The Ultimate Guide to Washing and Caring for Athletic Wear

After a tough workout, you throw your sweaty performance tee and leggings in the laundry basket and put them away until the weekend. By the time you remember, your favorite equipment no longer fits properly, the fabric feels stiff, and the smell has been locked in. Does that sound familiar? It's a common error that can drastically reduce the lifespan of your sportswear.

It's crucial to understand how to take good care of these performance fabrics. Everything you need to maintain the longevity, functionality, and freshness of your equipment is explained in this guide. 

If you want to avoid the trouble, ByNext provides expert laundry services, especially designed for activewear, making it simple for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to maintain the appearance and functionality of their fashion gym wear.

Why Caring for Athletic Wear Is Different

Performance fabrics used in athletic wear are designed to stretch, wick moisture, and breathe, but these properties can be easily compromised by regular use of laundry. These garments require special care to maintain their longevity and technical qualities, unlike ordinary clothing.

Gear washing with lint-heavy products like gym towels or using the incorrect detergent or water temperature can rapidly reduce their performance. 

Correctly washing fashion gym wear ensures that your equipment keeps up with your workouts and protects your investment, regardless of whether you're dealing with moisture-wicking tops, mesh panels, or compression leggings. Performance, comfort, and durability are all essential aspects of proper care. 

Treat Your Gear Like a Pro

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Athletic Wear

Although athletic wear is made to help you perform, it also needs to be properly cared for to remain durable, functional, and fresh. Workout clothing, unlike everyday clothing, is often made from technical textiles that require special care to maintain their stretch, odor resistance, and moisture-wicking features. 

To keep your gym gear as strong as your fitness goals, we'll take you through a clear, easy step-by-step guide to washing gym clothes in this section. The steps are simple and would be common to any person who is familiar with washing clothes at home, and at some point, we all have done it. We are going to provide you with the benefits and reasons for following that step.

1. Wash or Air Out ASAP

• Air out the clothing and equipment if you can't wash them right away. 

• Avoid leaving wet clothes in bags or piles. 

• Wash sweaty clothes as soon as you can because lingering sweat breeds bacteria.

2. Sort by Fabric & Function

• Separate heavy, damp gym wear from regular clothing.

• Prevents damage to delicate fabrics from rougher items.

• Assures that every type of fabric receives the proper wash treatment.

• Helps maintain the fit, functionality, and longevity of activewear.

• Reduces lint transfer and friction during washing.

3. Turn Clothes Inside Out

• Targets perspiration, oil, and bacteria on the inside.

• Protecting the outer layer from fading and friction.

• Enhances overall cleaning efficiency. 

• Helps in maintaining prints, logos, and fabric finish.

4. Pre-Soak or Rinse for Heavy Sweat Days

• Before washing, it removes sweating salt and body oils. 

• It also stops odors from accumulating over time.

• For optimal effects, use cold water or a vinegar-water mixture. 

• Perfect for outdoor sportswear or vigorous workouts.

5. Use Activewear-Friendly Detergent

• Free of harsh chemicals and heavy fragrances. 

• Made to break down sweat, oil, and odor molecules.

• Preserving the stretch and moisture-wicking qualities of the fabric. 

• Increases the durability and effectiveness of exercise equipment.

6. Choose Cold Water & Gentle Cycle

• Maintains elasticity and stops shrinkage.

• A gentle cycle reduces the wear and stress on fabrics.

• Color and functionality are preserved by cold water.

• The best way for any gym wear apparel wash routine.

7. Skip Fabric Softeners

• The fabric is coated, blocking breathability and moisture wicking. 

• Sweat and odor are trapped rather than eliminated.

• Slowly breaks down stretch fibers. 

• Use vinegar or activewear-safe substitutes for gear wash.

8. Air-Dry or Low-Heat Tumble Only

• Air-drying maintains shape and fabric performance. 

• Low-heat tumble only when required and fabric-safe. 

• High heat damages elastic fibers and fit.

• Use gentle drying to prolong the life of your sportswear.

Pro Tips to Extend the Life of Your Activewear

Do you want your exercise equipment to function better and last longer? Beyond the basics, consider these lesser-known yet incredibly useful suggestions to maintain the best possible condition for your athletic wear: 

• Apply a Specific Activewear Detergent: Ordinary detergents may leave residue or be overly harsh. The activewear detergent is designed to remove perspiration and odor without compromising performance textiles.

• Do not use fabric softeners: Softeners coat the fabric and block breathability, but a homemade fabric softener is beneficial. Explore Fabric Softeners to find out more.

• To remove strong odors, soak in vinegar beforehand: Before washing, soak items with strong odors in a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts cold water for 15 to 30 minutes.

• Air Dry in the Shade: Elastic fibers can deteriorate and lose color in the presence of sunlight. To preserve its stretch and appearance, hang your equipment in a shaded, well-ventilated area instead.

