WASHING

The test lab brought this problem to the expert, Prof. Antonio Paoli from the University of Padua:
“A recent study demonstrates that household washing detergents have full virucidal efficacy at 30 degrees C (Heinzel et al Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2010 Sep;213(5):334-7). I highly recommend washing cycling shorts at 30° C. We have found that this is more than enough to ensure the non proliferation of bacteria. Moreover, if you use gentle bleach-free detergents, you could kill bacteria also at lower temperatures, as demonstrated in an old study conducted on babies’ urine-wet and faecal-contaminated nappies (see Gaya et al J Hyg (Lond). 1979 Jun;82(3):463-71).
ROCK RACING fabrics have bacteriostatic properties that help maintain the physiological bacterial colonies resident on the skin, which are extremely important for the normal skin function (Wollina et al Curr Probl Dermatol. 2006;33:1-16).
In conclusion, high temperature washing does not add benefit to the cyclist’s health and would damage fabrics and foams.”