How to Wash and Care for Your Activewear: A Complete Guide

Activewear is an essential part of any fitness routine, and caring for it properly ensures it remains durable, comfortable, and effective. High-performance fabrics, such as nylon, spandex, polyester, and Lycra, are designed to handle intense workouts but require special care to maintain their properties.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best ways to wash and care for your activewear to help it last longer and stay fresh.

1. Reason for Proper Care

Activewear textiles are purposely designed to extract sweat. They stretch while providing much-needed compression and remain breathable. However, careless washing and maintenance could harm fibers. This causes them to lose elasticity and moisture-wicking functions. The overall effectiveness is reduced.

Spending time on activewear care will not just extend its life; it ensures your clothes can continue supporting you while working out.

2. Pre-Wash: stain management and odor elimination

Before washing, it is important to address any stains.

• Stain Treatment: Treat affected areas with gentle stain remover. You can also use a solution of water and white vinegar. Remember to test new treatments on a small, hidden part of fabric.
• Odor Control: Activewear traps bacteria, which leads to odors. Pre-soak gear in cold water. Add a splash of white vinegar. Soak for 30 minutes. This will neutralize any odors. Then wash.

3. Washing Your Activewear

Follow these steps to clean activewear properly. Keep it performing at its best.

• Turn Inside Out: Always turn activewear inside out before washing. This protects outer fabric. Friction can cause pilling. It can also cause fading. This ensures sweat and oils on inside are thoroughly cleaned.
• Use cold water: Always wash activewear in cold water. Hot water can weaken elastic fiber fabrics like spandex. Spandex may lose its stretch; cold water helps maintain the shape of the fabric. It also maintains the integrity of fabric.
• Select a Gentle Cycle: Choose a gentle or delicate cycle; this reduces friction. It also reduces agitation, which prevents fabric from wearing out.
• Use a Mild Detergent: Choose a detergent that is mild. Make sure it is free of harsh chemicals; it should not have bleach in it. You should also avoid fabric softeners. Savage detergents can break down moisture-wicking properties. They can also harm the elasticity of activewear. It's best to buy detergent designed for athletic fabrics if you can.
• Skip Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can clog the fibers of activewear. This can reduce breathability. It can also reduce moisture-wicking capabilities. Avoid using them to maintain the performance of your workout gear.

4. Drying Your Activewear

Proper drying is essential. It's for maintaining the quality and lifespan of your activewear.

• Air Dry Whenever Possible: The best way to dry activewear is to air dry it. Lay your clothes flat or hang them to dry naturally. This protects elastic fibers from heat damage. It helps maintain the garment’s shape.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: If air drying outdoors, keep activewear out of direct sunlight. Avoid doing so for long periods. UV rays can cause fading. They can weaken the fabric over time.
• Low Heat for Machine Drying: If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting or a no-heat air-dry option. High heat can shrink and damage fabric’s elasticity. This affects the fit and performance of your activewear.
• Do Not Iron: Activewear fabrics like spandex and nylon are heat-sensitive. Ironing can damage fibers and may cause warping or melting. Avoid ironing workout clothes altogether.

5. Additional Tips for Activewear Care

• Wash After Every Use: Wash activewear after every workout, especially if it's soaked in sweat. Sweat and bacteria can break down fibers. They can lead to unpleasant odors if they're left unwashed.
• Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Place smaller items like sports bras and leggings in a mesh laundry bag. It'll protect them from tangling or getting stretched out in the washing machine.
• Don’t Overload the Machine: Don't overload your washing machine with clothes. Overloading can lead to pilling and wear due to excess friction.
• Rotate Your Activewear: To reduce wear from frequent washing, have a few sets of activewear in rotation. This practice allows each piece to rest. It prevents over washing and extends the life of the activewear.

6. Dealing with Persistent Odors

Over time, even well-cared-for activewear can develop stubborn odors. Here’s how to manage them:

• Baking Soda: Add half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. It will neutralize odors; it’ll also brighten up the fabric. 
• White Vinegar: Include a half-cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle. It will help eliminate bacteria and odors.
• Enzyme-Based Detergents: If odors persist, switch to an enzyme-based detergent. These detergents are specially formulated. They break down proteins, like sweat. It helps to remove odor-causing bacteria more effectively.

7. Storage Tips
Once your activewear is clean, it is important to store it properly. Store it well to help maintain its shape and performance.

Here’s how;

• Fold or Hang Carefully: Store your activewear in one of two ways. Either fold it or hang it on a sturdy hanger. Avoid hanging items like leggings or sports bras; over time they can lose their elasticity.
• Keep It Dry: Be sure your activewear is completely dry before you put it away. Storing damp clothes can result in mildew, which can also lead to unpleasant odors.

Conclusion

Proper care for your activewear is crucial for maintaining its performance, durability, and fit. By following these washing and drying tips—avoiding high heat, fabric softeners, and ironing—you can keep your workout clothes in top condition for longer. Treat your activewear with care, and it will continue to support you through every workout, run, and yoga session.

Next time you’re ready to toss your gear in the wash, remember these tips to keep your activewear looking and feeling its best!