• Finding the right method for a gym wear apparel wash can help preserve stretch and moisture-wicking performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even minor laundry errors can result in damage, odor retention, and decreased fabric performance when it comes to maintaining your sportswear. To keep your equipment in top condition, avoid these common blunders: 

• Overusing Detergent: Using more soap does not necessarily result in a deeper clean. In fact, using too much detergent can cause bacteria and perspiration to be trapped in the fabric and leave residue behind, which will need more rinsing. 

• Leaving Clothes Wet in the Machine: Sportswear that is left wet in the washing machine promotes the growth of mildew and musty odors. Always move quickly to a drying rack. 

• Washing with Towels or Lint-Heavy Fabrics: Combining performance wear with fleece or other lint-producing materials can clog breathable fabrics and reduce moisture removal.

• Using Hot Water: Heat can cause color fading and break down stretch fibers. To maintain elasticity and fit, only use cold water.

How Often Should You Wash Your Activewear?

The amount of sweat you produce and the type of exercise you do determine how often you should wash your workout attire. When washing gym clothes, follow these easy steps to preserve fabric quality and hygiene:

• Light Exercises (such as stretching, yoga, and walking): If there is little perspiration and no odor, wash after one or two wears. 

• Intense workouts (such as cardio, HIIT, and weightlifting): To prevent perspiration, bacteria, and odor accumulation, wash after each use.

• Running, cycling, hiking, and other outdoor activities: Wash after every use, particularly if you'll be in contact with dirt, pollutants, or sunscreen.

• Layered items (such as jackets and pullovers): Wash every three to four wears unless they're dirty or smell bad.

• Washing athletic wear regularly helps preserve its performance qualities, such as stretch and moisture-wicking, while also keeping it looking new.

When to Use Professional Laundry Services

Many everyday objects can be maintained at home, but certain situations call for professional help. Hiring experts guarantees that your expensive athletic wear, high-performance uniforms, or bulk gym laundry are cleaned safely and efficiently. If not handled correctly, specialized materials, such as compression wear and moisture-wicking textiles, can lose their functionality over time. 

When washing fashion gym wear, which combines delicate design with high-performance fabrics, professional services are especially beneficial. By letting laundry professionals handle these clothes, you can maintain their appearance and function while ultimately saving time, money, and frustration. 

Book Athletic Laundry Pickup Now

Treating Stubborn Odors & Stains

Consider a professional solution if your sportswear still smells after several washings or has stains from sweat, deodorant, or outdoor exercise that have settled in. ByNext, a reputable wash and fold laundry service in New York has the know-how, tools, and activewear detergents to remove stubborn stains and smells without damaging performance textiles. 

Without the trouble of frequent home laundry, professional care guarantees that your clothes remain clean, fresh, and prepared for your next workout.

Why Choose ByNext for Your Laundry Needs

ByNext offers modern, effective, and fabric-friendly laundry solutions that eliminate the hassle. Your laundry is handled conveniently and safely at your door with contactless pick-up and drop-off. Eco-friendly detergents that are gentle on skin and the environment are our top priority.

Our staff offers garment-specific care, which is crucial when washing fashion gym wear because these items usually need specific handling to preserve their fit, functionality, and style. And it only takes a tap to schedule your laundry service with our user-friendly mobile booking. ByNext is your preferred laundry partner when it comes to quality, convenience, and care.

FAQS - Washing and Caring for Athletic Wear

How should you wash athletic wear?

When washing athletic wear, always opt for cold water and a gentle cycle. You don’t have to wash your athletic wear separately, but it’s best to wash these items together with other delicate or synthetic fabrics to prevent damage or snagging.

How do you take care of activewear?

To properly care for activewear and extend its lifespan, always wash it in cold water using a gentle cycle to prevent fabric damage and preserve elasticity. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can block the material’s moisture-wicking abilities. Turn garments inside out before washing to protect the outer surface, and let them air-dry instead of using a dryer, which can break down stretch fibers over time.

How to deep clean athletic wear?

Mix distilled white vinegar in cold water in a sink or plastic container. Then, gently submerge your activewear and allow it to soak for 15 to 30 minutes before washing. This simple step can help keep your gear fresh and feeling great!

Wrap Up!

Maintaining your athletic wear involves more than just keeping it clean. It also includes protecting your investment and making sure your equipment operates at optimal performance. Your gym wear is designed to perform with features like compression technology and sweat-wicking fabrics, but only if it is properly cared for. You can make sure that every item of clothing lasts longer and supports you through many workouts by washing it in cold water, avoiding harsh detergents, letting your equipment air dry, and promptly treating any stains or odors.

Keep in mind that how you treat your sportswear has a direct effect on how it feels, smells, and works. Trusting professional laundry services for fresh gym clothes will lead to fresher, more comfortable workouts and lower replacement costs, whether you're an experienced athlete or just starting your fitness journey. If you follow these useful guidelines, your sportswear will truly stand by your side and support you every step of the way.