Activewear is an investment in your health and fitness, but keeping those high-performance garments clean and fresh can be a challenge. Whether you’re a casual gym-goer or a dedicated athlete, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of lingering odors, fabric damage like pilling or loss of stretch, and the feeling that your expensive workout clothes aren’t lasting as long as they should. Improper washing techniques can do more than just leave your clothes smelling less than fresh. They can compromise the performance features, shorten the lifespan of your activewear, and potentially lead to skin irritation from bacteria buildup.

This comprehensive guide provides the ultimate solution for washing activewear. Drawing on expert advice and industry best practices, we’ll provide a step-by-step approach to effectively cleaning, eliminating odors, preventing damage, and maximizing the lifespan of your workout gear.

1. Why Washing Activewear Requires Special Care

1.2 The Unique Properties of Activewear Fabrics

Most activewear is made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, spandex, and Lycra, rather than natural fibers like cotton. Synthetics offer crucial performance benefits:

• Moisture-wicking: Pulls sweat away from the skin to keep you dry.
• Quick-drying: Dries rapidly after sweating or washing.
• Stretch: Provides freedom of movement and a comfortable fit.
• Durability: Withstands frequent wear and tear.
• Breathability: Allow air to circulate.

However, these very properties that make synthetics ideal for workouts also make them more vulnerable to damage from improper washing. Harsh chemicals, high heat, and incorrect detergents can degrade the fibers, reducing their moisture-wicking capabilities, causing them to lose their stretch, or even leading to pilling.

Many people assume that because activewear is designed for sweat, it can handle anything. However, the very technology that makes these fabrics perform well also makes them more susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals and high heat. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t wash a delicate silk blouse the same way you’d wash a cotton t-shirt, and the same principle applies to activewear.

1.3 The Science of Sweat and Odor

It’s a common misconception that sweat itself causes the unpleasant odor associated with workout clothes. In reality, sweat is largely odorless. The smell comes from bacteria that thrive on the skin and in the fabric, breaking down components of sweat and body oils.

Synthetic fabrics, while excellent at wicking moisture, can unfortunately become a breeding ground for these odor-causing bacteria if not cleaned properly. The tight weave and hydrophobic (water-repelling) nature of some synthetics can trap bacteria and make them difficult to remove with standard washing.

A common misbelief is that a quick rinse is enough. Although you may not be able to see the bacteria, it can still be there.

2. The Ultimate Guide to Washing Activewear

2.1 Step 1: Pre-Wash Prep & Sorting

Proper preparation is key to effective cleaning and preventing damage.

1. Empty your gym bag promptly: Don’t let sweaty clothes fester. The longer they sit, the more chance bacteria have to grow.
2. Separate sweaty clothes: If possible, keep sweaty items separate from your other laundry to prevent odor transfer. Consider using a separate laundry hamper or bag.
3. Turn clothes inside out: This exposes the areas with the most sweat and body oils directly to the detergent and water.
4. Close zippers and fasteners: This prevents snags and damage to other garments during the wash cycle.
5. Use mesh laundry bags: Place delicates, like sports bras or anything with straps or embellishments, in mesh bags for extra protection.

Taking a few extra minutes to prep your clothes before washing can make a huge difference. Turning them inside out ensures the detergent reaches the areas with the most sweat and bacteria. Mesh bags are a lifesaver for sports bras and anything with delicate straps or embellishments.

2.2 Step 2: Pre-Treating Stains and Odors

For stubborn odors or stains, pre-treatment is essential.

• Vinegar Soak: For persistent odors, soak your activewear in a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to four parts cold water for 15-30 minutes before washing. The acetic acid in vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant, helping to break down odor-causing bacteria and residues.
• Rinsing: If unable to wash immediately, rinse with plain water and let drip dry.
• Deodorant Buildup: For waxy deodorant buildup or yellowing underarms, gently scrub the area with a soft toothbrush dipped in a small amount of detergent before washing.
• Other Stains: For food, oil, or other stains, you can use an oxygen-based stain remover spray. Always test any stain treatment on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric or color.

The vinegar soak is a game-changer for persistent odors. It’s also much gentler on fabrics than harsh chemical treatments. Also, mention that for set-in stains, professional cleaning might be necessary.

2.3 Step 3: Choosing the Right Detergent

The right detergent is crucial for cleaning activewear effectively without damaging the fibers.

