Does your kit start to fade too soon? It may surprise you to learn it's not because you keep getting it dirty, it's the way you are cleaning it that's usually the problem,. If you use an enzyme-based detergent like Tide, the enzymes will fade the dyes quickly. And of course warm or hot water makes it even worse.
The solution is to stop using soap with enzymes, perfume or dyes. You can try specialty soap made for athletic clothing, like Assos detergent for washing cycling clothes, but it isn't necessary, and of course the price is fittingly Assos-ish. Trader Joes makes a non-enzyme detergent, as do many others like Seventh Generation.
How to wash: Add your clothes, fill the washing machine with water, and mix in your detergent last. This will keep residue from clogging up your high-performance fabrics, which are designed to wick away moisture and keep you cool when you sweat. Stay away from fabric softener and always hang dry.
One tip we got from a pro-cycling soigneur was to use vinegar: Pour 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar into your washing machine instead of the detergent you would normally use. This will clean your clothes without the harsh chemicals found in many commercial laundry detergents, and keep them looking new for a long time.
