If you play sports, chances are you’ve been there: You come home from the gym or a run and are shocked by the smell coming from your workout clothes. Sometimes, no matter how many times you put them through the wash, the technical materials used to make sportswear just don’t seem to want to clean.
Before you replace those smelly clothes, follow these tips and tricks for cleaning even the smelliest bike shorts and sports bras:
Air dry immediately
If you come home with a pile of sweaty clothes but don’t have time to wash them immediately, be sure to hang them up to dry instead of throwing them in a laundry basket or leaving them in your gym bag.
Wet, sweaty sportswear that sits in these piles for too long can actually start to produce mould spores that can become trapped in the fabric, even after washing!
Soak them thoroughly
A quick and easy way to kill bacteria and freshen your clothes is to soak them in a mixture of water and vinegar. Try one part vinegar to four parts water for about 30 minutes just before washing. You can also add a little vinegar, baking soda or even lemon juice to the washing machine water, but remember not to do this if your detergent contains bleach!
Heat is your friend
When washing and drying, set the temperature as high as the fabric can bear. This is best for cotton garments that can withstand the heat without breaking down.
Special considerations
For technical fabrics, be sure to wash them in warm or cold water and hang them to dry. You may need more vinegar or lemon juice because of the cooler water temperature, but you’ll help maintain the integrity of the fabric, which will help prevent bacteria.
Use the sun
When it comes to drying your workout clothes that can’t go in the dryer, use the power of the sun to dry them safely and effectively. The sun’s rays are a natural deterrent to bacteria. So hang your clothes to dry on the sunniest days and enjoy fresh, clean workout clothes for months or years!
