With the end of triathlon season quickly approaching, it’s time to think about cleaning all of the gear that has probably been neglected much of the year or left to be “cleaned” by your triathlete. Now is the time to really get in there and get all the sweat and bacteria out of there. If you make this a joint weekend afternoon project, they feel some of the pain, too!
Wetsuits
Don’t forget to clean the wetsuit. Rinse it off first, then soak it in a sink or tub full of warm water with a cup of detergent or specialty wetsuit cleaner, give it a good rinse, then hang up to dry on a plastic hanger. Do not hang to dry in the sun or use a washing machine to clean, as neither are kind to wetsuit materials. This is also a good time to inspect for rips or tears.
Bike Helmets
If you can’t find the manufacturer’s instructions, you’re probably safe to wash it in mild soap and water, rinsing thoroughly, and then air drying. We normally use a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of water and use a sponge to thoroughly clean. Simple Green also works nicely to spray and wipe.
Running Shoes
I’ve been throwing his running shoes in the washer, because they’re just too tough to get really clean handwashing. Besides, he gets a new pair so frequently it hardly makes sense to even clean! If you need to use a precleaning treatment to get out blood, urine, etc., you can try an enzyme-based presoak like GOSOAP and then clean as usual.
Bike Shoes
In terms of bike shoes, I’ve never used the washing machine, but know some people who do on a delicate, cold cycle with towels for padding. People also stuff with newspapers to soak up some of the sweat/water. I have tried the dishwasher and it worked. Here’s how:
- Clean any stains or scuff marks with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or a toothbrush and Tide to Go or Clorox Bleach Pen.
- Take out any removable soles.
- Remove clips or metal hardware.
- Place on the bottom rack on a delicate cycle and turn off heated drying.
- When done, remove and place in sun to dry.
You can also use the presoak with GOSOAP like with the running shoes if need be.
Miscellaneous
Don’t forgot all of the little items that are used for training and races that are probably overlooked. These include:
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Fuel Belts
- Heart monitor belts
- Electronics
- Ear Buds
Most of these can easily be wiped down, soaked in a sink of soapy water, or thrown in the washing machine and left to air dry, except of course, the electronics. Your choice…
And don’t forget to check out how to clean all of the triathlete bags…
What tips do you have for cleaning triathlete gear?
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Sherry is one of the TriWivesClub and LifeDoneWell co-founders and contributes to multiple blogs. She is a former co-owner of the California Apparel News and had a career in the healthcare industry. Her passions include traveling, real food, the environment, and animal rescue/welfare. She lives a healthy lifestyle and has been a vegetarian since 1987. She and her husband are parents to two rescue pups and reside in Connecticut.
