Activewear should usually be washed on a gentle cycle with cold water, as hot water can damage the fabric and cause shrinkage. Make sure to use mild detergent designated for activewear and hang everything out to dry; do not tumble dry or iron your activewear. If you’re worried about your activewear retaining odors, opt for a detergent specifically made for athletic wear that has anti-microbial capabilities. Additionally, it may help the longevity of your clothes if you don’t overcrowd the washer – too much friction between clothing items can cause pilling or accelerated fraying of the garment. For best results, turn clothes inside out before washing and separating light from dark colors.
The Best Washing Machines for Active Wear
If you’re looking for a washing machine to help keep your activewear in top condition, then you need something that can handle the special needs of athletic and workout wear. The best washing machines for active wear feature special settings that are designed to gently clean while also preserving the integrity of synthetic and natural fibers found in most activewear apparel.
Front load washers are ideal for athletic apparel as they use less water than top loading models. They’re also better at distributing detergent throughout the water, removing soils, and have high spin speeds that reduce moisture during extract. Additionally, they create less friction on fabrics like swim suits which helps to preserve their elasticity.
Most modern front-loading machines come with “Sportswear” settings, which employ specialized wash cycles specifically designed for active wear fabric care. Look for Energy Star certified models as these will be more energy efficient and gentler on your clothes due to lower temperatures and increased spin speeds. Additionally, some washers may even offer extra rinses or a cut-down option on tumbling after the wash cycle is complete—great if you want to avoid wrinkles seresto tick collar in delicate items like yoga pants or tank tops.
Setting the Machine Before Washing Your Clothes
Before washing your activewear, you’ll need to make sure your machine is properly set up. Depending on the type of clothing items, you’ll need to adjust temperature, water level, and spin cycle settings.
For most fabrics such as cotton or polyester clothing, it’s best to use a cold water setting with a mild wash cycle. You should also avoid putting too much laundry into each load – including activewear – so that all items can have enough space and move freely. This will help prevent fabric damage due to bunching or tangling during the washing process.
As for drying your activewear, you should always tumble dry on low heat or hang dry the garments instead. Doing so will help keep the fibers soft and reduce signs of wear and tear over time. Additionally, be careful not to overload the dryer as this can cause wrinkles in clothes and make them less comfortable when wearing them out and about!
The Right Detergent and Soap Ratio
The right ratio of detergent and soap will help keep your activewear looking and feeling great. You want to use the right ratios or you could end up with faded, grey fabrics or too much soap residue. So here’s what you need to know about the best detergent-soap ratio for washing activewear.
First, make sure you’re using a specialized detergent meant for workout clothing and other activewear. These special detergents are designed to help remove sweat stains and odors without damaging the fabric.
Next, mix in just enough soap to create suds when it mixes with water. Generally speaking, this means one tablespoon of soap per gallon of water. Too much suds isn’t good either though – so err on the side of caution!
Finally, be sure to adjust your washer settings to “Gentler” or “Delicates” depending on your machine. You’ll also want a cooler temperature setting (no higher than 40 degrees Celsius) if your fabric contains spandex or polyester blends.
And don’t forget – make sure that you turn tops & bottoms inside out before washing! That way the inner layers get more thorough cleaning from all those bubbles!
Pre-Treat Stains Before Washing
Activewear often comes with instructions from the manufacturer on laundering and care, so be sure to read the labels first. However, no matter what the label says, it’s always best to pre-treat stains before washing activewear — especially if you want your clothes to last.
Start by treating any stains that you may find. Use a gentle detergent and lukewarm water to loosen them up, then rub in liquid laundry detergent or spot treatment formula. Soak the garment for 15 minutes before putting it in the machine.
After pre-treating the stain, set your washing machine on a cold or warm cycle — never hot — and use a gentle laundry detergent. Choose an all-natural option with enzymes that will break down oily soils while still protecting colors. Add a fabric softener as well, if desired, which can help wick away sweat during wear and reduce odor buildup in fabrics like polyester or spandex.
Use the Gentle Cycle
Activewear like exercise clothes and gear should be washed on the gentle cycle in your washing machine. This cycle is designed to help protect the fabric by using a slower spinning, lower agitation cycle structure.
Using the gentle cycle is especially important for fabrics such as spandex which can stretch and be easily damaged if washed too harshly. Additionally, if you are washing anything with rubber that could potentially transfer color onto other items, the gentle cycle ensures it will not do so by controlling how fast the agitator moves during the wash cycle.
Be sure to use cold water rather than hot when placing active wear into your washer. Cold water helps maintain bright, vibrant colors while protecting fibers from damage or shrinkage caused by hot water. Avoid using chlorine bleach or fabric softeners when caring for your activewear as these products can break down materials over time reducing their overall lifespan.