• Mild Detergents: Avoid harsh detergents with strong chemicals, bleach, or fabric softeners. These can damage the fabric and leave behind residue.
• Recommended Types: Look for detergents specifically formulated for:
  • Sportswear: These detergents are designed to tackle sweat and odors in synthetic fabrics.
  • Baby clothes: These detergents are usually gentle and free of harsh chemicals.
  • Delicates/hosiery/swimwear: These detergents are formulated to be gentle on sensitive fabrics.
• Powder vs. Liquid: Both liquid and powder detergents can be used, but ensure powder detergent dissolves completely, especially in cold water. Some experts recommend washing powder for certain performance fabrics.
• Avoid using too much. Use a small amount of detergents.

Less is more when it comes to detergent and activewear. Excess detergent won’t make your clothes cleaner; it’ll actually build up in the fibers and trap odors.

2.4 Step 4: Boosting Your Wash (Additives)

While not always necessary, certain additives can enhance cleaning and odor removal.

• Oxygen Bleach: Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) is a color-safe alternative to chlorine bleach. It helps break down body oils and residues that can trap odors. Add a tablespoon to your wash cycle.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda is a natural deodorizer. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup to your wash cycle to help neutralize odors.
• Laundry Boosters: Some laundry boosters are specifically designed for athletic apparel and contain odor-eliminating ingredients.

Oxygen bleach and baking soda are enough to improve the cleaning power of your wash.

2.5 Step 5: Washing Machine Settings – Temperature, Cycle, and Load

Choosing the right washing machine settings is crucial for protecting your activewear.

• Water Temperature: While some manufacturers may recommend warm water, cold water is generally the safest option to protect the integrity of the fabric fibers, especially elasticity. Slightly warm water (not hot) might be acceptable for heavily soiled items if the care label allows it, but always err on the side of caution.
• Cycle: Use the gentle cycle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. These cycles have less agitation, which reduces wear and tear on the fabric. An express cycle is often sufficient.
• Load Composition: Wash activewear separately from other types of clothing, especially cotton items. Cotton can produce lint that clings to synthetic fabrics. Also, avoid washing activewear with heavy items like jeans or towels, which can cause abrasion. Wash with like colors and fabrics.

Think of washing activewear like washing your hair – hot water can damage and strip natural oils, just like it can damage fabric fibers. Always check the care label on your garment first.

2.6 Step 6: Drying Your Activewear – Air Drying vs. Machine Drying

• Air drying is always the best choice for activewear. Hang it on a line. If you hang it outside, keep it away from direct sunlight.
• If absolutely necessary, tumble dry on the lowest heat setting.
• Never iron your activewear.
• Do a sniff test before machine drying. If the odor is still noticeable, rewash.

If you use a tumble dryer often, the damage will be significant and faster.

3. What NOT to Do When Washing Activewear

3.1 The Dangers of Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets

Fabric softener and dryer sheets are your activewear’s worst enemies. They work by coating the fabric fibers with a waxy substance that makes them feel softer. However, this coating has several detrimental effects on performance fabrics:

• Reduces Wicking Ability: The coating interferes with the fabric’s ability to wick moisture away from your skin, leaving you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable.
• Traps Odors: The waxy coating traps bacteria and body oils, making it more difficult to remove odors in subsequent washes.
• Reduces Breathability: The coating clogs the fabric’s pores, reducing its breathability.

If you need to reduce static cling, consider using wool dryer balls instead.

Fabric softener is the enemy of activewear. It leaves a coating on the fabric that interferes with its ability to wick moisture and breathe. This coating also traps bacteria and odors, making your clothes smell worse over time.

3.2 Why You Should Avoid Laundry Stripping and High Heat

Laundry stripping, a harsh cleaning method involving hot water and a combination of borax, washing soda, and detergent, is absolutely not recommended for activewear. The high heat and strong chemicals can severely damage the delicate synthetic fibers, especially elastane and Lycra, causing them to lose their stretch and shape.

Similarly, avoid high heat in any form:

• Hot water washing: Stick to cold or lukewarm water.
• High-heat drying: Air dry whenever possible, or use the lowest heat setting on your dryer.
• Ironing: Never iron activewear.

Think of hot water as the ultimate ‘stress test’ for stretchy fabrics. It can cause irreversible damage to the fibers, leading to loss of shape and elasticity.

