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Washing Workout Clothes

3K views 26 replies 17 participants last post by  melistic 
#1 ·
<p>Ok, so worlds best thing is Sport Wash - we all know that.. But, how do you wash your clothes? I put my workout stuff on gentle cycle, but MoCo isn't convinced that is best. Then I hang almost all my stuff.. I've started to dry the "tuble try low" stuff, but I'm convinced that will make it so they don't last as long.  Any thoughts, opinions, what do you do?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thx!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Note, we are buying a brandy new HI-E washer so we may try the gentle high-spin cycle or whatever, BUT...</p>
 
#2 ·
<p>We have a Kenmore Elite HE4t.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sport wash.</p>
<p>Normal cycle with heavy soil level on cold with second rinse.</p>
<p>Air dry on a wooden laundry rack.</p>
 
#3 ·
<p>We have a Whirlpool HE from Costco (couldn't tell you which one)...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I do normal cycle with cold water and cold rinse, and hang dry most things - especially bike stuff. I throw my oldest running shorts in the dryer on the lowest setting - newer ones I hang dry. I just use a HE detergent, which I'm sure isn't the best, but most convenient. I don't use fabric softener or dryer sheets on workout stuff - I read somewhere a long time ago that that stuff can impact the wicking properties of tech clothes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I will say that my stuff has perma-stink probably because I should be using sport wash.</p>
 
#4 ·
<p>Yes,the sport wash is HUGE in removing the perma stink! <br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>jenotter</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/72199/washing-workout-clothes#post_1977304"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>We have a Whirlpool HE from Costco (couldn't tell you which one)...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I do normal cycle with cold water and cold rinse, and hang dry most things - especially bike stuff. I throw my oldest running shorts in the dryer on the lowest setting - newer ones I hang dry. I just use a HE detergent, which I'm sure isn't the best, but most convenient. I don't use fabric softener or dryer sheets on workout stuff - I read somewhere a long time ago that that stuff can impact the wicking properties of tech clothes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I will say that my stuff has perma-stink probably because I should be using sport wash.</p>
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#5 ·
<p>I use sport wash but not with every wash cycle only every so often.  Other than that I use woolite.  I always use gentle cycle.  We have an LG (I think this is the brand) HE washer.  I also dry everything (except swimsuits) using gentle cycle low heat.  I have had most of my workout gear for lots of years (some stuff 10 years but none less than 3 years) and have never had a problem or noticed any issues with the wicking properties of the fabric or anything.  I also use a dryer sheet because otherwise static is too big a problem.  I'm wimpy and can't stand being shocked by my clothing.</p>
 
#6 ·
<p>What?  I always thought Adco had testicles.  Crazy!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A Man's Guide to Workout Clothes:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. Workout</p>
<p>2. Hang clothes to dry until wash day (mold is bad)</p>
<p>3. Throw in washer, normal detergent, vigorous cycle</p>
<p>4. Throw in dryer, normal cycle</p>
<p>5. Stuff in drawer, fold first if you're girly (I mean "metrosexual," sorry)</p>
<p>6. Repeat process</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So your workout clothes are a little smelly when you put them on?  I've got news for you - they're a whole lot worse twenty minutes later.  Who cares?!  What's this - you're worried that your $9 Champion C9 shirt can't handle the rigors of wash day?  I still have and wear shirts and shorts I bought six or seven years ago.  They're <em>supposed</em> to be a little shabby and smelly - that's how you know I'm a "real runner."  If I were running in $150 alpaca sweaters it might be a different story.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Perhaps the problem isn't your clothing or detergent choice, rather the crowd you exercise with.  Drop your membership with the Purple Hat Women's Friday Morning Jog 'n Tea Social and join the local county ball-buster club.  Problem solved.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You're welcome.</p>
 
#7 ·
<p>DH can't stand the smell of some of the workouts clothes, while I care less (I am with you Matt).  So he insists I wash (at least) his workouts clothes in HOT water and vigorous cycle (I am the laundry lady) and put them in dryer.  I don't put my good/favorite workouts clothes in dryer, I just feel they wouldt last longer without it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have you guys noticed the smell issue is not just for workout clothes?  Certain polyester-made clothes - the worst one to me is the boy scout shirts & pants - smell HORRIBLE.  I haven't found a solution yet.  I read somewhere (Good Housekeeping?  No I don't subsribe it, probably at MIL's house) HOT cycle with anmonia?  helps.  Has anybody tried it? </p>
 
#9 ·
<p>Matt- post of the year!  Okay, its early in the year, but still...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yoshiko - now I'm no expert on relationships (as anyone who has been on this forum for any length of time can attest), but I'm not sure that if I had someone who was willing to do my laundry that I'd be that particular about how it got done.  Hmmm, may be I need to get some pointers from your DH.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mike</p>
 
#10 ·
<p>Dearest Bannon:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Although I am the member of Team LIT (other than AdCo) most qualified to comment on his testicles, I will not.  I will also not comment on whether or not he is a cheap bastage who wants his workout stuff to last forever.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I will, however, say that "a little smelly" would be fine.  What AdCo's workout stuff gets if not washed in SportWash is more like "the stank" and is thus necessary to avoid.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Signed,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>fights about the "proper" way to do laundry</p>
<p> </p>
<p>PS:  my theory is if it says machine wash cold, tumble dry low, you can damn well machine wash cold, tumble dry low.  gentle cycle not needed.</p>
<p> </p>
 
