Buzz
After a tough workout, it's tempting to toss your sweaty clothes in with the rest of the laundry. But to protect performance fabrics and elastic materials, they need special care. Follow these simple tips to keep them fresh and extend their lifespan.
Rinse synthetic fabrics if you can't wash them right away
Ever notice a lingering odor on your shirt or sports bra, even after washing? That's because odor-causing bacteria cling to synthetic fibers, and once they do, it's tough to completely remove the smell.
Bacteria thrive on your sweat and body oils, and as they feed, they create the unpleasant odor. To stop them from spreading, eliminate their food source. Instead of letting a smelly garment sit in the laundry, wash it or at least rinse the sweat out right after your workout.
Turn garments inside-out
The part of your workout gear most in need of cleaning is the side that touched your body. Turning your clothes inside-out helps clean the inside more effectively while also preserving the outer side, like logos or reflective accents.
Zip up any fasteners to prevent them from catching during the wash. Sports bras with hooks especially benefit from being placed in lingerie bags, which protect them and prevent the hooks from snagging on other items.
Choose a detergent specifically designed for activewear
If you're satisfied with how your clothes turn out after washing, feel free to continue using your regular detergent. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the label and use the correct amount.
However, if you're looking for something more effective, consider a detergent designed for performance fabrics. These are typically better at eliminating odor-causing bacteria and are gentler on the fabric compared to harsh options like bleach.
Avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
Bleach can damage certain fabrics. Always check the care tag on your clothes, as many workout garments specifically advise against using bleach.
Fabric softeners coat the fibers of fabrics, making them feel softer against your skin, but they also reduce the fabric's ability to absorb moisture. Sweat-wicking gear should be washed without fabric softener, as should wool items like Smartwool socks.
Air dry them by hanging them up.
The dryer can be harsh on clothing, especially items with elastic or Spandex. If you must use it, opt for the lowest heat setting.
A better method is to hang them to air dry. Performance fabrics don’t absorb much water, so after washing, you can gently squeeze out the excess and hang them up in your laundry room or shower. Consider adding a second shower curtain rod with hooks on the inside of your shower for a convenient drying spot.
