performance apparel care faqs

ANSWERS TO OUR MOST COMMON QUESTIONS BELOW

PERFORMANCE APPAREL CARE

Great point! Most manufacturers recommend dry cleaning because they believe it to be a safe method. Negatively, dry cleaning blasts it with harsh chemicals. It’s more costly, not as effective in the cleaning process and it takes time! Racers are always searching for ways to do things faster. Washing with MOLECULE is a more effective cleaning process removing the water soluble soils (sweat, etc) better than dry cleaning.

Molecule makes machine-washing the best way to clean racing suits and sports equipment including NOMEX. Dry cleaning is acceptable, but the expense and effort is not necessary. The proof is in the thousands of suits cleaned by Molecule. We designed Molecule to work directly with the specifications of Nomex®; meaning the design of the cleaners at the proper pH levels and specifically chosen surfactants to be most effective in the sports environment.

This is our secret ingredient. Bacteria is everywhere and grows when it is given food and water. Well, news flash, when you sweat you’re feeding the bacteria, and its growth is accelerated. As the bacteria goes through its life cycle, it begins to break down and causes odour. Hence, our powerful antimicrobial agent in both WASH and REFRESHER is your way to combat the odour-causing bacteria.

Molecule WASH was designed for the unique soils of racing and sports environments. Ordinary detergents also contain additives that can attract moisture, oils, and flammable stains. Once you try it, you’ll be a believer!

If the suit is new, we recommend you clean it first with 4oz. (about 120mL) of WASH in the machine, warm/hot water, and gentle cycle. Once the suit is finished with its wash cycle, it now has the Molecule anti-microbial agent throughout all the fabric. While the suit is clean, spray PROTECTOR liberally over the outside of the suit covering all areas, and place in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes and then again for 30 minutes (this allows the fabric to cool in between)

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SPOT CLEANER is a concentrated version of WASH that is designed to be a pre-treatment before going through the normal machine wash cycle. Apply SPOT CLEANER to heavily stained area and gently rub with a terry cloth towel. Wash as normal.

No problem.  Apply SPOT CLEANER to stain, rub gently with terry cloth towel.  To ensure soil is fully remove, apply a bit of water to dilute any residue.

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REFRESHER is the most versatile product in our lineup.  After countless race weekends, we knew the joys of fresh driver gear was over after the first ontrack session. REFRESHER was designed to keep your driving gear fresh when not able to directly wash it.  Trust us, you need this.

REFRESHER is perfect for all the hard to clean sports equipment.  Use it on:

  • Soccer – shin guards, goalie gloves, cleats, bags, uniforms
  • Hockey – helmets, uniforms, gloves, pads, skates, goalie equipment, hockey shorts
  • Crossfit/Boot Camp/MMA – ropes, bars, mats, gloves, wrist wraps, knee braces, kettle bells
  • Football – shoulder pads, sleds, helmets, gloves
  • Lacrosse – helmets, gloves, cleats, uniforms
  • Sports – you name it, refresher works on it

Sure can.  It is recommended for use on all layers of protective clothing.

Molecule REFRESHER was developed with cosmetic-grade, skin-friendly ingredients. It is recommended for use on all layers of protective clothing. In fact, REFRESHER is our most versatile product. Use it on:

  • Shoes
  • Gloves
  • Helmet liners
  • Seats
  • Seat belts
  • Gear Bags
  • Hats
  • Crew Shirts
  • Floor mats
  • Vehicle interiors
  • And that stinky crew member that doesn’t know how the shower works
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PROTECTOR creates a barrier against any liquid substance that may come in contact with your suit; this includes fuels, oils, greases and water. This is important for two reasons. First, although Nomex® will help in creating a barrier against fire, if that Nomex® suit is soaked with fuel, you’re safety barrier is greatly compromised.  Second, to keep you’re suit looking fresh and clean, PROTECTOR makes it easier to wash and prevent petroleum based stains from ruining your image – more importantly the image of your sponsors.

With a clean suit, liberally spray the exterior of the suit with PROTECTOR. While still damp, put the suit in the dryer on medium HEAT, yes HEAT. Protector is designed to work best when it is heat cured. The polymer creates a bond with the fabric to repel liquids and it works. Don’t believe us? Watch the video or try for yourself.

We’ve washed thousands of suits and our product has been on the market since 2006; shrinking is not an issue. Nomex® is designed to see high heat and working closely with DuPont care instructions for the ideal fabric care, we have seen, in the worst case scenario, very minor shrinking.  If you still have a concern about shrinking, there’s still a solution.  Wash the suit with Molecule WASH, apply PROTECTOR once clean and let hang dry, usually overnight.  Take the dry suit and put in dryer for a short 10 minute run on medium heat – you’ll activate the bonding action PROTECTOR in the short burst.

Nomex® fabric was engineered to withstand temperatures near 700˚F. Residential dryers operate at well under 200˚F and will not harm the fabric.

Yes.  PROTECTOR is a great barrier against chain lube, fuel stains of grease spots.  PROTECTOR is compatible with all types of fabrics and technical fabrics used in karting suits are a perfect match.

Sure is. PROTECTOR bonds to the individual threads creating a barrier against liquids, but suit will maintain the same breathability as before applied.

Molecule Protector creates a durable protective coating without affecting the suit’s fire rating. Rigorous SFI testing has proved it.

Thoroughly re-apply Molecule PROTECTOR after 4 to 6 wash cycles. For ultimate protection, apply a light spray coating after every wash cycle. If you occasionally have your racing suit dry- cleaned, thoroughly re-apply Molecule PROTECTOR after. Always dry your suit on medium heat after applying Molecule PROTECTOR.

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