Washing Workout Wear???

Kathy · 12-29-09, 06:18 AM

I received some really cool yoga and workout clothes for Christmas this year. In the past, I just washed them separate in Woolite but I was wondering if there was a special way I should wash them to preserve them longer.

Do you do anything different?

Thanks in advance.
Kathy

tlchello · 12-29-09, 08:16 AM

Hubby and I go through a lot of running (and swimming for him) gear during a week and all we do (based on the advice of some other runners) is wash the clothes in the washing machine with regular detergent (just cut the amount in half) and then hang to dry. Never use the dryer and never use fabric softener as both of these things affect the "wicking" ability of the fabric. We actually installed a pull-out clothes line across our rec room. I know it isn't very attractive to have laundry hanging in a room but the only people usually down there are the kids when they are playing. The clothes are always dry overnight and good as new.

J'Ann · 12-29-09, 08:24 AM

Don't dry them on high. I've at least 8 pieces that don't fit due to people who won't listen to me doing my laundry.

J'Ann

jhsimpson · 12-29-09, 09:34 AM

I'd also recommend a 1/4 cup of White Vinegar. It knocks out the 'funk' and eliminates the need for the fabric softener (a.k.a. 'perfume for laundry')!

caligurl · 12-29-09, 09:37 AM

get rid of the woolite!!! that's one of the worst/harshest detergeants for workout wear! i called a company once because my bike shorts were wearing out and the first question out of their mouth was do i use woolite (i did at the time) and then told me it was harsh and ruining my delicate workout wear.... they said to use a scentless/colorless detereant (so your regular stuff) and as stated above.... no fabric softener and hang to dry.

Kathryn · 12-29-09, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caligurl

get rid of the woolite!!! that's one of the worst/harshest detergeants for workout wear! i called a company once because my bike shorts were wearing out and the first question out of their mouth was do i use woolite (i did at the time) and then told me it was harsh and ruining my delicate workout wear.... they said to use a scentless/colorless detereant (so your regular stuff) and as stated above.... no fabric softener and hang to dry.

I agree.
An instructor in a knitting class I once took (or maybe it was a spinning class?) told us to NEVER use Woolite (and this was for WOOL!) because it was so harsh.

You can also buy special detergent for workout wear, like WIN Green, that is both gentle on the fabric, and deodorizing. Or use a gentle detergent (I get mine at a health food store) and gentle cycle on the washer, and hang dry.

I also recommend using white vinegar as a wash additive, as jhsimpson posted.

Lucky Star · 12-29-09, 03:24 PM

Wow, and I always thought Woolite must be gentle cause it was for delicate woolens and fabrics.

Kathryn · 12-29-09, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky Star

Wow, and I always thought Woolite must be gentle cause it was for delicate woolens and fabrics.

You'd think so, wouldn't you? I was very surprised to hear that it was so harsh on wool (after all, it's WOOLite,

I guess a name like "WoolHARSH" while perhaps more accurate, wouldn't do much for sales, LOL!).

joycet · 12-29-09, 06:51 PM

Oh my, I didn't know Woolite was so harsh! Thanks for the heads up on that!

lfcjasp · 12-29-09, 08:08 PM

Guess I can tell DH no need to pick-up some Woolite

I've found that using a cooler water temp (like setting your water heater to a lower temp...no dishwasher, so ours is set low) and the most gentle cycle on your washer (mine has a handwashing cycle!) along with a fairly gentle detergent is great for anything needing gentle handling...and air drying (line drying) is best.

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12-29-09, 06:18 AM
Kathy VF Supporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Virginia	Washing Workout Wear??? I received some really cool yoga and workout clothes for Christmas this year. In the past, I just washed them separate in Woolite but I was wondering if there was a special way I should wash them to preserve them longer. Do you do anything different? Thanks in advance. Kathy

12-29-09, 08:16 AM
tlchello Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Canada	Hubby and I go through a lot of running (and swimming for him) gear during a week and all we do (based on the advice of some other runners) is wash the clothes in the washing machine with regular detergent (just cut the amount in half) and then hang to dry. Never use the dryer and never use fabric softener as both of these things affect the "wicking" ability of the fabric. We actually installed a pull-out clothes line across our rec room. I know it isn't very attractive to have laundry hanging in a room but the only people usually down there are the kids when they are playing. The clothes are always dry overnight and good as new.

12-29-09, 08:24 AM
J'Ann Join Date: Nov 2004	Don't dry them on high. I've at least 8 pieces that don't fit due to people who won't listen to me doing my laundry. J'Ann

12-29-09, 09:34 AM
jhsimpson Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Dallas Texas Metroplex	White Vinegar I'd also recommend a 1/4 cup of White Vinegar. It knocks out the 'funk' and eliminates the need for the fabric softener (a.k.a. 'perfume for laundry')!

12-29-09, 09:37 AM
caligurl Join Date: May 2004 Location: SoCal	get rid of the woolite!!! that's one of the worst/harshest detergeants for workout wear! i called a company once because my bike shorts were wearing out and the first question out of their mouth was do i use woolite (i did at the time) and then told me it was harsh and ruining my delicate workout wear.... they said to use a scentless/colorless detereant (so your regular stuff) and as stated above.... no fabric softener and hang to dry. __________________ ----- evil enabler! ----- it is NOT against the rules to say DIET on this forum! ----- "VFers have a right to post negative opinions about an instructor, and there is not a limit on the number of times they do so". - WWWendy ----- "...no matter how unpopular you perceive your opinion to be, we guarantee you are not the only one here who holds that opinion, and you should feel free to express it." - WWWendy via forum guidelines

12-29-09, 03:24 PM
Lucky Star VF Supporter Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: A helluva town	Wow, and I always thought Woolite must be gentle cause it was for delicate woolens and fabrics. __________________ ~ Gina ~ "Remain cheerful, for nothing destructive can pierce through the solid wall of cheerfulness." ~Sri Chinmoy "We are so fortunate that we get to exercise!" ~Erin O'Brien

12-29-09, 06:51 PM
joycet VF Supporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Indianapolis	Oh my, I didn't know Woolite was so harsh! Thanks for the heads up on that!

12-29-09, 08:08 PM
lfcjasp Exchange Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Hampton Roads, VA	Guess I can tell DH no need to pick-up some Woolite I've found that using a cooler water temp (like setting your water heater to a lower temp...no dishwasher, so ours is set low) and the most gentle cycle on your washer (mine has a handwashing cycle!) along with a fairly gentle detergent is great for anything needing gentle handling...and air drying (line drying) is best. __________________ Lydia