Dirt bike gear is designed to take abuse, but leaving it caked in mud, sweat, and track grime will shorten its lifespan faster than any crash. Mud acts like an abrasive, eating away at stitching and fabric fibers, while dried sweat can degrade the elasticity of your jersey and gloves.
Unlike street gear, which battles bugs and road oils, dirt gear needs aggressive cleaning to remove heavy soil without destroying the technical prints and silicone grips. Below is a safe, effective method for bringing your kit back to life after a hard day in the dirt.
Shop Dirt Bike & Motocross Gear at MotoSport to stay protected and look fresh on the track or trail.
What You'll Need
- Garden hose with a spray nozzle
- Mild laundry detergent (avoid bleach or heavy stain removers)
- Stain remover spray (optional for white gear)
- Washing machine (without a center agitator is best, but standard works too)
- Large drying rack or hangers
- Avoid: Pressure washers on fabric (it tears fibers), bleach, ironing, and commercial dryers [web:30].
Step 1: The Pre-Rinse (The Most Important Step)
Never throw muddy gear directly into your washing machine unless you want to destroy your appliance.
- Hang your pants and jersey on a fence or lay them on the driveway.
- Use a garden hose to blast off the heavy, caked-on mud [web:31].
- Turn the gear inside out and rinse again to remove sweat and trapped grit.
Step 2: Prep for the Wash
Loose zippers and Velcro are the enemies of your jersey.
- Zip It Up: Close all zippers on your pants.
- Secure Velcro: Fasten waist straps and glove closures. Open Velcro acts like a saw blade in the wash, snagging and tearing jersey mesh [web:30].
- Remove Armor: If your pants have removable foam hip pads, take them out and hand wash them separately.
Step 3: The Wash Cycle
Modern motocross gear is durable but requires specific settings to maintain its vibrant colors.
- Temperature: Use cold or warm water (max 30C/85F). Hot water can fade neon colors and shrink synthetic fabrics.
- Cycle: Use the "Gentle" or "Delicate" cycle [web:30].
- Detergent: Use a mild detergent. Avoid "oxy" cleaners or bleach, as they can damage the rubberized logos and silicone prints found on jerseys and pants [web:31].
Step 4: Cleaning Gloves
Gloves are often the grossest part of your kit. They trap hand sweat and grip glue.
- Wash gloves in the same load as your pants and jersey.
- Crucial: Ensure the Velcro wrist closure is fully secured so it doesn't snag your other gear [web:31].
- If they are exceptionally smelly, pre-soak them in a bucket of water with a cup of white vinegar before washing.
Step 5: Drying (Heat is the Enemy)
High heat destroys the elastic waistbands and can melt the rubberized logos on your gear.
- Air Dry Only: Hang your jersey, pants, and gloves to dry in a shaded area [web:30].
- Do not put them in the dryer. The heat can cause the silicone grip on the back of your jersey (which keeps it tucked in) to peel off.
- Ensure pants are hung by the waist so air can circulate through the legs.
How Often Should You Clean Dirt Bike Gear?
- Every Ride: Sweat and mud need to be removed every time to prevent bacteria growth and fabric rot [web:34].
- Don't Wait: Leaving wet gear in a gear bag for days is a recipe for mold that is nearly impossible to remove.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a pressure washer on pants/jerseys (it can blow seams apart) [web:31].
- Washing gear with open Velcro tabs.
- Using fabric softener (it reduces the fabric's ability to wick moisture).
- Ironing your jersey (it will melt instantly) [web:30].
Final Tip for Dirt Riders
A clean kit isn't just about looking good for the camera; it's about performance. Clean gear breathes better, moves better, and lasts longer. Taking 10 minutes to spray off your gear before you load up the truck will save you hours of scrubbing later.