How to Clean and Care for High-Performance Activewear

1. Soak and Rinse

   Workout clothing often builds up unpleasant odors, even after washing. The key to breaking the bond between the body soil and the fabric is white distilled vinegar. This inexpensive product has a low level of acid that cuts through body oil and helps release soil and bacteria from the fabric, which is flushed away in the wash. 

   Mix one part white distilled vinegar to four parts cold water. Submerge your workout clothes, and let them soak for 15–30 minutes before washing. If wash day is several days away, place the clothes in the vinegar-water solution for a 30-minute soak. Rinse with plain water, and allow to drip-dry before tossing the clothes in the hamper.

2. Turn Clothes Inside Out

   The grime on your workout clothes is mostly on the inside, not the outside. Close up any zippers, and turn the clothes inside out before you put them in the washing machine. It keeps the colors brighter and helps avoid snags during the cycle.

3. Add the Correct Detergent

   No matter how bad the clothes smell, stick to the specified amount of laundry detergent, usually about two teaspoons. Too much detergent will build up in the clothing fibers, creating a perfect environment for the breeding of bacteria and fungi that cause odors. Try a sportswear-specific laundry detergent that’s designed to clean moisture-wicking synthetic materials like Hex Performance or Nathan Power Wash.

   Tip

   For really stinky gear, try adding a laundry sanitizer that is safe for activewear fabrics to help kill odor-causing bacteria. Hex Antibacterial Fabric Protector added to the rinse cycle kills bacteria that cause odors and stains and prevents regrowth for up to six weeks.

4. Set the Washing Machine Properly

   Wash your high-performance workout gear in cold water on a gentle cycle. Hot water and too much agitation can damage the fibers of your activewear and shorten its lifespan.

5. Air-Dry Workout Gear When Possible

   Ideally, let your high-performance workout clothes air-dry on a drying rack. If you must put them in the dryer, use the lowest heat setting possible to avoid damaging the fabric. Before putting clothing in the dryer, do a sniff test, and rewash it if the odor is still in the fabric. Machine-drying tends to set the odor into the fibers.

What Is High-Performance Activewear?

Workout clothing is often made of stretchy, high-quality fabric designed to move with you during a workout and keep you cool by wicking sweat away from the body. This type of fabric is typically made from blended synthetic fibers, including nylon microfibers and elastane. These fibers are highly engineered to be breathable, and many brands have built-in UV protection. Since the fabric repels moisture, it's tougher to get these types of clothing clean and smelling fresh in the wash.

Storing High-Performance Activewear

These fabrics can be hung or folded. Some people find it helpful to sort and store their workout gear by type, such as bottoms, tops, and sports bras. Others like to put matching outfits together so they can easily grab a set of clothing and go. Regardless, make sure the garments are clean if you're storing them away for a long time. Though bugs or larvae won't eat synthetic high-performance activewear, they'll be attracted to any lingering organic stains on the clothing.

Repairs

Rips in seams are simple to repair by hand with matching thread and a needle. Rips in the body of the garment can be stitched the same way but will leave an obvious seam. High-performance fabrics will not unravel, but holes can become bigger if stretched.

Treating Stains on High-Performance Activewear

If you see a waxy build-up of deodorant or yellowing on the underarms, dip an old soft toothbrush in detergent, and scrub the area to loosen the soil before you wash the clothes. For other types of stains, follow stain removal guidelines for the specific type of stain before washing.