Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just hitting the gym a few times a week, taking care of your gym clothes is crucial. Sweat, odor, and frequent washing can quickly ruin your favorite workout gear if you’re not careful. Many people unknowingly make simple mistakes when washing their gym clothes, which can lead to faded colors, stretched fabrics, or lingering smells. In this article, we’ll reveal 5 common mistakes when washing gym clothes and share actionable tips to keep your activewear fresh, clean, and long-lasting.
1. Washing Gym Clothes in Hot Water
It might feel natural to wash your sweaty workout clothes in hot water to “kill germs,” but this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Most activewear fabrics, like polyester, spandex, and nylon, are sensitive to high temperatures. Washing in hot water can:
- Damage fabric elasticity
- Cause shrinkage
- Fade colors faster
Tip: Always check the care label and wash your gym clothes in cold or lukewarm water. Cold water effectively removes sweat and odor while protecting the fabric.
2. Using Fabric Softener on Gym Clothes
Fabric softeners might make your regular clothes feel soft and cozy, but they are terrible for activewear. Softener leaves a residue on technical fabrics, which can:
- Reduce moisture-wicking abilities
- Make clothes less breathable
- Trap odors instead of eliminating them
Tip: Skip the softener and opt for a mild detergent designed for sportswear or a detergent labeled “free & clear.” This keeps your gym clothes functional and odor-free.
3. Letting Sweat Sit Too Long Before Washing
One of the most common gym clothes laundry mistakes is leaving sweaty clothes in the laundry basket for too long. Sweat contains bacteria, and if left untreated, it can:
- Cause stubborn odors
- Lead to fabric damage over time
- Make stains harder to remove
✅ Tip: Wash your gym clothes as soon as possible after a workout. If immediate washing isn’t possible, rinse them in cold water and hang them to air dry until laundry time.
4. Overloading the Washing Machine
It might be tempting to throw all your workout clothes into one load, but overloading the washing machine is another big mistake. Crowded machines don’t allow water and detergent to circulate properly, which means:
- Clothes don’t get fully clean
- Sweat and odor can linger
- Fabrics get stretched or damaged
✅ Tip: Wash gym clothes in smaller loads. This ensures proper cleaning, reduces friction, and helps preserve the elasticity of your activewear.
5. Using the Dryer on High Heat
Many people toss their gym clothes into the dryer for convenience, but high heat can seriously damage synthetic fabrics commonly used in activewear. Heat can:
- Shrink or warp fabrics
- Break down elastic fibers
- Cause clothes to lose shape
✅ Tip: Air-dry your gym clothes whenever possible. If you must use a dryer, choose a low-heat or delicate setting. Hanging clothes to dry also prevents wrinkles and keeps them looking new longer.
Extra Tips for Perfectly Washed Gym Clothes
To take your gym clothes care to the next level, consider these additional tips:
- Separate darks and lights: Prevent color bleeding and maintain vibrancy.
- Turn clothes inside out: This reduces fading and protects prints or logos.
- Use a sports-specific detergent: These detergents are designed to fight odor and bacteria without harming fabrics.
- Avoid ironing: Most gym clothes don’t need ironing, and heat can damage elastic fibers.
Store properly: Keep your activewear in a dry, ventilated area to prevent mold and odor.
Final Thoughts
Properly washing your gym clothes isn’t complicated, but avoiding these 5 common mistakes can make a huge difference. By washing in cold water, skipping fabric softener, treating sweat promptly, washing in smaller loads, and air-drying your activewear, you can extend the life of your workout gear and keep it smelling fresh.
Remember, taking care of your gym clothes is not just about aesthetics—it also ensures they perform as intended, keeping you comfortable during your workouts. With the right habits, your favorite activewear can stay in top condition for months, saving you money and stress.
Once you have scheduled your booking with Prime Laundromat our team will collect, clean and return your clothes . Because when it comes to laundry, we do the heavy lifting!
