BrianKeithSmith

Has anyone ever attempted to wash their Sparco driving gloves?

If so, were you successful, or did they simply turn into hard leather when you finished?

Anyone know of a good way to clean them without them hardening during the drying process?

(I know, not really a racing topic, but my gloves look pretty bad)

Brian

A930Rocket

Brian,

I don't have any ideas about washing them, but I know that after 5+ years of wearing my Simpson gloves, stuffing them into my helmet and then into my helmet bag all sweaty until the next DE, the leather has started to disintegrate this year. So...Washing them probably isn't a bad idea.

You might want to get them dry cleaned, but with the Nomex(?) that might take away some of the flame retardent properties?

Jim

Timothy Stewart

I use Cetaphil - a *very* mild skin
cleaner and softener.

tim

BrianKeithSmith

Tim:

How do you use it? Simply fill the sink with water and Cetaphil and let them soak?

Warm/Cold Water?

Brian

Adam Richman

BK, I wash mine about every 4 races and my helmet too I fill the sink with cold water and basically wash my hands with my gloves on using Woolite. I spend much more time rinsing them than washing them to get the soap out. I usually put them in a towel and let them dry in the towel. On the helmet if you are so inclined, just wash it in the sink with Woolite as well and rinse it forEVER. I usually prop it up on the hatch of the car (in the garage) a put something under the front to allow it to dry - I also take off the face shield and point a fan into it. It seems to work very well. As for the crustiness from washing, they come around after about 10 minutes with them on - the less soap the better.

YMMV

Sloth

You might want to get them dry cleaned, but with the Nomex(?) that might take away some of the flame retardent properties?

Not 100% on this, but... From what I have understood Nomex does not lose its abilities when cleaned. Its fire resistant properties are part of the material and not a treatment to the fabric itself.

Anybody care to comment? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Mike in Chi

Nomex doesn't lose it's fire-resistant properties by dry-cleaning.

At least that's what my supplier told me.
Fortunately, I have no personal experience to verify this

I've had my suit dry-cleaned after ever race weekend.

M in C

Timothy Stewart

I use cold water.
Put the gloves on and wash hands with
them on. *Light* brush on the really dirty
spots. Lay them flat on a towel and
roll it up. Stand on it. Unroll,
flatten/shape and let air dry.

tim