3.3 Washing with incompatible fabrics

While it might be tempting to throw all your laundry in together, washing activewear with certain fabrics can lead to problems:

• Cotton: Cotton is a lint-producing fabric. This lint can cling to the synthetic fibers of your activewear, creating a pilled, fuzzy appearance, especially on smooth performance fabrics. The lint can also clog the fabric’s pores, reducing its breathability and wicking ability.
• Wool: Similar to cotton, wool can also shed fibers that cling to activewear. Additionally, wool can be quite abrasive, potentially causing damage to more delicate synthetic materials.
• Items with Zippers, Velcro, or Other Rough Hardware: These can snag and damage the delicate fibers of your activewear, causing pulls, tears, or pilling.

Best Practice: Wash your activewear separately, or at the very least, group it with other smooth, synthetic fabrics. If you must wash activewear with other items, turn the activewear inside out and place delicate pieces in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.

4. Troubleshooting: Dealing with Persistent Odors

4.1 Rewashing Strategies

If your activewear still smells after a regular wash, try these methods:

1. Vinegar Soak: Before rewashing, soak the garments in a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to four parts cold water for 15-30 minutes. The vinegar helps neutralize odors and break down any remaining residues.
2. Rewash with Oxygen Bleach: After the vinegar soak (or as a standalone treatment), rewash the garments with your regular detergent and add a tablespoon of oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) to the wash cycle.

4.2 Alternative Odor Removal Methods (Vodka Spray)

For items that cannot be machine-washed (like gym bags, yoga mats, or certain shoes), a surprising solution is vodka.

• How it works: The alcohol in vodka kills odor-causing bacteria.
• How to use it: Fill a spray bottle with inexpensive, plain vodka (no need for the fancy stuff!). Lightly mist the smelly item with the vodka and allow it to air dry completely. The vodka will evaporate without leaving a scent.

The vodka trick is surprisingly effective for items like gym bags, yoga mats, and even shoes. The alcohol kills odor-causing bacteria, and it evaporates without leaving any residue or scent.

5. FAQs about Washing Activewear

5.1 Can I wash my activewear with regular clothes?

It’s generally not recommended to wash activewear with regular clothes, especially cotton items. Cotton produces lint that can cling to synthetic fabrics, causing pilling and reducing the performance of your activewear. It’s best to wash activewear separately, or at the very least, with other smooth, synthetic fabrics and similar colors. Avoid washing with items that have zippers, Velcro, or other rough hardware that could snag delicate fabrics.

5.2 How often should I really wash my sports bra?

Just like your other activewear, your sports bra should be washed after every use. Sports bras absorb a significant amount of sweat and come into direct contact with your skin, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Frequent washing prevents odor buildup and maintains the bra’s elasticity and support.

5.3 What if my activewear still smells after washing?

If your activewear retains a lingering odor even after washing, try these methods:

1. Vinegar Soak: Soak the garments in a cold water and vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) for 15-30 minutes before washing.
2. Oxygen Bleach: Rewash the items with your regular detergent and add a tablespoon of oxygen bleach.
3. Specialty Sports Detergent: If the odor persists, consider using a detergent specifically formulated for athletic wear, as these often contain enzymes or other ingredients designed to tackle stubborn odors.

5.4 Can I use bleach on my white activewear?

Avoid chlorine bleach on activewear, even if it’s white. Chlorine bleach can damage synthetic fibers, causing yellowing and weakening the fabric. Instead, use oxygen bleach, which is color-safe and much gentler on fabrics while still effectively brightening whites and removing stains.

5.5 My activewear is pilling. What am I doing wrong?

Pilling (the formation of small balls of fuzz on the fabric surface) is often caused by friction. This can occur during wear, but also during washing. To minimize pilling:

• Wash activewear inside out.
• Use a gentle wash cycle.
• Avoid washing with abrasive items like towels, jeans, or anything with zippers or Velcro.
• Consider using a mesh laundry bag for delicate items.
• Air dry your activewear instead of using a dryer.

Read more:

• Laundry Care Labels: Decode Washing Symbols and Care for Clothes
• How to Iron on Embroidered Patches: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Tall Clothing: Find the Perfect Fit and Style Guide

Proper activewear care is an investment in the longevity and performance of your workout clothes. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide – washing after every use, choosing a mild detergent, avoiding fabric softener and high heat, and air drying whenever possible – you can keep your activewear looking, feeling, and performing its best for much longer. This translates to significant cost savings over time, as you won’t need to replace your favorite workout gear as frequently. More importantly, it ensures you’re getting the most out of your activewear’s performance features, allowing you to focus on your fitness goals without worrying about lingering odors or compromised fabric integrity. So, take care of your activewear, and it will take care of you!