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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Most of us spend a lot of time (and money!) picking out just the right workout clothes. You have to choose the best sweat-wicking fabrics and make sure that the fit and size are appropriate to prevent chafing and keep you comfortable while you exercise. But, after you've spent a pretty penny and finally found the best running shorts, sports bra or workout leggings, it becomes that much more important to know how to keep your workout clothes in tiptop shape Learning how to wash workout clothes without damaging the fabrics or compromising their moisture-wicking properties while actually removing the sweaty odors can seem like a daunting task for those who have just started a new fitness routine. And, while it's generally inadvisable to throw your workout clothes in with the rest of your laundry and expect them to hold up well and get clean, washing workout clothes isn't all that complicated once you understand the best practices. Let's dive in!

Can You Wash Workout Clothes With the Rest of Your Laundry?

In general, the manufacturers of running clothes and other fitness clothing strongly urge buyers to take special care when laundering workout clothes such as sports bras, padded cycling shorts, compression clothing like shorts and full-length leggings, breathable tops, running shorts and even some athletic socks. Workout clothing is made from specialized fabrics, so throwing them into a washing machine on a vigorous cycle with harsh detergents or into the dryer can negatively impact the lifespan of these fabrics and cause premature breakdown of the fibers. At the same time, workout clothing can get particularly stinky because some of the premium athletic gear is made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester. In contrast to cotton, bamboo or other natural fabrics, synthetic workout clothes are magnets for bacteria. This bacteria creates odors that can be difficult to remove with a simple wash, let alone be expunged if you try wearing the article of clothing several times in a row before washing it. Moreover, certain items, such as leggings and shorts that are worn against the groin region without underwear, are prone to bacterial growth. Therefore, properly washing your workout clothes is essential for supporting good hygiene and keeping stinky smells at bay.

How to Wash Workout Clothes

Now that we've laid out the case for why it's important to properly wash your workout clothes, let's transition to the practical: how to wash workout clothes to preserve the integrity while effectively ridding them of funk and microbes.

1.   Don’t let your workout clothes stay damp

One of the worst things you can do in terms of allowing sweaty workout clothes to develop a funk is to keep them balled up in a gym bag. Make sure to either wash them immediately after your workout or hang them up to dry until you’re able to wash them. Mold, mildew and bacteria will grow if damp workout clothes sit around.

2.   Soak smelly workout clothes

If your dirty workout clothes have a particularly bad odor, sweat stains or other grime, you can pre-soak them in distilled white vinegar before laundering them. The vinegar contains acid that helps break the bonds between the microbes and the fabric. Grab a large plastic container like a dishpan and add one part distilled white vinegar and four parts cold water. Fully submerge your workout clothes and allow them to soak for 20-30 minutes. Then, rinse the excess vinegar before washing the clothes.

3.   Pre-treat stains

If your activewear has yellow sweat stains, grass stains or other stains, you can pre-treat these areas before throwing in a load of your workout clothes. There are also various stain removers that are safe for activewear fabrics. Use a soft toothbrush on particularly stubborn stains.

4.   Prepare your workout clothes for the washing machine

To maximize the effectiveness of the washing machine, turn your workout clothes inside out. That way, the areas that were next to your skin get the most access to the sudsy detergent. Also, zip up zippers and Velcro any areas of Velcro to prevent snags from happening while the exercise clothes are getting washed.

5.   Wash workout clothes in cold water on the gentle cycle

Workout clothes have delicate fabrics, so don’t use high heat. Use a gentle, high-quality natural laundry detergent or a laundry detergent specifically designed for activewear, such as Molly's Suds All Sport Activewear Liquid Laundry Detergent, Rebel Green Good Sport Wash Peppermint & Lemon. or Biokleen Laundry Liquid Sport Detergent. Follow the directions and use the right amount. Don’t add too much just because your workout clothes are rank. It can cake on the clothes and prevent them from getting clean. Instead, you can also add baking soda to the load when you wash your workout clothes.

6.   Air dry your clothes

Don’t put your workout clothes in the washing machine. Air dry on a clothing rack or clothesline. The dryer is too hot and can cause shrinking, pilling and weakening of stretchy fabrics and elastics. So, now that you’re armed to keep your workout clothing as clean and odor-free as possible, what workout is calling your name?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="185407" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1749659380296{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/rebel-green-good-sport-wash-peppermint-lemon"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="185406" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1749659391543{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/mollys-suds-all-sport-activewear-liquid-laundry-detergent-32-loads-unscented"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="185404" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1749659403245{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/biokleen-laundry-liquid-sport-128-loads-lavender-eucalyptus"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]