How To Wash Your Workout Clothes
You probably spend as much cash on fun keep-fit styles and cute new workout tights just like you do on new office or weekend clothes. But in all likelihood, you are not directing the same amount of money and time into caring for those pricey workout clothes as you are doing for the rest of the wardrobe.
For the majority of us, the ultimate goal of an exercise routine or a workout is to break into a nice sweat. However, once we are done with the workout, we don’t want anything to do with the dirty and sweaty smelly clothes. Remember you have invested in some expensive workout gear and it also needs care and cleaning.
Here are several tips and strategies when washing your workout gear:
Wash Them ASAP
Wash your athletic gear after every workout. Allowing your sweat soaked and dirty clothes to dry and even using them again only contributes to a buildup of several dirt layers and bacteria. If, for any reason, you are unable to have them washed on the same day, at least allow the air to dry them before tossing them into the hamper. This prevents mildew growth that only complicates the cleaning problem.
Remember to also clean or wash your gym bag regularly, at least once each month. Your gym bag is capable of harboring fungus and bacteria that can bring skin irritations or incidences of athlete’s foot.
Soak Before Washing
The culprit behind the odor in your workout clothes is the bacteria getting trapped in your body soil. Your body soil is salty and oily, loved by stinky bacteria. The vital ingredient you need to break the bond that exists between the fabric and body soil is very simple: white distilled vinegar.
As you soak your gym attire, throw in some of this inexpensive stuff that has low levels of acid. It will cut through your body oil in the clothes and release the trapped bacteria. After a good soaking, rinse and allow your clothes to drip dry.
Wash Them Inside Out
The bacterium that is responsible for the stink in your workout gear tends to build up on the inside and not outside of your fabric. Therefore, prior to washing, turn them inside out, allowing the detergent and water to make more contact with the smell source.
Avoid Fabric Softeners
foruFabric softeners are not designed for use on moisture-wicking and stretchy fabrics. They leave behind a layer of coating, making it difficult for detergent and water to penetrate fully into the fibers.
Skip The Dryer
High temperatures have the potential of damaging your fabrics – they can even melt – causing shrinkage. It is best if you allow your high-performance workout clothes to air dry. If using an automatic dryer is a must, then opt for air-only or the lowest heat cycle. The fact is that heat tends to amplify odors. The majority of workout fabrics are designed for quick-drying, and when not exposed to excessive heat, they will serve you longer.
Taking good care of your workout clothes will make the investment last longer. Remember, these are certainly not your typical sweat pants and cotton T-shirts. With the above couple of tips, you can maintain your workout gear not only looking good but smelling fresh all the time.