Sep 2007, 17:29 (Ref:2013832)

right I normally use Persil non-bio and having read an earlier post in this thread, stuck the white overalls in with no powder / detergent / anything as hadn't got anything else. Suffice to say they've come out still with the black marks / dirt on them.

Anybody got any recommendations as to what to wash them with?

[no, they are not my overalls and I would not have got white ones if was my choice!

]

AU N EGL · 15 Sep 2007, 18:51 (Ref:2013889)

Quote:

Originally Posted by midgetman

fBest washing instructions I've seen say: "WOMAN Read the washing instructions carefully and don't make a cock up of my best bit of kit" on the inside of my cycling jacket

Strangely enough Mrs MM makes me wash that one meself

Ouch Your brave.

midgetman · 16 Sep 2007, 06:51 (Ref:2014212)

Suze, Ariel or other DETERGENT based powders are recommended.

We use those powderless wash ball thingies from a well known kitchen specalist based in Cumbria, and they do a good job. Still got oil & brake fluid stains on my expensive Steve McQueen replica overalls though :-(

Suze · 16 Sep 2007, 07:16 (Ref:2014218)

thanks midgetman, I'll give that a try....

GORDON STREETER · 16 Sep 2007, 08:09 (Ref:2014259)

If you use one of those stain remover pen things on any marks that does the trick. Also don't wash them with anything else as I understand they can be contaminated with small pieces of fibre that could compromise the fireproof qualities.

Suze · 16 Sep 2007, 08:12 (Ref:2014262)

nah I washed them before on their own, just incase it's not worth the earful I'd get if something did happen!

Just don't buy white overalls....!

Chris Y · 17 Sep 2007, 08:20 (Ref:2015353)

It's my understanding that any washing powder not based on soap is fine.

LYNX · 19 Sep 2007, 16:56 (Ref:2018100)

It's suggested by a manufacturer that they last longer if dry cleaned. Have done this at the end of each season or if necessary before. The dry cleaning firm must be experienced in this field, ask if they do them on a regular basis, the cost should be approx £12. Still look as good as new, several seasons on. However, washing is considered OK - go to a manufacturer's site for care instructions (S****o).

**dtype38** · 20 Sep 2007, 20:22 (Ref:2019229)

Anyone know if Tesco Colour in liquid form a detergent or soap?? It's what everything we own gets washed in, including my race suit.

Just as an aside, I noticed that my fireproof underwear says "do not tumble dry" on the label. Why's that then? Can't take the heat??

midgetman · 21 Sep 2007, 07:20 (Ref:2019490)

>>>>>>>>It's suggested by a manufacturer that they last longer if dry cleaned.

Hmmmmmm. With the exception that any clothes may last longer if dry cleaned of course I suppose.

The problem with any form of cleaning is that the overalls *may* attract deposits which may themselves be flammable, which is why avoid soap because it reacts with hard water and leaves a chalky deposit. For that reason you should wash your fireprofs on their own, because you don't want them picking up flakes of nylon or wool for instance.

Also NEVER work in them or the oil you inevitably attact will burn....or so the theory goes....

The fabrics used in overalls are not developed especially for motor racing. They're industrial fabrics, designed to take years of rough handling in extreme conditions and poor "maintenance". What we put them through is nothing! There's no adverse reactions, it doesn't "wash out" etc etc

No idea why not use a tumble dryer for undies. Maybe the friction causes the fabric to pill? Maybe this is why the "Dry clean" option is promoted, to protect the knitted fabric?

dType38 TBQH although we recommend detergent, if you're in a soft water area the chances are you're not building up the calcium deposits.

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