PRODUCT CARE.
QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY
Café du Cycliste create products for cycling and outdoor adventures. Every product is made to improve your experience and look after you. From bib shorts to backpacks, swimwear to socks – we use the finest materials and manufacturers to build clothing and accessories that last.
Purchasing from Café du Cycliste should be seen as an investment. And if you take care of your products, your products will take care of you. As a company looking to reduce environmental impact and improve the longevity of everything we make, we’ve created a guide to help you get the most from your Café du Cycliste apparel.
Firstly, Always Read the Label…
The symbols on the product’s care label should give you an indication of how to treat your product, such as the maximum heat to wash the product at and whether it is suited to machine or hand wash. Please see our icon guide below.
If you’re unclear, please contact us at service-clients@cafeducycliste.com.
GENERAL CARE
WASH LESS
Try to only wash when absolutely necessary. Many of us will throw something in to be cleaned regardless of condition after just one ride. But less is more when it comes to maintaining a garment. Detergent type and quantity also makes a difference. Small amounts of appropriate detergent is recommended, and stay away from bleach or fabric softener.
Please note: shorts with a chamois should be washed after every use.
STAY COOL
As a general rule, do not wash anything in the washing-machine on a higher heat than 30ºC. Man-made yarns will withstand 40º but any natural fibres should be treated carefully – ideally hand-washed or spun on a delicate cycle.
ZIP-IT
Using a washing or laundry bag with a drawstring give products a protective layer. There are also bags on the market that can filter microfibres from synthetics to reduce environmental damage. Closing any zips or velcro fasteners will also prevent damage in the machine. Washing items inside-out helps to prevent pilling and help maintain colour.
DRY NATURALLY
Tumble-dryers use up energy and will put further stress on your garments. Instead drip-drying naturally or drying flat (depending on the care label) away from direct sunlight is ideal. It will also help maintain the shape and lifespan of your product.
STORAGE
Ensure kit is completely dry before storing it. Storing products in dry and well-ventilated places is recommended. Avoid direct sources of heat. Moth-repellent cedar blocks are highly recommended for storing anything with wool content. When the seasons change and you have to put away your summer jerseys or thermal bibs, ensure they are clean and dry and somewhere not susceptible to damp.
SPECIFIC MATERIALS
MERINO
Merino is anti-bacterial and odour resistant so rather than washing merino-based products after every use, let them air out. Wash on a delicate/wool setting on the machine if possible. To remove stains, use a diluted solution of wool detergent to dab the area and then blot dry.
Try to use a wool detergent with natural ingredients. Avoid washing with any abrasive or sharp components such as zips, velcro and toggles. Do not tumble dry, instead lay garments flat and allow to dry naturally. Store in garment bags away from sunlight. Cedar blocks are recommended as an alternative to mothballs.
DOWN
We use responsibly sourced downs in our outerwear, but without correct care down can become compressed or damp and not work to insulate or breath as efficiently. When washing use a down-specific detergent on a gentle cycle or better still hand wash.
To improve the loft of the down, gently beat the jacket or gilet once dry with a fly-swatter or tea-towel; this helps keep the fibres evenly distributed. Avoid storing down garments under the weight of other garments or vacuum packing them. Try to use a mesh bag and store in a dry, well-ventilated area.
DWR / RAINWEAR
Most water-resistant or waterproof outerwear use a DWR coating. This is prone to degrade over time with dirt, weather and general usage. However, occasionally cleaning the build-up of dirt with a light detergent solution on a damp cloth will help longevity.
To find out if your product’s DWR treatment has degraded, look to see if water is beading on the surface. If not firstly wash the garment as mentioned.
