How To Wash Gym Wear In Washing Machine?

Most people work out regularly to stay fit and maintain a healthy life. It can be from jogging in a garden OR exercising at home to working out in a gym.

It is not always possible for someone to work out in their regular attire, therefore you tend to wear gym apparel.

Even a short time workout will add extra clothes to the laundry load.

In this article, we will help you with simple tips, following which you can get your workout gear clean and smelling fresh in no time.

Why you should wash your gym wear regularly?

Unclean gym clothes can cause bacteria to form due to sweat.

Washing them helps to remove sweat, bacteria, and oils that can build up on the fabric.

It keeps the clothes odor-free and feeling fresh. Additionally, it can extend the life of your clothes and help them to stay looking new.

Washing gym wears regularly is of utmost importance.

Let us look into a few common reasons why should one wash their gym wear regularly.

Sweating is common for everyone when you indulge in any physical activity. Sweat and bacteria can cause your gym clothes to stink, even if you can’t smell them yourself.

This is especially true of synthetic fabrics like polyester, which tend to hold onto odors more than natural fibers like cotton.

Sweat and bacteria can cause skin irritation and other problems, especially if you have sensitive skin.

If you don’t want to deal with rashes or other issues, make sure to wash your gym clothes after every use.

Washing your gym clothes can actually extend their lifespan.

Sweat and dirt can easily break down the fabric over time, leading to holes and tears.

What temperature should you wash your gym wear?

Using the right temperature to wash your gym wear is important in order to get the best results.

Wash your gym clothes in cool or warm water and avoid hot water. Hot water can damage the fabric and cause colors to fade.

With that said, it’s best to look at the care label before deciding to use hot or cold water.

Even though Hot temperatures can help to kill the bacteria the only concern is that not all gym wears are friendly to hot water.

It’s recommended to pay attention to the care label and wash your workout clothes at the recommended temperature. 

Most gym wear is made using delicate fabrics and you may need to wash them using warm or cold water.

If your gym clothes are made from delicate fabrics like silk or wool, you’ll need to be careful. Do not wash them in extreme temperatures.

But if any piece of your gym clothing is suitable for hot water wash, then this should be followed without any hesitation as hot water is best when it comes to killing the bacteria.

What detergent to use on your gym wear?

Using the wrong detergent can easily damage your workout gear and make it less effective.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a detergent for your gym clothes:

• Look for a detergent that is designed specifically formulated for athletic wear. Specialized detergents are formulated to remove sweat and body oils without damaging the fabric.
• Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets on your gym clothes. These products can coat the fabric and reduce its ability to keep the sweat away.
• Pre-treat any stains on your gym clothes before washing them. This will help to prevent them from setting in and becoming permanent.

What cycle to use to wash gym clothes?

Selecting a correct wash cycle is equally important when it comes to machine washing your Gym clothes.

The most preferred wash cycle should be the delicate OR gentle cycle for washing your gym wear.

If your washer includes special wash programs such as hand wash or gym wear, simply go for it.

Avoid including your gym clothes with other load types.

For added protection, you can make a use of mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase. With that said, do not load the laundry bag excessively, leave ample room for clothes.

Here are the Ideal settings if you are washing your gym clothes in a washing machine.

• Wash Cycle: Delicate OR gentle cycle.
• Water Temperature: Cold
• Soil Level: Normal or light
• Spin Speed: Normal or low
• Pre-Wash: Not Needed if already pre-treated
• Detergent Type: Mild Detergent OR Specially Formulated Detergent

How to wash gym wear in a washing machine?

Washing your gym clothes in your washer can be done in a few steps.

Let us take a quick look at the steps for washing your gym clothes in a washing machine.

Step 1: Simply start by separating your gym wear from the rest of your laundry. This will help to prevent the transfer of bacteria and sweat to your other clothing.

Step 2: Pre-treat any areas of your gym wear that are particularly dirty or too sweaty. This will help to ensure that they come clean in the wash.

Note: You may also use an anti-bacterial solution. Simply mix a sanitizing solution like Lysol in a tub of warm water and add gym wear to the solution. Let it soak for 16 minutes before your pre-treat the stains.

Step 3: Add your gym wear to the washing machine, along with a mild detergent. You can load them in a laundry bag with ample room for water and detergent so that they can be washed evenly.

Step 4: Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle and wash your gym wear as normal. Do not forget to use the cold water setting or as suggested on their care labels.

Step 5: As the cycle completes simply hang your gym wear to air dry.

If they are suitable for machine drying then you may pop them in the tumble dryer on a low heat setting.

How do you air dry your gym wear properly?

Machine Drying may not be possible for all clothes types.

It entirely depends on the fabric type and the care label of the item.

Gym clothes are made of special materials that can break down and degrade in the dryer, so it’s important to air dry them instead.

Luckily, air drying your gym clothes is easy and doesn’t take very long. 

Air drying your gym wear should be your regular practice. Whether you do it after your workout or after washing them. 

Just follow these simple steps to air dry your gym wear.

After a workout

Hang your gym clothes up on a drying rack or clothesline as soon as you’re done working out.

The sooner they start drying, the better. This will help to minimize the intensity of stinking clothes due to sweat.

If possible, hang them in a sunny spot.

The sun’s UV rays will help kill any bacteria that might be lurking on your sweaty clothes.

Note – Not all types of gym gear are suitable to be exposed to direct sunlight. Refer to their care labels.

After a wash

Once your gym wear comes out clean and fresh after a wash simply let them air dry completely before putting them away.

These fabric types usually dry in quick successions and at times they may take longer. The drying time also depends on the humidity level.

By following the above simple tips, you can extend the life of your gym clothes and make sure they stay fresh and stink-free.

Final Thoughts

Exercising keeps you fit and healthy likewise clean & fresh garments play an equally important role in keeping you fit and disease free.

Washing your gym wear in a washing machine is just like washing any other delicate fabric.

Simply make sure to use the correct cycle and settings for your particular garment, and don’t forget to air dry them afterward. 

With a little care, you can keep your gym clothes looking fresh and new after washing.

Frequently Asked Questions