How to Correctly Maintain, and Wash, Racing Suits, Tops, Boots, and Underwear
When investing in FIA-approved racewear, ensuring proper care and maintenance is crucial. Whether you own a racing suit, fireproof underwear, gloves, boots, or tops, knowing how to clean and maintain them properly will help prolong their lifespan while keeping them compliant with FIA and Motorsport UK regulations.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to wash and maintain FIA-approved racewear
- Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning fireproof gear
- The best practices for extending the lifespan of your racewear
By following these steps, you can ensure maximum safety, comfort, and durability every time you hit the track.
Why Proper Racewear Maintenance Is Important
FIA-approved racewear is made from high-performance fire-resistant materials, such as Nomex and Aramid fibres, which require special care. Maintaining your racewear correctly ensures:
Key Benefits of Proper Care:
Maintains Fire Resistance – Proper washing prevents the breakdown of fire-retardant properties.
Extends Lifespan – Keeping your racewear clean reduces wear and tear over time.
Improves Comfort & Fit – Regular cleaning removes sweat, dirt, and bacteria, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Ensures Motorsport Compliance – FIA-approved gear must remain in top condition to pass race inspections.
Neglecting your racewear can reduce its protective properties, making it less effective in an emergency. That’s why correct washing and maintenance are essential.
How to Correctly Wash and Maintain Your Racewear
Each piece of motorsport gear requires specific cleaning methods to preserve fire-resistant properties and ensure long-term durability.
1. Racing Suits
Your FIA-approved racing suit is your first line of defence in a fire. To maintain its fire-resistant capabilities, follow these steps:
- Use a Gentle Wash Cycle – Hand wash or machine wash on a cool, delicate setting (30°C max).
- Mild Detergents Only – Use FIA-approved racewear detergents or mild soap (no harsh chemicals).
- No Fabric Softeners or Bleach – These can destroy fire-retardant coatings.
- Air Dry Naturally – Avoid tumble drying or placing in direct sunlight to prevent material shrinkage.
Tip: Never dry-clean racing suits, as the chemical solvents can damage fireproof fibres.
2. Fireproof Tops & Underwear
Your fireproof tops, leggings, and socks work alongside your suit for maximum protection. Since they sit directly against your skin, they absorb sweat and need regular washing.
- Wash After Every Few Uses – Machine wash at 30°C using a mild detergent.
- Turn Inside Out Before Washing – Protects the outer surface from wear.
- Avoid Overwashing – Too much washing can weaken fabric elasticity over time.
- Air Dry Only – Lay flat or hang-dry in a cool, shaded area.
3. Racing Boots
Racing boots require minimal maintenance, but keeping them clean and flexible ensures they last longer.
- Wipe Down After Every Use – Use a damp cloth to remove dirt, debris, and sweat.
- Use Leather/Suede Cleaner – If your boots are leather or suede, apply a specialist cleaner.
- Keep Away from Direct Heat – Let boots air dry naturally (never use a hairdryer or radiator).
Pro Tip: Stuffing boots with newspaper helps them retain shape and absorb excess moisture.
4. Fireproof Gloves
Your gloves take constant wear and tear during racing, so regular cleaning is necessary.
- Hand Wash with Mild Soap – Avoid machine washing, as it can weaken grip materials.
- Air Dry Only – Lay flat and do not wring out to maintain shape.
- Use Glove Refreshing Spray – Helps remove odours and bacteria.
For gloves with suede palms, use a soft brush to clean dirt without damaging the material.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Racewear
Avoid These Common Washing Mistakes to Prevent Damage:
- Using Regular Laundry Detergent – Only use mild, racewear-safe detergents.
- Drying in Direct Sunlight or Heat – Excessive heat can weaken fireproof materials.
- Overwashing Racewear – Only wash when necessary to preserve fabric integrity.
- Wrinkling Gloves or Boots After Washing – Let them dry in their natural shape.
- Using Fabric Softeners or Bleach – These strip fire-resistant properties from the material.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can preserve the effectiveness and lifespan of your FIA-approved racewear.
Explore Our Full Range of FIA-Approved Racewear
At GSM Performance, we stock a wide range of FIA-approved racewear from leading brands, including OMP, Sparco, and Alpinestars Racewear. Whether you need a new FIA suit or fireproof base layers, we’ve got you covered.
Our collection includes:
- Racing Suits – FIA-approved options for all motorsport events.
- Fireproof Underwear – Tops, leggings, socks, and balaclavas.
- Racing Gloves – Lightweight, fire-resistant gloves for grip and control.
- Motorsport Boots – High-performance footwear for track and rally racing.
Explore Our Full Range of FIA-Approved Racewear
Your racewear is more than just clothing—it’s a lifesaving piece of motorsport safety equipment. By washing and maintaining your FIA-approved gear correctly, you’ll:
- Extend its lifespan
- Ensure maximum fire resistance
- Stay race-legal and FIA-compliant
Don’t risk reduced protection on race day! Follow these guidelines to keep your racewear performing at its best, ensuring safety, comfort, and durability for every event.