We all know the driver that looks like they cleaned their engine using their race suit or has the amazing ability to go from clean to dirty in seconds! This guide will tell you how to wash and care for a race suit, to help you give extra life to your gear.
Seriously though fireproof racewear needs to be free of contaminants, especially if flammable, to give the best protection. Continue reading for the best racewear maintenance guide with tips, advice and products to help you extend the life of your gear.
The Motorsport UK Yearbook or the ‘Bluebook’ where all the basic rules about taking part in UK motorsport events, states “clean, flame-resistant overalls” so there is a chance of rejection if presented to scrutineering in a poor state. After all, your race suit could save your life in the event of an accident, so you need to take care of it!
How to wash a race suit
This might not sound the most fun but it’s important to know how to wash and care for a race suit because it might save your life! Before starting the washing process, it is worth taking a few minutes to check for rips or tears or very worn areas that will also mean the suit will not give its full fire protection and therefore will not pass scrutineering.
If the suit is used in an open car on track or off-road, dust and dirt will build up and dull the colours, as well as affecting breathability.
Taking care of your race suit is essential for both safety and longevity. Here’s a straightforward guide on how to keep your race suit in top condition:
Washing the Suit
- Read the Care Instructions: Always start by checking the manufacturer’s care instructions. Different materials might need specific handling.
- Pre-Treat Stains: If there are any stains, treat them before washing. Use a gentle stain remover or mild detergent, applying it with a soft brush or cloth.
- Washing Method:
Machine Washing: If your suit is machine washable, use a front-loading washer on a gentle cycle with cold water. Turn the suit inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from damage. Use a mild detergent, preferably one formulated for technical fabrics like Molecule.
Hand Washing: If hand washing is recommended, use lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Gently agitate the suit and avoid rubbing or wringing too hard to prevent wear.
Drying the Suit
After washing, never use a tumble dryer. The high heat can damage the fabric. Instead, air dry the suit by hanging it in a shaded area or laying it flat on a towel. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading or weakening of the fabric.
Storage
Once dry, store your race suit in a cool, dry place. Use a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust and environmental damage. Avoid folding it in a way that could cause creases, as this can weaken the fabric over time.
Additional Tips
- Regular Maintenance: After each race, hang the suit to dry and inspect for any damage. Keeping your suit clean and well-maintained ensures that it will continue to provide the protection you need on the track.
- Wearing your race suit around your waist should be avoided, even if it’s hot, as this puts unnecessary strain on the zip, which could then break, and this may not be covered by warranty. If cared for, your racewear will last much longer and be much nicer to wear.
- If your suit is ripped or the zip has come off, then a replacement is the only option. A fresh clean set of racewear is always a positive start to your event, it might not make you get faster, but you will feel (and possibly smell!) better.
- Use Specialty Products: Consider using products like Molecule’s fabric wash, spot cleaner, and fabric protector, which are designed specifically for racewear. These can help maintain the suit’s breathability, remove tough stains, and protect against UV damage.
By following these steps, you can ensure your race suit stays clean and fresh, keeping you safe and comfortable during your races.
We often get asked how to best take care of racewear, so in answer to that, we have the following solutions from Molecule, OMP and Sparco:
How to care for a race suit
Now you know how to wash a race suit, lets dive into what you can do to protect it for as long as possible, after all, you don’t want to be buying a new suit every year!
Molecule Wash System
Molecule have developed a line of protective care products specifically formulated for Nomex. Molecule now makes machine washing the best way to care for your racewear. Ordinary laundry detergents contain additives that can attract moisture, oils, and flammable liquids, Molecule has been designed for the unique soils of the racing environment. There are four treatments and helmet care kits available.
Fabric Wash
This is used instead of your normal washing detergent. The wash contains odour eliminating technology with skin-friendly ingredients. The suit will look brighter, and breathability will be maintained unlike conventional wash liquids especially those with conditioners included.
For best results, set the washer cycle to warm, usually around 30 degrees C ,highest water level and maximum load. Fasten straps, and zips before adding to the machine. Drying is best done by letting them air dry naturally on either a clothes stand out of the sun, or on a hanger in an airing cupboard, or in a doorway (Never in a tumble dryer or direct sunlight).
Spot Cleaner
The concentrated prewash formula penetrates deeply to safely dissolve embedded spots and stains, very effective at removing oils and greases. Use in heavily soiled areas. Think of it as the motorsport version of “Vanish”!
Fabric Protector
This protection helps the racewear shed water, oils, fuels, and dirt. It also helps reduce colour fading caused by UV rays. This water-based formula maintains fabric breathability
Refresher
If you are at an event over a few days with no chance of washing the racewear, the Molecule Refresher keeps race suits ( and helmet interiors) fresh and pleasant to wear. An antimicrobial agent inhibits the growth of bacterial odours. It maintains fabric breathability together with signature Molecule fresh scent
Helmet Care
Molecule offers a range of products to keep your helmet in top condition. They offer cleaner and polish for gloss helmets and a detailer for matte finish helmets. The fabric interior refresher cleans and refreshes the interior and has antibacterial properties to prevent odours combined with a fresh scent. The range is completed by a visor interior anti fog spray and exterior rain repel
OMP Care Products
OMP have developed products to care for the racewear range. They are as follows:
OMP Multipurpose Degreaser & Stain Remover
This is ideal for removing grease, oil and dirt from suits, boots, seats, and suede steering wheels. It has an ultra-fast action and a special formula with a balanced ph. The product is intended pre-wash degreaser to treat tough grease and oil stains Helps blast out dirt from every fabric including fire retardant and karting suits
OMP Suede Leather Cleaner
The OMP Suede Cleaner cleans and hydrates the suede leather on boots, gloves, and steering wheels. The cleaner has a formula that contains aloe vera and natural waxes, the cleaner will revive suede and keep it soft.
OMP Advanced Cooling Activation Spray
OMP’s aim to create active underwear with the OMP One range, this has been achieved with the new OMP Invigorating Cooling Effect System. Sleeping molecules inserted in the fabric fibres are activated by the spray that gradually releases active ingredients that produce an invigorating cooling effect. The spray works alongside the OMP One Range’s Dry System that lets hot air out and fresh air in. Both features work without compromising fire safety. Perfect for use in hot conditions.
Sparco Care Products
Sparco X-Cool Replenishment
The Sparco X-Cool is designed to revive the X-Cool treatment on Sparco race suits or underwear. Simply add to your washing machine when washing the garments and the treatment will be recharged. (Please note only works on Sparco products that were originally X-Cool type).
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading! You will now be able to wash and care for your race suit better than the rest. We hope you find this guide useful, as always if you need further information or advice we are always happy to help by telephone or e-mail contact us
Enjoyed this? Read more of our latest news:
- How to Choose a Race Suit
- FIA Race Suit Regulations Guide 2024
- Why You Need Personal Fireproof Underwear When Racing
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