How to Wash and Dry Exercise Clothes
We recently launched an Instagram reels series called 'Learn with the Laundry Sisters' where we ask followers what they've been struggling with so that our laundry experts can weigh in.
One of the first questions we received was 'How should I wash exercise clothes?' — an excellent question! We break it down below.
Exercise clothes are different from regular clothing
Running shorts, tank tops, sports jerseys and the like are made from synthetic fabrics that are lightweight and moisture-wicking. They're designed to keep the wearer dry, cool and comfortable while active.
In some cases, the clothes are also body-hugging to prevent snagging while in action (think: bike shorts, leotards and yoga leggings).
💦 Wash exercise clothes with cold water
Use a mild detergent (bonus points if it's formulated specifically for sportswear) and choose a cold water program for your exercise clothes. If possible, reduce the spin cycle.
Better yet, select the Sportswear program if it's available on your washing machine. This cycle alternates between cold and warm water, which is great for preserving specialty fabric while getting sweat and odor out.
Occasionally, wash with warm water + a vinegar rinse
If you don't have the Sportswear cycle, cold water will serve you just fine, but every so often go for a warm water wash and add a white vinegar rinse to prevent things from getting too funky.
You can do this by pouring 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar into your washing machine's fabric softener dispenser. The vinegar will get released during the final rinse cycle and will fully wash out (your clothes won't smell like vinegar).
Use distilled white vinegar on an as-needed basis to combat odor. It's best not to do this with every wash because it can cause elastic fibers to break down over time.
Some washing don'ts for exercise clothes
🚫 Don't use too much detergent
Detergent buildup creates an ideal environment for fungus and mildew to grow.
🚫 Don't use fabric softener
It traps odor-causing bacteria and is not good for stretchy fabric.
🚫 Don't use hot water
It causes elastic fibers to break down, resulting in a less flattering fit.
💨 Air drying is best for exercise clothes
Air drying will help preserve the specialty fabric, shape and any elastic bands. You can line dry outdoors in the shade or drape pieces over a collapsible drying rack and air dry indoors.
Your exercise clothes should dry fairly quickly given the nature of the fabric. Don't put your sportswear in the dryer unless the garment care tag specifies that you can.
🏆 Our go-to products when caring for sportswear:
- Clover sportswear detergent (Tangent GC)
- Laundry ball or bag to reduce microfiber shedding (Cora Ball and Guppyfriend)
- Indoor/outdoor clothesline (NONA)
- Clothespin set (NONA)
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Photos by Gerald Riedler