I used to think washing a cycling jersey was like washing any other shirt — toss it in the machine, hang it to dry, and call it a day. Boy, was I wrong.After just a few months of riding, my once-favorite jersey started to smell *bad*, even after washing. The colors faded, the fabric thinned, and the stretch was gone. It felt like I was wasting money replacing gear that should’ve lasted longer.It wasn’t until I started talking to more experienced riders — and reading up on proper jersey care — that I realized I was doing almost everything wrong.
Now, after years of trial, error, and *a lot* of sweaty rides, I’ve developed a simple but effective cleaning and care routine that’s kept my jerseys looking and performing like new — even after hundreds of miles and countless washes.Let me walk you through what I’ve learned, and how you can keep your cycling gear fresh, functional, and lasting longer — without spending hours on it.
The Mistake I Made (And Why It Ruined My Jerseys)
Before I learned better, I did the following without a second thought:
- Threw jerseys in the washer with my regular laundry
- Used regular detergent (and sometimes fabric softener)
- Dried them on high heat or left them in the sun too long
- Never closed the zipper before washing
And guess what? My jerseys lost elasticity, smelled funky, and started pilling after only a few months.It wasn’t the quality of the jerseys — it was how I was treating them.My Jersey Care Routine
– The Real Rider's Way
Here’s the routine I’ve followed for the last two years. It’s not complicated, and it doesn’t take much time — but it makes a huge difference in how my jerseys look, feel, and perform.
1. Wash Immediately After Every Ride
I used to leave jerseys in my bag for days — big mistake. Sweat, salt, and bacteria start breaking down the fabric almost immediately.Now, I rinse mine out in the sink as soon as I get home — even if I’m not doing a full wash yet. If I can’t wash it right away, I at least hang it to dry and give it a quick rinse to remove the worst of the sweat.
2. Use a Dedicated Sports Detergent (No Fabric Softener!)
Regular laundry detergent is too harsh and can damage the moisture-wicking properties of cycling jerseys. I switched to a sports-specific detergent — it’s gentler, odor-fighting, and helps preserve elasticity.And I learned the hard way that fabric softener is a jersey killer. It clogs the fabric’s pores, making it less breathable and slower to dry.
3. Turn Jerseys Inside Out & Zip Up Before Washing
This little trick helps protect the outer fabric from abrasion in the washing machine. I also zip up the front zipper to prevent it from snagging on other clothes.Bonus tip: I use a mesh laundry bag for all my cycling gear — it keeps everything protected and prevents stretching or tearing.
4. Wash in Cold Water on a Gentle Cycle
Heat is the enemy of elastic and synthetic fabrics. I always wash jerseys in cold water on a delicate or hand-wash cycle. It’s gentler and preserves the fabric’s shape and stretch.
5. Air Dry – No Machine Drying!
This one was a game-changer. I used to toss jerseys in the dryer — bad idea. The heat ruins the elasticity and makes the fabric feel stiff or rough over time.Now I always air dry my jerseys — either by hanging them indoors or in the shade outside. If I’m in a rush, I’ll gently squeeze out the excess water (don’t wring!) and lay them flat on a towel.
6. Store Flat or Folded – Never on a Hanger
I used to hang jerseys up after drying — and noticed some started to stretch out around the shoulders. Now I fold them neatly and store them in a drawer, just like t-shirts. It keeps the shape and prevents stretching.
Real Results: How My Jerseys Stay Looking New
I’ve been following this routine for over two years now, and the difference is night and day.
My jerseys:
- Still retain their color (no fading)
- Don’t smell, even after heavy use
- Keep their stretch and shape
- Dry fast and still wick sweat like the first day
- Look professional, not worn out
I’ve even worn the same jersey on over 100 miles of trail and road rides, washed it over 40 times, and it still looks great.
Bonus Tips for Serious Riders
- Use a deodorizing soak once a month – I use a sports gear cleaner that removes built-up odor and bacteria.
- Spot clean stains right away – especially from sunscreen, dirt, or chain grease.
- Don’t wash with rough fabrics – avoid washing jerseys with jeans, towels, or anything that can scratch the fabric.
- Avoid direct sunlight for long drying – UV rays can fade colors and weaken fabric over time.
Where I Got My Favorite Jerseys (And Why I Trust Their Care Guide)
All of my favorite jerseys came from www.bestforcycling.com — a site I found through a cycling forum when I was just starting out.
What I love about them is not just the quality and fit, but also the clear washing instructions they provide with each jersey. They even include care tags that remind you not to use fabric softener or dry on high heat.
They also have a great return policy if a jersey doesn’t hold up — but with proper care, I’ve never had to use it.
Final Thoughts: Your Jersey Deserves More Than a Quick Wash
If you ride regularly — whether it’s casual weekend spins or serious training — your jersey is one of the hardest-working pieces of gear you own. It’s designed to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable in all conditions.
But it only works as well as you take care of it.
So if you’re asking, *“How do I keep my cycling jersey fresh and functional for the long haul?”* — here’s what I recommend:
- Wash it right after every ride
- Use sports detergent, no softener
- Air dry, never machine dry
- Store it folded, not hanging
- And most importantly — treat it like performance gear, not just another shirt
If you're ready to make your jerseys last longer and perform better, I highly recommend checking out www.bestforcycling.com.Because once you learn how to care for your jersey the right way — it’ll keep serving you ride after ride, season after season.