If you regularly exercise, workout clothes are an essential investment. Proper care of these garments, such as airing/air drying them out after each use without exposing them to too much heat or using the right washing techniques, guarantees they last. Technical fabrics such as spandex and polyester are used to make gym wear. So, you have to handle them carefully if you want them to remain elastic and durable and maintain their moisture-wicking properties.
If you require professional cleaning or drying of your workout garments, consult a cleaning expert to help maintain their quality. This article explains how you can prolong the life of your gym wear.
Air Out Your Workout Clothes
Sweat-filled gym clothes after a workout need immediate attention. When left in your gym bag, the moisture trapped in it creates an ideal environment for bacteria, mold, and mildew to grow. This could result in unpleasant odors, stains, and weakened fabric. Remove your workout gear from your bag immediately to prevent this.
Hang the clothes in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, but not in a place with direct sunlight. The proper air circulation outside will help evaporate the moisture and keep the gym clothes fresh until you can wash them. If you do not air your workout clothes, you could have permanent odor and damage that a wash cycle cannot remove.
Airing out your clothes is essential, as it maintains the integrity of your fabric. It also helps you prepare your garments for cleaning and ensures your workout clothes remain functional and odor-free.
How to Care for and Clean Your Workout Clothes
Proper washing is essential for maintaining the quality of your workout clothes. Most active wear is made from technical fabrics such as polyester, lycra, and spandex. These materials are engineered to wick sweat and stretch as you move during your workout sessions. However, if they are washed incorrectly, the material could degrade.
Wash Gym Wear Separately
You should wash your workout clothes separately from any other garments. If you mix your gym wear with cotton fabrics or clothes with zippers and Velcro, the fabric could wear out quickly. These materials can also rub against the delicate fibers in your gym clothes, leading to peeling or tearing. You should also not wash your gym clothes with towels, as lint from cotton towels could stick to the synthetic fabrics.
Wash your Gym Clothes in Cold Water
Wash your workout gear with cold water. You might think hot water is better at killing bacteria and cleaning sweat, but it can shrink and weaken the elasticity of technical fabrics. Cold water is less harsh but still effectively removes odors and grime.
Be Mindful of Detergent Use
While it might be tempting to add and use more detergent to combat sweat odors, too much detergent does not rinse out and could leave residue on the fabric, trap odors, and clog the pores of the fabric. This could prevent your workout garment’s fabric from performing its functions, like moisture wicking.
You should instead use less detergent than usual. You could use about three-quarters of what you normally use for a regular load.
Do not use Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners can break down the stretchy fibers in gym clothes by creating a coating that diminishes their breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Choose detergents designed for gym wear or mild, fragrance-free detergents that clean without leaving buildup.
Avoid Overloading
Avoid overloading your washing machine. The more overcrowded the machine, the more friction on the fabric and the less effective the cleaning process. Allow your gym enough room to move around during the wash cycle.
Use the Right Products
If the odor does not disappear after washing, use detergents made specifically for workout clothes. These detergents work on sweat and bacteria without attacking the technical fibers, leaving your gym clothes clean and fresh without using harsh chemicals.
Using the right products can also keep your workout clothes in good shape. This ensures they stretch while you move during your workout and are comfortable even after wearing them multiple times.
Dry then Repeat the Cycle
Using a dryer to dry your workout clothes is not recommended. A dryer can be too hot for the synthetic fibers in your gym wear. The high heat could weaken the fibers, leading to shrinkage, loss of elasticity, or even permanent damage to the moisture-wicking properties of your gym clothes. Instead, you should air-dry your workout clothes to ensure no damage to the fabric.
Before hanging out your gym wear, gently remove excess water by pressing the clothes with a clean towel. Do not wring them out because twisting can stretch the fabric and ruin its structure.
Place your workout gear in a drying rack or clothesline in a well-aired area. If you prefer drying them outside, place them in a spot that does not receive direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sun could cause the colors to fade and could also weaken the fabrics. If you use the dryer, use the no heat or low heat setting. Limit the exposure to the dryer, as repeated exposure to heat could degrade the technical properties of your garment over time.
Caring for your gym wear while drying it will help keep it in shape, elastic, and with performance features intact. Adding this easy step to your routine can prolong the life of your workout clothes.
Find Efficient Dry Cleaning Services Near Me
How you clean and care for your workout clothes determines if they remain durable, functional, and comfortable. They will last much longer if you air them out, wash them gently with cold water, and avoid high heat while drying. However, when your gym wear needs professional intervention, it is best to leave it to the cleaning experts.
At Boca Best Cleaners, we have experts who can advise you on how to maintain the durability of your gym wear. If you require professional dry cleaning or shoe repair services in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, contact us at 561-613-0352.
