Hello lingeristas and those who love us,
It’s just after New Years. Everyone makes resolutions. The #1 resolution is to get healthy and fit. No doubt that if you made your resolution to get fit, you have invested in new workout gear. Do you know that with the dry-wicking and other new and improved workout materials, that you may need to revamp your laundry routine? Well, here are a few “Do’s” and “Dont’s” to caring for your new workout gear.
Washing your workout gear in a separate load:
1. Don’t use fabric softener. Fabric softener can often be blamed for keeping workout clothes from getting totally clean when they are in the wash cycle. Since it tends to coat these types of fibers, fabric softener prevents them from being able to absorb the water when being washed.
2. Don’t use too much detergent. In the same way that fabric softener can keep water in the wash cycle from penetrating fabrics, so can detergent. Use slightly less than you would for your regular clothes, and this should limit the viscosity enough to do the job.
3. Do use sport-specific detergent. There are a number of special detergents on the market formulated for washing workout clothes. If you find your duds are particularly stinky, this is a good thing to try.
4. Don’t let your gear sit around. Mold and mildew can begin to grow on workout gear that is left in a gym bag or laundry basket. Be sure to get those items in the washing machine sooner rather than later to prevent the buildup of nasty stenches.
5. Do soak stinky items. By soaking the worst-smelling garments in one part white vinegar to four parts water, you can often kill anything that’s particularly pesky when it comes to odors. Throw them in a bucket or sink for a half hour prior to washing.
6. Do use cold water. Since technical fibers are generally on the delicate side, in most cases it’s best to use cold water to wash them. This will help maintain any special performance properties for many workouts to come.
7. Don’t cook your clothes. Setting the dryer to tumble-dry low is usually your best bet with workout gear. Even better: Consider line-drying outside. These approaches prevent you from drying out spandex, Lycra and other similar fibers.
8. Don’t submerge your kicks. Unless you’re ready to turn your workout footwear into lawn-mowing shoes, don’t put them in the washing machine. You can degrade the midsole cushioning and render them less protective when it comes to pavement pounding and other active endeavors.
9. Do read the label. Performance fabrics often require special care beyond these do’s and don’ts. Always check the label to ensure you’re maintaining the integrity of the performance fibers and any special attributes, like UPF, anti-odor or compression.
I hope this information helps. Don’t forget to pick up some sports bras at Naughty and Nice Lingerie here!
Good luck on all of your resolutions. Be well and get healthy!
Until next time, Happy 2016!
Brenda