Washing your workout clothes to make them last longer
There’s always a load of laundry to do, especially sweaty workout clothes. Thankfully, there is new fabric technology that has given us “anti-stink” work out clothing. I should also note that sweat is good for you. It’s good for your skin, detoxes the body, and it’s the way your body cools you down. Sweat just isn’t great for your clothes. Here’s how to wash your workout clothes so your investment lasts longer.
9 Steps to washing your workout clothes after a stinky work out:
- Minimize some of the sweat in the first place. Find a good deodorant! Sweat can be oily too so it can build up on clothing making it difficult to remove with regular detergents.
- Rinse items immediately after your work out so smell and stains don’t set in. The sooner you wash the items the better but let’s face it an immediate washing doesn’t always fit into our busy schedules.
- Read the care instructions and content labels on the garments you are washing. There are so many new details in workout gear now. Some items may need extra special care. If you question what to do wash items in cold water on delicate cycle and hang dry or lay flat to dry.
- Prepare your garments for washing. Separate like fabrics and colors. Turn your items inside out to prevent abrasion of the fabric. Attach the extras. This means: zip zippers, snap snaps, take out padding in sports bras and attach clasps to prevent snagging of items. (Hand wash sport bras cups and lay flat to dry).
Clasp, zip, snap
- Use Lingerie bags. I’m a believer in lingerie bags. I have several in a variety of sizes so I can loosely fit the items inside. I put sports bras together folding in half with the cups inside each other facing out.
Folding sports bra for washing
- Cleaning Agents: You probably have your favorite detergent. Tide Active Sport, Oxiclean, and Purex Crystals work well. A cup of Distilled white vinegar mixed with your detergent can also help break through oils and neutralize odors or use a half a cup of baking soda to help absorb odors and make your whites whiter.
- Softeners: I’ve read that some people use them but I stay away from them with my workout clothing. It coats the fibers and can take away the wicking capability of the fabric.
- Take garments out of wash immediately to prevent mildew odor.
- Dry Garments: You can tumble dry on low but again I error on the side of caution and hang dry all of my gear. They will just last longer by protecting the fibers and the shape of the garment. Check out my handy drying rack or better yet hang your clothes to dry outside. The oxygen in the fresh air and the UV rays help whiten and cut through bad odors. You also save energy!
Bentley loves this drying rack!
Now you’re ready to hit the gym again!
Here’s to finding your style,
Kim
