We’ve all seen that driver who looks like they’ve been cleaning their engine with their race suit or has the uncanny ability to go from spotless to grimy in seconds! This guide will help you avoid that fate by teaching you how to properly wash and care for race suit, ensuring it lasts longer and continues to offer the protection you need.

Taking care of your race suit is crucial not only for its longevity but also for your safety on the track. Contaminants, especially flammable ones, can compromise the suit's ability to protect you in the event of a fire. According to the Motorsport UK Yearbook, also known as the "Bluebook," participants must wear "clean, flame-resistant overalls." A dirty suit may not pass scrutineering, and more importantly, it may not protect you as effectively during an accident.

Table of contents:

How to Wash a Race Suit

Drying the Suit

Storing the Suit

Additional Tips for Race Suit Care

Recommended Products for Race Suit Care

How to Wash a Race Suit

Washing your race suit might not be the most exciting task, but it's vital for maintaining its protective qualities. Before you start, take a few minutes to inspect the suit for rips, tears, or worn areas. A suit in poor condition may not provide full fire protection and could fail scrutineering.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to washing your race suit:

1.Read the Care Instructions: Always start by checking the manufacturer’s care instructions. Different materials may require specific handling.

2.Pre-Treat Stains: If there are any stains, treat them before washing. Use a gentle stain remover or mild detergent, applying it with a soft brush or cloth.

3.Washing Method:

Machine Washing: If your suit is machine washable, use a front-loading washer on a gentle cycle with cold water. Turn the suit inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from damage. Use a mild detergent formulated for technical fabrics, such as Molecule.

Hand Washing: If hand washing is recommended, use lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Gently agitate the suit and avoid rubbing or wringing it too hard to prevent wear.

Drying the Suit

After washing, avoid using a tumble dryer, as the high heat can damage the fabric. Instead, air dry the suit by hanging it in a shaded area or laying it flat on a towel. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading or weakening of the fabric.

Storing the Suit

Once dry, store your race suit in a cool, dry place. Use a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust and environmental damage. Avoid folding it in a way that could cause creases, as this can weaken the fabric over time.

Additional Tips for Race Suit Care

• Regular Maintenance: After each race, hang the suit to dry and inspect for any damage. Keeping your suit clean and well-maintained ensures it will continue to provide the protection you need on the track.
• Avoid Wearing the Suit Around Your Waist: Even if it’s hot, wearing your race suit around your waist puts unnecessary strain on the zipper, which could break. If this happens, it may not be covered by the warranty.
• Replacement: If your suit is ripped or the zipper breaks, replacing it is the only option. Starting an event with fresh, clean racewearwon’t necessarily make you faster, but it will make you feel better.
• Use Specialty Products: Consider using products like Molecule’s fabric wash, spot cleaner, and fabric protector, designed specifically for racewear. These help maintain the suit’s breathability, remove tough stains, and protect against UV damage.

Recommended Products for Race Suit Care

Molecule Wash System

Molecule has developed a line of protective care products specifically formulated for Nomex, making machine washing the best way to care for your racewear. Ordinary laundry detergents contain additives that can attract moisture, oils, and flammable liquids. Molecule products are designed to address the unique challenges of the racing environment.

• Fabric Wash: Used instead of normal detergent, Molecule’s Fabric Wash contains odor-eliminating technology and skin-friendly ingredients. It maintains the suit's brightness and breathability. For best results, set the washer cycle to warm (around 30 degrees Celsius), use the highest water level, and ensure all straps and zippers are fastened before washing. Air dry the suit naturally, avoiding direct sunlight or tumble dryers.
• Spot Cleaner: This concentrated pre-wash formula penetrates deeply to safely dissolve embedded spots and stains, especially oils and greases. It’s highly effective on heavily soiled areas.
• Fabric Protector: This protection helps the racewear shed water, oils, fuels, and dirt. It also reduces color fading caused by UV rays while maintaining the fabric's breathability.
• Refresher: Perfect for multi-day events with no time for washing, the Molecule Refresher keeps race suits and helmet interiors fresh. It contains an antimicrobial agent to inhibit bacterial odors while maintaining fabric breathability.

OMP Care Products

OMP has developed a range of products to care for their racewear, ensuring your gear remains in top condition:

• Multipurpose Degreaser & Stain Remover: Ideal for removing grease, oil, and dirt from suits, boots, seats, and suede steering wheels. It acts quickly and has a balanced pH formula, making it perfect for pre-wash treatments.
• Suede Leather Cleaner: Cleans and hydrates suede leather on boots, gloves, and steering wheels. This cleaner contains aloe vera and natural waxes to revive and soften the suede.
• Advanced Cooling Activation Spray: Designed to work with OMP’s active underwear range, this spray activates cooling molecules in the fabric fibers, gradually releasing active ingredients that produce a cooling effect. This is perfect for use in hot conditions without compromising fire safety.

By following these steps and using the right products, you can ensure your race suit remains clean, fresh, and protective, keeping you safe and comfortable during your races. Proper care not only extends the life of your gear but also ensures it performs at its best when it matters most.