Caring for Your Active Wear: Tips for Long-Lasting Performance
Investing in high-quality active wear is essential for comfort and performance during your workouts. To ensure that your active wear stays fresh, odor-free, and in optimal condition for a long time, proper care and maintenance are crucial. In this blog post, we will discuss effective ways to care for your active wear, from washing techniques to using the right products, so you can maximize their lifespan and enjoy their benefits to the fullest.
Washing Your Active Wear:
When it comes to washing your active wear, it's important to be mindful of the fabric and temperature. Most active wear is made from synthetic materials like elastane, which should not be washed in high temperatures. Since these clothes primarily accumulate odor rather than dirt, a short eco-program at 86ºF will suffice for cleaning them effectively.
Place your active items in a Guppy Bag when washing. Particularly during washing, plastic fibers found in most active wear can break off and end up in the wastewater as it cannot be filtered out efficiently. A Guppy Bag like the Washing Bag from Guppy Friend not only traps these micro plastics from entering the water ways but it also extends the life of your active wear by reducing pilling and wear. Keep your active wear in the Guppy Bag and wash along with the rest of your laundry.
To maintain the freshness of your active wear, opt for a liquid detergent specially formulated for fabrics that easily attract bad odors. Consider using an odor control laundry detergent like Steamery's Odor Control Laundry Detergent, designed to break down sweat molecules in fabrics at low temperatures. This will effectively eliminate odors while being gentle on the fabric.
Avoid using fabric softener, as it can be harmful to the environment and compromise the stretchiness of your elastane clothes. Fabric softeners tend to leave residues on the fabric, hindering breathability and overall performance.
Hang Dry Instead of Tumble Drying
After washing, it's best to hang dry your active wear instead of using a tumble dryer. High heat from the dryer can damage the elasticity of the fabric and reduce its longevity. Hanging your clothes to air dry allows them to retain their shape and elasticity, ensuring they fit comfortably for a long time.
Airing Active Wear or Synthetics:
While it's common to air out natural fabrics like cotton, viscose, linen, or wool to refresh them, the same principle doesn't apply to synthetic fabrics found in most active wear. Synthetic fabrics, being a form of plastic, don't possess breathability properties. As a result, hanging them outdoors to air won't have the desired effect.
To minimize washing frequency and keep your active wear smelling fresh between washes, consider using a fabric spray like Steamery's Fabric Spray. This lightly scented spray effectively masks bad odors and can be used on various types of fabrics, including hard-shell and workout clothes. It's a convenient option for keeping your active wear smelling pleasant without frequent washing.
Tips for a Smooth Everyday Routine:
Incorporate these tips into your daily routine to maintain your active wear effectively:
Reuse Clothes: If your active wear isn't heavily soiled, consider wearing them multiple times before washing. This helps reduce water and energy consumption while prolonging the lifespan of your clothes.
Utilize Fabric Spray: Keep a fabric spray like Steamery's Fabric Spray handy at the office or home. It's a convenient way to freshen up your clothes between washes, especially in areas prone to odor buildup.
Target Odor-Prone Areas: Focus on spraying the fabric spray in areas
