Trail running puts your equipment to the test: mud, rain, dust, perspiration... To prolong the life of your shoes, technical clothing and trail bags, regular and appropriate maintenance is essential. Here's our top tip!
1. Look after your trail running shoes
Cleaning
- Remove mud and debris with a soft brush or damp cloth.
- You can use the washing machine at 30 degrees, preferably in a laundry bag to avoid damaging the other garments. (Raidlight offers this adapted laundry bag)
- Avoid washing machines and tumble dryers, which can damage the structure and materials.
- Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap, rubbing lightly.
- Air dry, placing newspaper inside to absorb moisture.
Tips for maintaining grip
- Check your soles and remove any little stones that could be stuck
- Apply a waterproof spray to help protect them against humidity.
What not to do
Never leave your shoes near a source of direct heat (radiator, fireplace), as this can cause the materials to crack.
Don't store them in a closed bag after an outing, as this encourages bad smells and the development of bacteria.
2. Look after your technical clothing
Machine wash (cold)
- Wash at 30°C maximum to preserve the technical fibres.
- Use a mild detergent, without fabric softener or bleach, which can alter the breathability of the fabric.
- Turn garments inside out before washing to prevent premature wear of prints and logos.
Drying
- Air dry, avoid tumble dryers which can damage elastic fibres.
Tip: revive water repellency
- Ironing clothes, especially waterproof jackets, revives the water-repellent effect (through an electrostatic effect).
- Le repassage des vêtements, en particulier des vestes imperméables, ravive l'effet déperlant (par un effet électrostatique).
- Rinsing with white vinegar can also help remove detergent residues and restore breathability.
3. Look after your running pack
Cleaning
- Empty and shake the bag to remove dust and small debris.
- Clean with warm water and mild soap, paying particular attention to the straps and back where perspiration accumulates.
- You can use the washing machine at 30 degrees, preferably in a laundry bag to avoid damaging other garments. (Raidlight offers this adapted laundry bag)
4. Cleaning your water bladder
- Rinse with lukewarm water after each use.
- Clean with bicarbonate of soda or a white vinegar solution to prevent mould growth.
- Dry completely before storing to avoid unpleasant odours.
Maintenance, an essential reflex!
Good maintenance extends the life of your equipment and improves your trail performance. After each outing, adopt these simple steps: clean quickly, dry naturally and check the condition of your equipment.
Ready for your next adventure? Discover our Raidlight equipment designed to last and withstand extreme conditions!
Would you like more information on how to clean your waterproof trail jacket? We've dedicated an article to this subject, find it by clicking here
