5 Hacks for Washing Your Workout Wear

I’m sharing #Tide in my life as part of a Tide sponsored series for Socialstars™

Are you washing your workout clothes properly? I asked myself this question a few weeks ago after purchasing a pair of expensive workout tights and almost ruining them by putting them in the dryer.  The clothing care tag recommended air drying. Prior to reading that tag I always threw my work out clothes in the dryer which is a major no-no. Which explains why some of my favorite compression tights have lost their hold and elasticity.

Below are five hacks for extending the life of your workout clothes and a few tips on how Tide PODS® Plus Downy transforms your washing machine into a safe place that cleans, conditions, protects your workout clothes.

1. If your clothes are smelly pre-soak them prior to washing with vinegar and water.  White distilled vinegar is great for reducing odors from clothing.  It’s inexpensive and is also great for brightening whites and softening clothes.

2. Always wash your gym clothes in cold water.  Don’t worry cold water will clean your clothes just as well as hot water does.  Tide® PODS™ Plus Downy® should always go in before the clothing and big loads require 2 PODS. The pods also dissolve in all temperatures.

3. Wash your workout clothes separate from your everyday clothes.  This prevents your rather delicate workout gear from rubbing against harsher materials such as denim.  Which may cause them to wear out faster.  If you must wash them together use a separate mesh bag. In addition, Tide pods will protect your workout clothes from damage in the wash.

4. If you can’t wash your sweaty clothes right away allow them to hang dry to prevent bacteria growth.

5. Always air dry your tights, sports bras, and technical clothing.  Using a dryer reduces the life of your workout clothes.  The high heat from the dryer may warp your leggings, reduce the elasticity and remove the technical properties from your clothes.

Workout Gear Cleaning Hacks

Of course not of your workout gear will be machine washable and won’t need to be washed as frequently as your actual workout clothes.

Sneakers and Running Shoes – I don’t ever machine wash my sneakers or running shoes.  I usually spot clean and hand-wash the insoles if needed.  If your sneakers are smelly try using a sprinkle of this baking soda mixture: ¼ cup baking soda, ¼ cup of baking powder, ½ cup of cornstarch, and few drop of your favorite essential oil.

Running Arm Band – Hand-wash your arm-band with detergent and vinegar.  Towel dry excess water and hang to dry.

Weight Lifting Gloves – Depending on the material of your gloves washing them may be tricky.  But if possible hand wash them with detergent and hang to dry.

Running Hats – It is not recommended that you put your hats in the washing machine.  However, I usually put my hand on top of the agitator in the washing machine and that works perfectly.  You can also hand wash your hats or place them in the dishwasher (I wouldn’t do that). Regardless, of which method you use always hang them to dry.

Chest Strap – I am really bad at remembering to wash my chest strap.  I workout several times a week and should wash my strap bi-weekly.  Remove the connector from your strap and hand wash with detergent and cold water. Hang to dry.

Boxing gloves – Remember to unwrap or unlace your gloves between workouts to allow airflow between workouts. Spray the inside of your gloves using a 2:1 mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and allow to air dry to reduce odors.

I always super careful with my everyday clothes and I’ve learned that caring for my workout wear is just as important.   In addition to using a great laundry detergent like Tide PODS® Plus Downy which cleans, brightens, fight stains and protect your clothes every time you do laundry.  As with any household products keep out of reach of children.

Did you find this post helpful? Have you been laundering your workout clothes properly?