Your gym clothes may still be dirty after washing if you make this mistake
How to wash sportswear properly (Photo: Magnific)
Sportswear quickly absorbs sweat and can trap bacteria that cause unpleasant odors. To keep the fabric fresh, it's important not only to wash it regularly, but also to wash it the right way, according to Real Simple.
Don't let sweat sit for too long
After a workout, physical labor, or any intense activity, clothing absorbs sweat, body oils, and dirt. Fresh sweat itself has almost no smell, but over time, bacteria left on the fabric begin breaking it down. That's when unpleasant odors develop and gradually become harder to remove.
If sweaty clothes sit unwashed for too long, the odor can penetrate deep into the fibers, making it much harder to eliminate with a normal wash.
Keeping damp or dirty clothing in a gym bag or laundry basket can also encourage bacterial growth and create a musty smell.
If you can't wash your clothes right away, don't leave them crumpled. Instead:
- let them dry completely in a well-ventilated area
- wash them as soon as possible
This helps keep fabrics fresher, makes odors easier to remove, and extends the life of your clothing.
Turn your clothes inside out
Experts recommend turning sportswear inside out before washing.
This helps clean the side that comes into direct contact with your skin, where sweat, oils, and bacteria build up.
Washing inside out also helps:
- protect the outer fabric from wear
- preserve logos, prints, and reflective details
- reduce pilling
For best results, wash sportswear on a delicate cycle at 30–40°C (86–104°F) using liquid detergent.
It's also a good idea to zip up all zippers and fasten Velcro before washing to prevent damage to other garments.
After washing, air-dry sportswear whenever possible, unless the care label says otherwise.
Wash sportswear more often
Workout clothes generally need to be washed more frequently than everyday clothing because they absorb:
- sweat
- body oils
- bacteria
- deodorant and cosmetic residue
How often you should wash different items:
- T-shirts, tank tops, underwear, and socks: after every workout
- Leggings, shorts, and workout pants: after every intense workout or after one to two light workouts if you didn't sweat much
- Sports bras: after every use
- Jackets, hoodies, and sweatshirts: after several wears if they weren't soaked with sweat or in direct contact with your skin
Skip the fabric softener
Experts advise against using fabric softener on sportswear.
Most athletic clothing is made from synthetic performance fabrics designed to:
- wick away moisture
- stay breathable
- dry quickly
Fabric softener coats the fibers with a thin film that reduces these performance features.
As a result, your clothes may:
- become less breathable
- take longer to dry
- trap unpleasant odors
Don't overload the washing machine
Washing sportswear separately or in smaller loads allows it to get cleaner.
Sports bras and other delicate items should be washed inside a mesh laundry bag.
Remove any removable padding before putting them into the washing machine.
Avoid the dryer
High heat can damage elastic fibers and even lock stains and odors into the fabric.
Instead of using a tumble dryer, hang your sportswear to air-dry whenever possible.
