Tips

9 Foolproof Ways to Wash Your Activewear Without Fear of Fading or Losing Shape

Introducing the ultimate guide to sportswear laundry care: bid farewell to fading colors and misshapen garments. Elevate your laundry game and keep your sportswear looking brand-new with our expert tips and tricks. Learn the secrets to maintaining the quality and vibrancy of your activewear, ensuring they last longer and continue to support your fitness journey.

Administrator

31 August, 2024

Improper laundry techniques can easily cause color fading and fabric stretching, making your clothes less attractive and durable. We share tips on how to wash sportswear without worrying about color bleeding.

1 Sort Your Clothes Before Washing

Sort your clothes before washing

Sportswear usually features vibrant colors, intricate details, and various fabric textures that react differently to water. Some fabrics may bleed color, while others won’t.

Therefore, it’s essential to sort your clothes by color and fabric type to prevent color bleeding and maintain their quality.

2 Soak Sportswear in Vinegar First

Sportswear often absorbs sweat and develops an unpleasant odor, especially after an intense workout.

Soak sportswear in vinegar before washing

Soaking your sportswear in a solution of half a cup of vinegar and cold water for an hour will help eliminate odors and kill bacteria. After soaking, rinse the clothes and hang them to dry in direct sunlight.

3 Change Out of Your Workout Clothes Immediately

Change out of your workout clothes immediately after exercising

After exercising, it’s crucial to change into fresh clothes right away. Sweat-soaked clothes provide an ideal environment for mildew to grow, leading to unpleasant odors.

Before washing, hang your workout clothes to air dry and prevent the buildup of odors.

4 Wash Sportswear in Cold Water

Wash sportswear in cold water

Avoid using warm or hot water when washing sportswear as it can cause color fading. The heat can also break down the elasticity in stretch fabrics like yoga pants and running shorts, leading to shrinkage and reduced durability.

5 Avoid Using Fabric Softener

Avoid using fabric softener

While fabric softener may seem like an easy solution to eliminate odors, it can have the opposite effect. Liquid fabric softeners can break down the fabric, causing it to stretch and creating a coating that traps sweat, leading to unpleasant odors. It’s best to avoid using them on sportswear.

6 Don’t Use a Dryer

Avoid using a dryer for sportswear

Similar to washing in hot water, using a dryer can generate hot air that damages your clothes. Instead, air-dry your sportswear on a clothesline or rack in a well-ventilated area with mild sunlight.

7 Wash Garments Inside Out

Turn garments inside out before washing to prolong their lifespan

Remember to turn your clothes inside out before washing. This helps remove bacteria and sweat while also preventing color fading and preserving the fabric. When sun-drying, keep the clothes inside out to avoid sun damage and color fading.

8 Try Using Special Detergents

Use special detergents for sportswear to prolong their lifespan

Consider investing in a detergent specifically designed for sportswear. These detergents typically have unique formulas that deeply clean, disinfect, and deodorize sportswear effectively.

9 Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Use the right amount of detergent to effectively clean your sportswear

When washing sportswear, adjust the detergent quantity accordingly. Using too much detergent can leave your clothes feeling greasy and itchy after drying.

Use a laundry bag to protect your sportswear

Additionally, when using a washing machine, place your sportswear in a laundry bag to prevent zippers or hooks from snagging on other garments or the machine drum, which can damage the fabric.

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The above tips will help you properly wash your sportswear and save you the cost of frequently buying new clothes.

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Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to ensure your activewear remains in good condition. Firstly, always check the care label and follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. Machine washing with cold water and a gentle cycle is generally recommended. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener as it can trap odors and reduce the fabric’s breathability. It’s also important to avoid washing activewear with heavy items like jeans or towels, as they can cause friction and damage the fabric. You can also hand wash your activewear items with a gentle detergent and cold water, which is ideal for delicate fabrics.

Air drying is the best method to prevent any potential damage from a dryer. Simply lay the items flat on a drying rack or hang them up, avoiding direct sunlight. If you must use a dryer, opt for a low or no-heat setting and remove the items as soon as they are dry to prevent over-drying and potential shrinkage.

It’s recommended to wash your activewear after every use to prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors. However, you can also consider spot-treating stains and odors between washes to extend the time between full washes.

Using hot water, which can cause fading and shrinkage, is a common mistake. Another mistake is using too much detergent, which can leave residue and affect the fabric’s performance. Fabric softener should also be avoided, as it can reduce the fabric’s wicking ability and breathability.

It’s generally not recommended to use bleach or harsh chemicals on activewear as they can break down the fabric and affect its performance. Instead, opt for oxygen-based bleach or a gentle stain remover specifically designed for activewear if needed.