#14 ·
<p>Nope.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I throw in a Bounce sheet.<br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>4boysmom</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/72199/washing-workout-clothes#post_1977546"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Scooby--don't you get static from the dryer?</p>
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#15 ·
<p>I used to go through all that hassle...</p>
<p>I gave it up. Now stuff gets recycled through the stink tree then... </p>
<p>I wash it and dry it along side everything else</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have not noticed any difference in wicking properties or lasting less long than any other article of clothing</p>
<p>I finally had to retire my favorite workout pants after 10 years due to DH complaining that others could see tush skin through the holes :( alas I do not think it was a laundry issue I think it was a worn and washed 3x a week for a decade issue, with a side of -at one point my arse got too big and pulled the seems :(  <span style="font-size:9px;">Don't tell they are still in the drawer cause I love them!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;">I will admit the scalding hot wash probably contributes to fading...but I don't so much care about that</span></p>
 
#16 ·
<p>That just means they are converted to pj's/lounge wear!<br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>melistic</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/72199/washing-workout-clothes#post_1977599"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>I finally had to retire my favorite workout pants after 10 years due to DH complaining that others could see tush skin through the holes  <span style="font-size:9px;">Don't tell they are still in the drawer cause I love them!</span></p>
<p> </p>
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#17 ·
<p>:)  the great thing about 98% of my wardrobe being sweat ready; it's all lounge wear. The bad thing is it's really hard to dress for a wedding ;)<br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>mrscoby78</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/72199/washing-workout-clothes#post_1977610"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>That just means they are converted to pj's/lounge wear!<br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>melistic</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/72199/washing-workout-clothes#post_1977599"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>I finally had to retire my favorite workout pants after 10 years due to DH complaining that others could see tush skin through the holes  <span style="font-size:9px;">Don't tell they are still in the drawer cause I love them!</span></p>
<p> </p>
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#18 ·
<p>I use a front loader, normal detergent, and warm water.  The key is I put in a cup of baking soda too... that keeps anything from stinking and it's a heck of a lot cheaper than Sport Wash.  I smell like a goat on a hot summer day and this method even takes that out of the clothes...</p>
 
#19 ·
<p>DH takes quite a bit of crap from me.  I can at least do (and other things!) for him.<span><img alt="love7.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/love7.gif" style="width:32px;height:45px;"></span><br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Alaska Mike</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/72199/washing-workout-clothes#post_1977429"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p> </p>
<p>Yoshiko - now I'm no expert on relationships (as anyone who has been on this forum for any length of time can attest), but I'm not sure that if I had someone who was willing to do my laundry that I'd be that particular about how it got done.  Hmmm, may be I need to get some pointers from your DH.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mike</p>
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#21 ·
<p>Regular wash.  Regular detergent, no softener.  Cold wash and rinse.  Hang to dry.  Never noticed any stink.  But for sure, I never put anything into the hamper when wet or damp, I let it dry fully first unless it gets washed right away.  My sports stuff even from 10 years ago still look pretty new (well, at least the wicking fabric stuff).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>MBannon: You totally rock!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sally</p>
 
#22 ·
<p>Perhaps we should ask T-man to weigh in.  <span><img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;"></span><br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Silly Sally</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/72199/washing-workout-clothes#post_1978006"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>  Never noticed any stink. </p>
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#23 ·
<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>MBannon</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/72199/washing-workout-clothes#post_1977339"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>What?  I always thought Adco had testicles.  Crazy!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A Man's Guide to Workout Clothes:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1. Workout</p>
<p>2. Hang clothes to dry until wash day (mold is bad)</p>
<p>3. Throw in washer, normal detergent, vigorous cycle</p>
<p>4. Throw in dryer, normal cycle</p>
<p>5. Stuff in drawer, fold first if you're girly (I mean "metrosexual," sorry)</p>
<p>6. Repeat process</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So your workout clothes are a little smelly when you put them on?  I've got news for you - they're a whole lot worse twenty minutes later.  Who cares?!  What's this - you're worried that your $9 Champion C9 shirt can't handle the rigors of wash day?  I still have and wear shirts and shorts I bought six or seven years ago.  They're <em>supposed</em> to be a little shabby and smelly - that's how you know I'm a "real runner."  If I were running in $150 alpaca sweaters it might be a different story.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Perhaps the problem isn't your clothing or detergent choice, rather the crowd you exercise with.  Drop your membership with the Purple Hat Women's Friday Morning Jog 'n Tea Social and join the local county ball-buster club.  Problem solved.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You're welcome.</p>
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<p><br>
MB great post! That's pretty much my routine as well except the occasional special batch w/sport wash (when i have a 'critical mass' of stanky things).  To increase duration between washes this winter, i've been wearing my cycling shorts and jersey into the shower after each trianer session ... give 'em a good rinse off and hang dry, reuse, repeat, and wait for that special wash day <span><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;"></span></p>
 
#24 ·
<p>Wait, you're supposed to wash stuff?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Huh. <span><img alt="help.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/help.gif" style="width:23px;height:15px;"></span></p>
 
#25 ·
<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>pcsronbo</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/72199/washing-workout-clothes#post_1978994"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Wait, you're supposed to wash stuff?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Huh. <span><img alt="help.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/help.gif" style="width:23px;height:15px;"></span></p>
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<br><br><p>Ew just EWWW !!  it might be o.k. for <em>some of us</em> to skip a wash cycle. I do not believe the same rule applies to you, my friend. I'm suprised the Mrs. hasn't made you install a shower in the pain cave so your frozen sweat-cicles never even make it into the house</p>
 
#26 ·
<p>Oh great, now she wants a haz mat tent put in the pain cave. I have NO idea where I'm gonna put it!!</p>
 
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