22 Jan How to Clean High-Performance Athletic Wear Like a Pro

Athletic wear is more than just clothing—it’s an essential part of your workout routine. These high-performance garments are designed to handle sweat, stretch, and movement, but improper care can quickly diminish their quality. Knowing how to clean athletic wear properly ensures it stays fresh, functional, and ready for your next sweat session. You can protect your gear with the right techniques while keeping it odour-free and in top condition. Let’s dive into the best practices for cleaning athletic wear like a pro!

Why Proper Cleaning Matters for Athletic Wear

High-performance athletic wear is specifically engineered to support your workouts, offering benefits like moisture-wicking, breathability, and flexibility. However, improper cleaning can compromise these features, making your gear less effective. Sweat, bacteria, and body oils can build up in the fabric, leading to unpleasant odours and even permanent damage if not addressed promptly.

Additionally, technical fabrics are delicate and require special care to maintain their structure and performance. Using the wrong detergent, washing on the wrong cycle, or exposing your gear to excessive heat can weaken the material, reduce elasticity, and fade colours. Properly cleaning athletic wear ensures you get the most out of your investment while keeping your gear looking and feeling its best.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Athletic Wear

1. Sort Your Athletic Wear: Separate athletic wear from other clothing, especially items with zippers or rough textures that can damage delicate fabrics. Wash similar colours together to prevent bleeding and fading.
2. Pretreat Stains and Odours: Check your gear for sweat stains or stubborn odours. Pretreat these areas with a solution of cold water and white vinegar or a specialised stain remover for activewear. Allow it to sit for 15–20 minutes before washing.
3. Use the Right Detergent: Choose a detergent designed for cleaning athletic wear. Regular detergents can leave a residue that clogs the fabric’s breathability and reduces its performance. Avoid anything with added fragrances or harsh chemicals.
4. Wash in Cold Water: Always use cold water to protect the fabric’s elasticity and moisture-wicking properties. Hot water can break down technical fabrics, causing them to lose their effectiveness.
5. Turn Garments Inside Out: Turn your athletic wear inside out before washing to reduce friction on the fabric’s surface. This helps prevent pilling and keeps the material looking new.
6. Choose a Gentle Cycle: Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle. This minimises agitation, which can stretch or damage the fabric. Avoid heavy-duty cycles, even for tougher stains.
7. Skip Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can leave a coating on technical fabrics, blocking their moisture-wicking and breathable properties. Stick to a softener-free wash.
8. Air-Dry Your Athletic Wear: Avoid the dryer altogether. High heat can weaken the fabric and shrink your gear. Instead, air-dry your athletic wear by laying it flat or hanging it on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area.

How to Remove Odours from Athletic Wear

Persistent odours can linger in athletic wear, even after washing, due to sweat and bacteria trapped in the fabric. Here’s how you can effectively tackle and eliminate these smells:

1. Pre-Soak with White Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural deodoriser that neutralises odours without damaging fabric. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to a basin of cold water and soak your athletic wear for 30 minutes before washing.
2. Use Baking Soda for Odour Control: Baking soda works wonders for breaking down tough smells. Sprinkle half a cup into the washing machine along with your detergent, or mix it into the water if you’re hand-washing.
3. Wash Immediately After Workouts: Don’t let sweaty gear sit in your gym bag for too long. Wash your athletic wear as soon as possible after a workout to prevent bacteria from embedding itself into the fabric.
4. Add an Odour-Eliminating Booster: Look for laundry additives specifically designed for cleaning athletic wear. These boosters target odours and bacteria while preserving the performance of technical fabrics.
5. Dry in Fresh Air: Hang your athletic wear outside to dry in the fresh air and sunlight. The UV rays can naturally kill odour-causing bacteria while leaving your gear smelling fresh.

Tips for Long-Term Care of Athletic Wear

Proper maintenance of athletic wear extends its lifespan and keeps it performing at its best. Follow these essential tips to ensure your gear stays in great condition:

• Wash After Every Workout: Sweat and bacteria can weaken fabric fibres over time. Always wash your athletic wear promptly after use to prevent odours and deterioration.
• Avoid Overwashing: While regular cleaning is important, excessive washing can wear out fabrics. If your gear isn’t heavily soiled, opt for a quick rinse instead of a full wash cycle.
• Store in a Dry, Cool Place: Moisture and heat can degrade technical fabrics. Store your athletic wear in a dry, cool area, and avoid leaving it in damp gym bags.
• Skip the Ironing: Athletic wear fabrics are designed to be wrinkle-resistant. Ironing can damage the material, so simply lay your gear flat or hang it to let wrinkles naturally fall out.
• Invest in a Mesh Laundry Bag: Protect your athletic wear during washing by placing it in a mesh laundry bag. This prevents tangling and reduces wear caused by friction with other items.
• Rotate Your Workout Gear: If you frequently exercise, rotate your athletic wear to give each piece time to rest and recover between washes. This reduces overuse and extends its lifespan.
• Use Gentle, Specialised Detergents: Stick to detergents formulated for cleaning athletic wear. Harsh chemicals or heavy-duty cleaners can break down performance fabrics.

How Can NeatEx Laundrette & Dry Cleaning Help

Caring for athletic wear can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with tough stains or lingering odours. That’s where NeatEx Laundrette & Dry Cleaning steps in to make your life easier.

At NeatEx, we specialise in cleaning athletic wear with precision and care. Our team uses advanced techniques and detergents specifically designed to handle high-performance fabrics. Whether it’s removing stubborn sweat stains, eliminating odours, or preserving the elasticity of your gear, we ensure your athletic wear remains in top condition.

Here’s what sets NeatEx apart:

• Expert Care: Our trained professionals understand the unique needs of athletic fabrics and clean them without compromising their performance.
• Specialised Detergents: We use products that protect moisture-wicking and breathable properties while removing bacteria and odours effectively.
• Convenience: Drop off your gear, and we’ll take care of everything—from washing to air-drying—to save you time.

Let NeatEx Laundrette & Dry Cleaning handle the hassle, so you can focus on your workouts without worrying about how to clean athletic wear. Visit us today and experience the difference!