How to wash sportswear? Complete guide

Do you want to know how to wash sportswear to keep it in good condition and prevent bad odors?

Sports garments provide comfort and enhance performance while we exercise, but they also require special care to preserve their properties while maintaining personal hygiene.

Why is it important to wash sportswear properly?

Sports clothing is not like the rest of the garments in our wardrobe: beyond their shape or design, bras, t-shirts, pants, and shorts used for exercising are made with technical materials that absorb moisture very well, which means they not only absorb sweat but also bacteria and unpleasant odors.

Additionally, this type of clothing has stronger, more robust seams, and areas with reinforcements that require special cleaning attention.

The reasons why you should reconsider how to wash sportswear include:

• Odor elimination: although high-quality technical fabrics are usually breathable, they can still retain odors that only go away with regular and proper washing.
• Performance: sweat and dirt residues can clog the fibers of sportswear, affecting its breathability, elasticity, or durability.
• Skin care: the buildup of sweat, bacteria, and residues from products like gels, creams, or sunscreen can irritate the skin, causing allergies, itching, and in severe cases, even infections. Washing sportswear following basic guidelines is the best way to remove these irritants and reduce the risk of skin problems.
• Durability: investing in quality activewear is worth it. However, to extend its lifespan, it is essential to wash it regularly and gently, avoiding damage to the materials while also being gentle on your skin.

You may also be interested in → Tips for Choosing Your Running Outfit

How to Wash Sportswear to Prevent Bad Odors: 5 Expert Care Tips

The three key points to washing sportswear properly in the washing machine are:

• Wash this clothing separately.
• Use a warm or cold water setting.
• Avoid commercial fabric softeners.

For expert care, follow this quick guide on how to wash sportswear:

Separate Clothes by Color and Fabric

Sorting sportswear by color and fabric is crucial to prevent odor transfer and to protect delicate garments.

It's simple: white clothing in one load, and black or colored items in another.

Regarding materials, the most important rule is to separate cotton from elastic fabrics.

If you like, you can wash sportswear with the towels you use daily for showering, as they typically don’t have zippers or embellishments that could damage the fabric.

Additionally, it's best to turn garments inside out before putting them in the washing machine.

Use a Mild Detergent

In other words, use a neutral soap or a detergent free of harsh agents.

It is also recommended to avoid fabric softener: instead, add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the fabric softener compartment.

Select the Right Wash Cycle and Temperature

Many washing machines have special settings for synthetic fabrics that suit sportswear needs.

In any case, it’s always good to check the care labels for recommended wash temperatures.

As a general rule, it’s best to wash sportswear in cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinking or deformation.

Use Mesh Laundry Bags for Delicate Items

One trick to keeping your sportswear fresh and odor-free is to place delicate garments, such as bras and tops, in special mesh laundry bags to protect them during the spin cycle.

Air Dry Your Clothes

Although many sportswear items can be placed in the dryer on a low-heat setting, we recommend air drying.

Ideally, hang the garments in a well-ventilated area to dry completely, while avoiding direct sunlight.

Hanging the clothes right after the wash cycle finishes prevents bad odors caused by moisture buildup.

Can You Wash Sportswear by Hand?

Absolutely!

Although machine washing is quicker and more convenient,

You may prefer hand washing for delicate garments or to focus on "critical" areas (such as the underarm areas of shirts and bras, or the inner thigh areas of leggings and shorts).

In this case, follow the same guidelines: avoid harsh soaps and fabric softeners, always use lukewarm or cold water, and hang your clothes in a well-ventilated area to prevent odors and fabric damage.

How to Store Sportswear?

Knowing how to wash sportswear properly is just as important as storing it correctly.

For this, we recommend:

1. Before putting clothes in the closet, make sure they are completely dry and clean. If they are damp, smell bad, or have stains, it's best to rewash them before storing or reusing them to prevent bacteria growth.
2. Sportswear should not be ironed. Excessive heat could alter its breathability or elasticity. If you must iron a technical garment, do so at a low temperature and without steam.
3. Folding sportswear is better than hanging it. Why? Because technical and elastic fabrics can stretch or deform if hung for too long. Plus, folded clothes take up less space in the closet.
4. If you practice different sports and have specific outfits for each, organize them accordingly. You can also separate them by categories, just as you do with your other clothes (shirts, long pants, shorts, leggings, etc.).
5. Avoid storing sportswear in closed, humid spaces exposed to bad odors or mold. Using lavender sachets or moisture absorbers will help keep your garments fresh.

Additional Tips to Prevent Bad Odors Before Washing:

• When you come back from the gym or a workout, take your clothes out of your bag or backpack to prevent moisture buildup.
• Before doing laundry, check your washing machine. Sometimes, detergent compartments, rubber seals, or filters may have soap or mold buildup, preventing clothes from getting properly cleaned.
• Don’t leave wet sportswear in the washer for hours or days: if it's damp and crumpled, it's more likely to smell bad and deteriorate.
• Don't mix sweaty workout clothes with regular laundry. These garments tend to absorb moisture and will transfer odors to other clothing.

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