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Cleaning athletic wear can be a challenge, especially when you want to avoid harsh chemicals and toxic detergents. Sweat, body oils, and odor-causing bacteria can cling to workout clothes, but traditional detergents and fabric softeners can break down the fabric’s performance and even irritate your skin.
Fortunately, there are safe, non-toxic ways to effectively clean athletic wear while preserving its quality and functionality. In this guide, we’ll explore natural cleaning methods and tips to keep your workout clothes in top shape, so you can feel confident, comfortable, and chemical-free every time you gear up.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love Cleaning Athletic Wear
You’ll love my non-toxic cleaning methods for cleaning athletic wear because they not only tackle tough odors and grime effectively but also help maintain the quality and longevity of your gear. Unlike conventional detergents that can break down performance fabrics and leave behind irritating residues, these gentle yet powerful natural solutions keep your workout clothes fresh and comfortable.
Plus, my tips are eco-friendly and free from harsh chemicals, so you can feel good knowing you’re protecting both your skin and the environment. With these tips, your athletic wear will stay in top condition, ready to support you through every workout.
🧽 Materials for Cleaning Athletic Wear
To clean your athletic wear naturally, you’ll need a few simple, non-toxic ingredients that are gentle on fabrics yet tough on odors. Start with white vinegar, known for its odor-neutralizing and bacteria-fighting properties, making it perfect for freshening up workout clothes. Baking soda is another essential; it helps lift stains, absorb sweat odors, and can be added directly to your wash.
When cleaning athletic wear, for extra freshness, try essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus; just a few drops in the wash will leave your clothes smelling clean and natural. Finally, a gentle, plant-based laundry detergent is key, as it’s free from harsh chemicals and safe for sensitive skin. With these materials, you’re set to keep your athletic wear in great shape without the use of toxic cleaners.
🧼 How to Do
For naturally cleaning athletic wear, start by soaking clothes in a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts cold water for 30 minutes to neutralize odors. Drain and place the clothes in the washing machine with a gentle, plant-based detergent and a tablespoon of baking soda for added odor-fighting power. A
dd a few drops of your favorite essential oil, like tea tree or lavender, to the rinse cycle for a light, fresh scent. Wash on a gentle, cold cycle to preserve the fabric’s elasticity and color. Finally, air dry your athletic wear to keep it in top condition and avoid shrinkage or damage from heat.
🪄 Tips and Tricks
Turn Clothes Inside Out Before Washing: This helps prevent friction on the fabric’s outer surface, preserving its color and reducing pilling. It also allows the detergent to target sweat and oils directly on the inner layers where buildup usually occurs.
Skip Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can leave a residue that traps odors and reduces breathability in performance fabrics. Instead, add a quarter cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to naturally soften clothes without clogging the fabric.
Pre-Treat Underarm Areas with a Paste: Make a paste using baking soda and water, then apply it to underarm areas or any spots with stubborn sweat stains. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before washing to effectively break down oils and deodorize these high-use areas.
🗒 Variations
For a deep refresh, try soaking athletic wear overnight with a saltwater solution. Dissolve half a cup of salt in a basin of cold water and submerge your workout clothes, letting them soak for 8-12 hours. Salt naturally draws out odors and bacteria without damaging the fabric, making it a great pre-wash treatment.
After soaking, rinse thoroughly and then wash on a gentle, cold cycle with a mild detergent. This method is perfect for fabrics that need an occasional extra-deep clean to maintain their freshness and durability.
🗒 Substitutions
For an alternative deep clean, soak athletic wear in a solution of baking soda and lemon juice. Mix one-quarter cup of baking soda and the juice of one lemon in a basin of cold water, and let your clothes soak for 2-4 hours.
The baking soda and lemon work together to lift stubborn odors and stains naturally. After soaking, rinse thoroughly, then wash on a gentle, cold cycle with a mild detergent. This refreshing solution is especially effective for brightening fabrics and keeping your gear odor-free.
🫙 How to Store
After cleaning athletic wear, storing athletic wear properly can help maintain its quality, freshness, and longevity. After washing, always ensure workout clothes are fully dry before putting them away to prevent any lingering moisture from causing mildew or odors. Fold items neatly to avoid stretching the fabric and place them in a cool, dry drawer or on shelves instead of hanging them, as hanging can cause some materials to lose their shape over time.
For extra freshness, consider placing a small sachet of baking soda or dried lavender in your athletic wear drawer to absorb any residual odors. Keeping your workout gear organized and properly stored will make it easy to find what you need and ensure your clothes stay fresh and ready for your next session.
🤔 Common Questions for Cleaning Athletic Wear
It’s best to air dry athletic wear to prolong its life and maintain fabric integrity. High heat from dryers can cause synthetic fabrics like spandex and polyester to shrink or lose their stretch. If using a dryer, set it to a low or no-heat setting.
Ideally, you should wash athletic wear separately from regular clothes, especially cotton items that produce lint. The lint can stick to moisture-wicking fabrics, reducing their performance. Washing workout clothes separately also allows you to use a more tailored detergent and cycle for their care.
To prevent pilling or snags, turn athletic clothes inside out before washing and avoid washing them with items that have zippers, velcro, or rough textures. Use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate workout fabrics, and wash on a gentle cycle.
Cleaning Athletic Wear
Ingredients
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 gentle, plant-based detergent
- 5-10 drops of essential oil, optional, for a natural scent boost
Instructions
Pre-Soak with Vinegar
- Fill a basin with cold water and add 1 cup of white vinegar. Submerge your athletic wear and let it soak for 30 minutes to break down bacteria and odor-causing oils.
Add Baking Soda for Extra Freshness
- After soaking, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda into the water, gently agitating it to ensure it dissolves. This will further neutralize any lingering odors and gently lift dirt.
Wash in Cold Water
- Transfer your clothes to the washing machine and wash on a gentle, cold cycle with a small amount of plant-based detergent. Adding a few drops of essential oil like lavender or tea tree can help keep your gear smelling naturally fresh.
Air Dry
- Skip the dryer! Heat can weaken performance fabrics over time, so lay your athletic wear flat to dry or hang it up in a well-ventilated area.