Posted By: Truly Free
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Posted On: 9/24/2024
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If you’re anything like me, you live in leggings. They’re the perfect wardrobe staple for running errands, doing chores, and, of course, working out. But if you don’t pay attention, an innocent laundry day can turn into a nightmare (read: you accidentally shrunk your favorite leggings).
Then there’s the smell. Ever taken freshly laundered workout gear out of the dryer only to realize it still stinks? It’s a common issue. Activewear is primarily made of moisture-wicking materials that are great at keeping you cool and even better at trapping bacteria, making it difficult to get rid of body oils and sweat odors, even in the wash.
That’s why it’s so important to clean and care for activewear correctly. Not only will you extend the life of your leggings, you’ll banish lingering odors for good.
The right pre-wash prep techniques will ensure your activewear maintains its shape and that you successfully disinfect bacteria.
Presoak. If you have particularly smelly workout clothes, give them a good soak to start breaking down odor-causing germs before throwing them in the wash. Fill your sink with warm water, add 4 caps of vinegar, and let your leggings soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
Treat stains. Tackle days-old stains by pre-treating them with Truly Free Non-Toxic Stain Spray. It’s formulated with powerful, chemical-free ingredients so it’s safe on your skin but tough on stains.
Turn clothes inside out. After you presoak and treat stains on your activewear, turn them inside out. This is key to preserving the elasticity and keeping them from stretching out in the wash.
Wash separately. Sweat-infused leggings and sports bras have no business being washed with your other laundry. Be sure to wash them separately and in smaller loads to ensure they get fully clean.
Now that you’re ready to toss your activewear in the washing machine, the next step is ensuring you choose the right settings and use the best products.
Washer settings. Workout clothes should always be washed on a cold cycle on gentle. Hot water can break down material fibers causing leggings to wear out more quickly.
Avoid overly scented products. Detergents that are chock full of synthetic fragrances contain toxic chemicals that can cause skin irritation, allergies, and worse. Not only that, these ingredients attach to oils and trap bacteria, making it even more difficult to remove odors.
Use non-toxic detergent. Everyday detergents include harmful optical brighteners, parabens, phthalates, and dyes that put you and your family’s health at risk. Instead, opt for Truly Free Laundry Wash. The non-toxic concentrate relies on patented, plant-based chemistry to dissolve away bacteria, odors, and stains. Even better, it’s safe for the whole family.
Avoid using too much detergent. In an effort to stamp out the stink, you might be tempted to go overboard with the laundry detergent. This is a mistake. When you add too much detergent, it doesn’t get totally rinsed out of your clothes and ends up doing the opposite of what you intended — trapping odors.
Use a laundry booster. For particularly grubby activewear, add a non-toxic laundry booster like Truly Free Enzyme Stain Remover or OxyBoost to the load. Both are chemical-free bleach alternatives that will get your workout outfits as fresh as the day you bought them.
Just like products, the settings you use to wash activewear is ultra-important. Here’s exactly which to use and what to avoid.
Machine wash. When it comes to washing, the delicate cycle and cool water are non-negotiables. Heat is bad for your clothes, and while workout clothes are durable, even a normal cycle will make them more prone to wear and tear.
Hand wash. If you’re only washing two or three pairs of leggings, skip the washer and hand wash them instead. You’ll cut back on the amount of water and other resources you’re using while still getting them clean. To do this, fill your sink or tub with cool water, add detergent, and use your hands to distribute the soap. Soak for 30 minutes before rinsing in cool water until all detergent is gone. Avoid wringing to remove excess water.
Air dry. Drying on high heat or in direct sunlight degrades fibers, reduces elasticity, and breaks down the moisture-wicking and quick-drying qualities of the performance materials. Instead, hang activewear to dry on a drying rack or flat on a table.
Machine dry. Only use the dryer if you absolutely have to. If you’re in a time crunch, throw your leggings in on the low- or no-heat setting for 15 minutes at a time until dry.
Click here to grab your Laundry Bundle- specially curated for SweetFlexx!
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