Keep it dirty on the trails, clean in the closet.
Your gear tells a story—the dust on your jersey, the wear on your gloves, the scuffs on your backpack. But sometimes, the story needs a reset. Whether you’ve just returned from a desert loop or a mountain grind, knowing how to wash your riding gear right means it lasts longer, performs better, and still looks damn good.
Here’s how we clean things up at Rottweiler Motors:
1. Riding Jerseys
Built for the dirt. Not the dryer.
Your jersey is made to breathe, bend, and take a beating. But toss it in the wrong wash cycle and you’ll shrink it into a souvenir.
Do:
- Turn it inside out before washing.
- Use cold water and mild detergent.
- Wash with similar colors on a gentle cycle.
- Hang dry only—never tumble dry.
Don’t:
- Bleach, iron, or dry clean. Ever.
- Use fabric softeners—they clog up the tech fabrics and kill ventilation.
Pro tip: Rinse your jersey with cold water right after a dusty or muddy ride. It prevents stains from settling while you finish your post-ride beer.
Shop our jerseys:
The Breakout | 1969 | 1984 | Dudes of Dust
2. Gloves
They mold to your hands. Treat them with respect.
Whether you're rocking our “1984 Light Offroad” or vintage-style “Blackster” gloves, they deserve proper care. Gloves are like boots—they age with you.
Fabric or Lightweight Gloves:
- Gently hand-wash in cold water with a little soap.
- Squeeze (don’t wring) excess water out.
- Air dry flat—don’t hang, don’t cook them on a radiator.
Leather Gloves (like Blackster):
- Wipe down with a damp cloth first.
- Use a leather cleaner sparingly.
- Let them air dry away from direct heat.
- Finish with a leather conditioner to keep them soft and supple.
Pro tip: Don’t let mud or sweat build up—salt eats leather over time. And never throw gloves in a washing machine unless you really like buying new ones.
3. Backpacks
Your pack carries your essentials. Don’t forget to take care of it.
Our vintage canvas packs like the Sahara or Nomad are built for mileage, not dry cleaners. Here’s how to keep them looking rugged (not ruined):
Do:
- Empty every pocket—check for tools, coins, and gas station receipts.
- Brush off loose dirt and dust with a soft-bristle brush.
- Spot-clean with cold water, mild soap, and a soft sponge.
- Let it air dry slowly, in the shade.
Don’t:
- Machine wash or tumble dry.
- Use bleach or harsh detergents—they’ll wreck the canvas and fade the leather trims.
- Leave it soaking or dripping wet—it messes with the structure and stitching.
Pro tip: Every 6 months, re-wax your canvas pack to restore water resistance and deepen the patina. Think of it like oiling a chain—it keeps the miles coming.
Your Gear = Your Story
At Rottweiler Motors, we design gear to be worn in, not out. But if you treat it right, it’ll go further, look better, and hold every mile’s memory with pride.
Ride hard. Wash smart. Repeat.