01/20/2021

Caring for Workout Clothes

I sweat more than most men. That’s probably something you didn’t really want to know, but I share it because I wanted to be clear on how much mistreatment my workout clothes receive. The good news is that they are designed to stand up to the misuse provided you give them the proper care.

How to Properly Care for your Workout Clothing

Wash Immediately
Once I made the mistake of letting a sweaty, light-colored running tank sit in the bottom of the laundry basket for a couple of weeks because I didn’t have anything of similar color and weight to wash it with. Big mistake. When I finally got around to washing it, mold had developed on the front of it. Don’t put off washing gross, sweaty clothes.

Careful with Detergent
I’ve also made the mistake of using too much detergent. I discovered this because once when I was running on a particularly hot day, I noticed a funny film developing on my sweaty shorts. I finally figured out it was the extra soap that didn’t get properly rinsed out. When you use too much detergent, the extra soap can build up on the fabric, causing the bacteria to continue to hang out.

Avoid Fabric Softener
Fabric softener can leave a film on clothes that prevents detergent from penetrating the fibers. As a result, the detergent won’t be able to remove the dirt and sweat from your clothes causing their musty, sweaty smell to remain. You could add vinegar to the rinse cycle. Not only will it help with the softening, but vinegar will also cut through any remaining detergent that may be left behind.

Of course, if you are grossed out by your sweaty workout clothes (like I am), you can always throw them into your Home Wash & Fold Laundry bag, and let A Cleaner World expertly clean them for you!