You crushed your workout. You’re riding the endorphin high. But then you catch a whiff of your gym bag, and suddenly, it hits you: muscle definition isn’t the only thing you’ve been gaining.
Yeah, workout gear can get real funky, real fast. And because athletic clothes are made with high-tech fabrics designed to stretch, breathe, and wick moisture, they can be surprisingly easy to ruin in the wash. If you’ve ever pulled a pair of gym shorts out of the dryer only to find them out of shape, shrunken, or still smelling like yesterday’s spin class, you’re in good company.
So how do you actually wash workout clothes the right way? Let’s break down the do’s and don’ts of keeping your sportswear fresh, functional, and long-lasting.
Related: How to Remove Sweat Stains From Hats Without Ruining Them
DO: Wash Your Workout Clothes ASAP
Sweaty clothes are a breeding ground for bacteria, and the longer they sit, the funkier they get. Toss them in the wash right after your workout, or at least hang them up to air out if you can’t get to the laundry right away.
Letting workout clothes marinate in your hamper locks in odors while also increasing the chance of sweat and body oils staining the fabric. Over time, that buildup can make clothes look dingy, feel stiff, and smell permanently sour.
Pro Tip: Turn clothes inside out to target odor and bacteria where they build up most: on the inside.
DON’T: Use Fabric Softener
It may smell nice, but fabric softener is the enemy of activewear. It leaves a waxy coating on fabrics that clogs up moisture-wicking fibers, making your gear less breathable and harder to clean over time. This residue can also trap odor-causing bacteria inside the fibers, making it nearly impossible to get your clothes fully clean no matter how many times you wash them. Over time, your sportswear will stop performing the way it’s supposed to.
Instead, use a gentle, activewear-safe detergent that won’t interfere with fabric technology. These detergents are formulated to cut through sweat and odor without leaving behind buildup.
DO: Wash in Cold Water
Hot water can break down elasticity and damage performance fabrics. Always wash your workout gear in cold water on a gentle cycle to help preserve stretch and shape.
Cold water is not only more energy-efficient, it’s also gentler on the synthetic materials most activewear is made from, like spandex, Lycra, and polyester. These fabrics rely on their stretch to support your movement and form, so keeping that elasticity intact is paramount. This also helps prevent sweat stains from setting into lighter fabrics, especially if you’re washing light-colored sports bras, tees, or shorts.
Pro Tip: Always check your garments’ care tags to ensure they’re cleaned the right way.
DON’T: Overload the Washer
Gym clothes need room to move so detergent can properly penetrate. Overloading your washing machine leads to less effective cleaning and lingering odors. Cramming too many items into one load also increases friction, which can cause pilling and premature wear and tear on delicate performance fabrics. Plus, overstuffing your washer may prevent rinse cycles from fully removing sweat, detergent, and body oils.
Wash your workout gear in smaller loads for a deeper, fresher clean and better longevity overall.
DO: Skip the Dryer (Most of the Time)
Can you put gym clothes in the dryer? Technically yes — but it’s risky. High heat can destroy elastic fibers and break down moisture-wicking properties. If you must use a dryer, stick to the lowest heat setting and remove items while still slightly damp.
Air drying is your best bet for keeping your workout clothes looking and feeling new. Hang them flat on a drying rack or lay them across a clean towel to preserve their shape and avoid stretching.
DON’T: Ignore Lingering Smells
Still battling sweat stench after washing? Try adding one cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle to help break down odor-causing buildup. Baking soda in the wash can also help neutralize persistent smells (just don’t use the baking soda and vinegar at the same time, as this can weaken the cleaning properties of both).
Workout fabrics and base layers can easily trap odor deep in the fibers. Even if your clothes look clean, a stubborn stink can mean it’s time for a deeper clean or a professional refresh.
DO: Bring Your Workout Clothes to the Professionals at Dependable Cleaners
Some smells are tougher than others, and some fabrics — especially compression gear and leggings — need extra TLC. Don’t sweat the laundry. If you want to extend the life of your activewear, Dependable Cleaners offers gentle, effective care for your go-to gym gear.
Our expert cleaners know how to wash workout clothes the right way, preserving fit, function, and freshness with every clean. We use specialized, eco-friendly techniques to remove stubborn sweat smells, tackle tough stains like deodorant and sunscreen, and help your favorite pieces stay stretchy, soft, and ready for whatever workout comes next. We even offer same-day cleaning, free pickup & delivery, and convenient 24-hour drop offs, so your laundry routine doesn’t have to break a sweat.
Find a location today, or give us a call at 303-777-2673
