Your workout clothes work hard for you, so it’s only fair to take care of them properly! Washing activewear requires a little extra attention to keep it fresh, functional, and long-lasting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your gear stays in top shape.
Pre-Wash Tips
1) Keep Sweaty Clothes Separate
Avoid mixing your sweaty gym clothes with regular laundry. This prevents cross-contamination of odors and bacteria that could transfer to your other garments.
2) Wash After Every Use
Gym clothes should always be washed after each wear. Reusing unwashed activewear can make it harder to remove odors later on.
3) Pre-Soak for Odor Control
For especially stinky clothes, soak them in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water for 30 minutes before washing.
4) Use Cold Water for Temporary Rinsing
If you can’t wash your clothes right away, rinse them in cold water or soak them to prevent bacteria from setting in.
How to Wash Your Activewear
1) Turn Clothes Inside Out
This protects the outer fabric and ensures sweat and odors trapped inside are properly cleaned.
2) Don’t Overdo the Detergent
Too much detergent can leave residue on your workout clothes, reducing their moisture-wicking abilities. It can also trap odors and irritate your skin—especially in sweat-prone areas if you’re going commando.
3) Use Cold Water
Wash with cold water to prevent stains from setting and to avoid damaging technical fabrics. Hot water can break down elastic fibers and reduce the lifespan of your activewear.
4) Optional Additive
Adding OxiClean to your wash cycle can help tackle stubborn odors and stains. (I’ve personally found this method effective!)
Drying Your Activewear
1) Avoid the Dryer
Just like hot water, high dryer heat can shrink fabrics, damage elastic, and shorten the life of your gear. If you must use a dryer, stick to a low or no-heat setting to minimize damage.
2) Air Dry for Best Results
Air drying is the gentlest method for maintaining your activewear.
By following these tips, you’ll keep your workout clothes fresh, functional, and ready to power through your next sweat session!