The maintenance of fitness garments is essential so that they last in perfect condition for longer. After all, this type of sportswear is an investment that you want to amortize as much as possible, right? Next, we offer you the main keys to help you take care of your sports equipment.
How to take care of sportswear?
The fabrics and materials used to make each piece of clothing determine the care they will need. This applies to all types of clothing, such as jeans, a leather jacket or simple socks.
In the case of gym clothes, these garments are consciously created to guarantee the comfort of those who wear them, facilitate movement, promote breathability and prevent chafing. Therefore, it is necessary to take good care of it so that it does not lose these properties and resist the passage of time without major problems.
In this sense, washing is perhaps the most critical process. Therefore, the best thing you can do is always review the instructions given by the manufacturer in this regard, either on the label itself or on the website where you purchased said garment. Without a doubt, this is the best option to know exactly what care you should provide to the clothes you are wearing.
However, there are certain general aspects that you should consider so that the maintenance of fitness garments is adequate. In this way, neither the functionality nor the appearance of your sportswear will be impaired . Take note!
1. Hurry to wash it
After exercising, bacteria from sweat settle on clothing, creating a breeding ground that, over time, will cause bad odor. For this reason, it is important that you wash it as soon as possible, especially if you have done a very intense exercise routine and have sweated excessively. Otherwise, it will be much more difficult to remove the stains and the bad smell.
If you don't clean the garment immediately after taking it off, air it out to dry the sweat . Remember that this substance that our body emits contains salts and ammonia that can destroy the internal fibers of the tissue.
2. Better by hand
Although it is true that fitness clothing is designed to be more durable and resistant, the washing machine greatly accelerates wear. Therefore, it is best to always choose to wash all your clothes by hand.
Can't or want to do it this way? Then, you will have to use the washing machine, but be sure to use the program for sportswear. If yours does not have one, just use a cycle for delicate clothes at a temperature no higher than 30 ° C and, of course, dispense with the spin.
Temperatures above 30°C can cause sweat stains to become permanent. In addition, the cold water makes the fabrics do not lose their color and prevents their shrinkage.
3. Always separately
We have already talked about the fact that it is better to wash by hand for the maintenance of fitness garments . However, if you use the washing machine, you must take special care and wash these pieces of clothing separately . It does not matter that they have a similar color to other clothes in your closet, remember to separate sportswear from the rest of your laundry. This is key to making sure the colors don't transfer and smudge. Another tip that we recommend you put into practice is to wash the garments inside out.
If it was not possible for you to put a washing machine only for gym clothes , bet on putting it inside a mesh bag. With this element, the garments will be separated and protected from the rest, as well as from the wear and tear caused by the drum of the washing machine.
4. Be careful with cleaning products
When cleaning clothes , pay attention to the products you use for this purpose. In this sense, there are two types that are best avoided at all costs:
- Bleaches . These are products that are usually very corrosive, especially in garments made of delicate fibers, such as sports equipment. Accelerating wear or even creating holes are some of its effects on clothes.
- softeners . Good quality sportswear is already soft on its own. Therefore, if you use softeners, the only thing you will achieve is damage the fabric and make it lose elasticity.
To wash properly, use hypoallergenic detergents or soaps that are mild . On the market, there are products specifically designed for this, since they are very effective in removing stains and odors thanks to their degreasing power.
Also, you should watch the amount to use . Keep in mind that adding more detergent will not make the clothes cleaner. In this sense, excess can have the opposite effect to what you are looking for, since the accumulation of soap residue causes bad odors to be trapped in the garments.
5. Air dry
For drying, the ideal is to hang them and let them dry little by little. As with the washing machine, the dryer subjects fabrics to conditions that are harmful. Not only does rubbing damage the fabrics, but we must also highlight the high temperatures that this appliance applies for drying.
Once dry, your clothes would be ready to be dressed again. Ironing is not part of the maintenance of fitness garments . This action is not necessary, since most are designed to prevent wrinkles. In addition, it is important to note that there are microfibers that can be melted at low temperatures.
As you have seen throughout this article, the maintenance of fitness clothing is quite simple. You just have to know its particularities to provide optimal cleaning and care. Thanks to these tips, you will be ready to make the most of your sports equipment and keep it for much longer.
