Laundry mistake: These clothes should always be washed separately

Read also: Want clothes that last longer? Avoid these 5 laundry mistakes

Why sportswear should be washed separately

Unpleasant odor. People sweat more in sportswear than in everyday clothing. In addition, most sportswear is made of synthetic fabrics that wick moisture but retain oils and sweat.

Sweaty sportswear smells even worse when it doesn’t dry properly, which promotes bacterial growth. To prevent these unpleasant odors from transferring to other clothes, it is better to wash sportswear separately.

To remove heavy dirt and unpleasant odors, add baking soda to the washing machine with detergent.

Synthetic fabrics are delicate. Sportswear is designed for comfort during intense workouts, but it can be damaged during washing.

It is best to separate sportswear from denim and from clothes with buttons that may rub and damage the fabric.

Avoid fabric softener. If you use fabric softener or dryer sheets, you should not wash sportswear with them. These products coat sportswear, trapping oils and bacteria inside the fabric.

Sportswear can shrink or stretch. Washing in hot water can cause sportswear to shrink, but it can also stretch or lose its shape if the elastic is exposed to excessive heat in the dryer.

It is not recommended to wash sportswear together with towels and bed sheets that are washed and dried at high temperatures.

How to properly wash sportswear

Follow these tips to keep sportswear smelling fresh and lasting longer:

• If you cannot wash sportswear immediately, hang it to air dry.
• Turn garments inside out before washing.
• Wash in cold water if the label does not specify that the sportswear can withstand warm water. Use a detergent designed for cold-water washing.
• Wash on a delicate cycle. Do not overload the washing machine, as this increases friction.
• Air dry on a drying rack to help preserve its shape.
• To remove dirt and odors, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washing machine.