Welcome to Heini Sports
Washing Guide
Garment Care
Like every kind of equipment, clothing is not made to last forever. Below are a few useful notes for maintaining and maximizing the life of your Heini garments.
Before the Ride
Never use any creams, liquids or product for warming up (winter) or sun protection/sunscreen (summer), under the garments that are made with elastic fibers. These products contain chemicals which lead to quick fiber deterioration for all fabrics made with spandex.
After the Ride
After each ride, hang your garments in a well-ventilated environment or wash them immediately. Do not hang the garments in direct sunlight. Never store damp, sweaty clothes in a non-ventilated environment (e.g. plastic bags, sport bag).
Sweat is toxic
On some individuals sweat more than others - body chemistry is different for everyone. If your body has a tendency to sweat a lot, wash or water-rinse the garments after each use to protect the fibers from bacterial attacks which might lead to fabric deterioration.
Wash
Washing the garments can put stress on the fabric and seams. Wash Heini garments separately from other clothes/accessories to prevent friction - especially items with velcro, webbing, or anything with a rough/abrasive character. Before washing, turn the garments inside out (seams on the outside).
Machine wash, ideally in a wash bag, on a delicate cycle in lukewarm water (max. 30° C/86° F ) and with a mild liquid detergent. Do not use woolite, bleach, softeners, or any kind of laundry additive. Dry the garments flat or hanging, but do not tumble dry.
Potential problem
Fabric pilling
Fabric pilling (balling up of fibers in an area) does not occur by itself. It always is the result of abrasion - rubbing against something else. To avoid fabric pilling we suggest the following:
a. Do not use embroidered saddles.
b. Make sure the velcro fastener of saddle pockets does not touch your shorts.
c. Do not wash your shorts or jerseys together with gloves, bags, rain jackets,etc. because of the velcro straps.
Fabric deterioration
Sweat sitting on synthetic performance fabrics can cause the fabric to degrade. Stretch fabrics with elastic fibers are especially affected. See above for care instructions.
Chemicals that come in contact with your elastic based Heini fabrics, will cause these elastane yarns to break down. Chemicals from sunscreens are a common reason for loss of elasticity and curling.