[Mike1jw]

I just bought my first piece of cycling clothing, a bib. It cost close to $170 (Am I crazy, or what). I would like to take good care it, and I'm sure I'll be washing it by hand after each use. Any Suggestions?

[Xela]

I wash mine on the gentle cycle of the washing maching in cold water with this stuff:

2009 Assos Active Wear Cleanser - Competitive Cyclist

My Assos Mille's came with a mesh wash bag similar to this that is said to prolong their life in the washing machine:

Amazon.com: Honey-Can-Do LBG-01148 3-Piece Mesh Wash Bag Set, White: Home Improvement

Truthfully, though, I have bibs that I have been washing on the gentle cycle for 3 years now with no problems, even without the mesh wash bag.

[Mike1jw]

I was hoping that I could do it by hand, in the sink, and then hang dry.
Is that doable with the same cleanser you recommend? Is there any other suggestions to do it by hand?

[Xela]

Assos actually recommends hand-washing. I was just saying that the lazy man's method of washing all your bike gear at once in the washing machine doesn't seem to be hurting my gear.

Here's Assos's description regarding their Active Wear cleanser.

Breathable, functional sportswear requires special wash and care to maintain the superior technical characteristics of your textiles for long. Please note: it is not only for ASSOS textiles, but also for all other functional, breathable textiles of any other brand. When laundering we recommend traditional hand washing using Assos Active Wear Cleanser. It is delicate on elastic fibres, pH neutral, neutralizes odors, enhances breathability of textiles and maintains sharp color sublimation. Cleaning and antibacterial treatment. Neutralizes odor. Specifically developed for sublimated textiles. With color protection to keep the colors vibrant. Maintains elasticity of textiles. Gives the textile a soft and comfortable surface against the skin. PH-neutral and skin friendly. Optimizes moisture transportation characteristics of the textiles. 300 ml jar.

[tajcrews]

Hand washing typically makes your bottoms last longer but not as convenient for most people. I normally put em in the wash and know that i will be buying another pair sooner than later. Just a small price to pay for me.

[chh55]

I wash by hand since I live in an apt building where you book laundry time, that means usually once a week and I ride (or spin) almost daily. It only takes a couple minutes and so no big deal. My experience with quality Lycra is that it wears like iron, can't say that I've ever really worn out a pair. Some have died in crashes, most end up in a box in the basement due to the never ending pursuit of new stuff.