How to Wash and Care for Elastane (Spandex) Clothing

Instructions

1. Presoak if Necessary

   If the garment seems excessively stinky—like grimy workout clothes—give it a presoak in the sink in a solution of cool water and 1 cup baking soda for a minimum of 30 minutes. Or allow the clothes to soak overnight before washing as usual.

2. Put Clothing in a Mesh Laundry Bag

   Place the spandex clothing in a mesh laundry bag before adding it to the washing machine. A mesh bag helps protect the elastane fibers from snagging.

3. Set the Washing Machine

   Set the washing machine’s settings so it runs on a gentle cycle and uses cold or cool water.

4. Air-Dry or Machine-Dry on Low

   The heat of a clothes dryer can damage elastane fibers. If you have the time and space, hang the garments to drip-dry away from the sun or direct heat. Air-drying an item should take a few hours.

   Tip

   If you are in a rush and must machine-dry, set it as low as possible, and remove the clothing while still slightly damp. 

What Is Elastane (Spandex)?

Elastane is a synthetic fiber manufactured from polyurethane that's more commonly referred to as spandex or by the brand name Lycra. It's most commonly used in leggings, yoga pants, activewear, or shapewear.

Spandex fibers can be stretched more than 500% without breaking and, after repeatedly stretching, return closely to their original length. Elastane fibers are lightweight and soft while more durable and stronger than rubber. The material is also resistant to damage from body oils, sweat, and most chemicals found in deodorants and lotions.

Spandex can be heat-set during manufacturing. Because of this, clothes can be molded into permanently rounded or flat shapes. The fibers can be dyed, are resistant to abrasion, and are easy to cut and sew. While spandex can be used alone to weave fabric, it's often combined with natural fibers like cotton and wool and other manufactured fibers, like polyester or nylon, to lend some stretch to these fabrics.

Spandex blends are used in compression garments, sportswear, or any garment requiring comfort and a more conforming fit. Spandex is also used in swimsuits, hosiery, waistbands, lingerie, and disposable diapers.

Treating Stains on Elastane (Spandex) Clothing

Treat oily stains on elastane garments as soon as possible because they can be difficult to remove once set. Apply a small amount of mild liquid detergent to the stain, rubbing it in gently. Wash as instructed. 

Elastane (Spandex) Care and Repairs

It's not always easy to repair spandex clothing because of its stretchiness. When mending by hand or machine, use a polyester thread because it has a bit of give. Keep stitches somewhat loose to allow for stretch. Avoid using straight pins on fabrics with a high percentage of spandex because they may leave permanent little holes in the material. If using a machine to fix a tear, a ballpoint needle will reduce the possibility of snagging the fabric. Use a stretch stitch or a narrow zig-zag stitch, which is best for stretchy fabrics. As you're sewing, stretch the fabric as you guide it through the feed—but not too much, or it will pucker.

If you spot a snag, fix it with a needle and thread of the same color. Aim for the snagged thread with your needle. Poke the needle up through the fabric's wrong (opposite) side to the right side of the item. Grab the snag with the needle, and bring it back to the wrong side of the fabric to make it disappear. Sometimes, you can achieve this with just a needle and no thread.

Ironing

If the clothing is high in spandex content, don't iron it—the heat will ruin the fibers. Luckily, spandex doesn't easily wrinkle. If it's a blend, iron on the lowest setting. Keep the iron moving to avoid melting fibers.

Storing Elastane (Spandex) Clothing

Though elastane clothing is usually not considered delicate or keepsake quality, take care to clean it before you store it long-term, or else stains will become permanent. However, store any clothing with spandex away from heat or light that may fade colors. Some Lycra blends, such as nylon, may fade over time if exposed to natural light in storage.

How Often to Wash Elastane (Spandex) Clothing

Elastane clothing is extremely durable when correctly washed. The fabric can withstand constant washing in cold water, so don't worry that you're washing it too much.

Tight-fitting spandex workout gear requires cleaning with every use, but you may be able to wear looser items two to three times before washing. Check the label to see the amount of elastane or spandex the garment contains before washing it. If it's 5 percent or less, you can wash and dry the item as usual. If it's higher, give it a little extra attention.

Tips for Washing Elastane (Spandex) Clothing

• Never use fabric softener or dryer sheets when washing spandex. Most detergents are safe to use on spandex, but avoid any product that's a combination of detergent and fabric softener. The latter leaves a residue on spandex that can dull the finish and attract bacteria, which causes excessive odor.
• Avoid using chlorine bleach, which will destroy the elastane fibers. Instead, use oxygen bleach to brighten white clothing and remove stains.
• If you prefer, it's safe to take elastane clothing to the dry cleaners.
• Once in a while, you may want to tighten up form-fitting spandex clothing that's become slightly saggy, such as leggings. To do that, carefully toss the garment into a dryer on medium to high heat for no more than 30 minutes, which should be enough time to tighten the fibers without damaging the garment.