Moisture-wicking apparel is beneficial whether you are a marathon runner or simply enjoy a leisurely round of golf. It’s made to collect sweat-soaked liquid on the inside of your garments and transfer it to the outside, where it can evaporate more rapidly and keep you cool. Isn’t it incredible?
Moisture-wicking shirts and other clothing items are lifesavers for many athletes, but they aren’t ideal. The same cloth that keeps the sweat off your body can also house bacteria and produce certain unpleasant scents. And resolving those issues isn’t as simple as tossing your stinky clothes into the machine with a bit of extra soap and fabric softener or taking it to a laundry delivery service. In reality, the delicate high-tech fibers used to make your moisture-wicking garments can be damaged by those products.
So, how can you maintain your exercise clothing smelling fresh without wearing it out too quickly?
Here’s how to look after your moisture-wicking shirts and other clothing.
Clean dirty clothes right away
We understand. It’s easy to leave your gym clothing balled up in the bottom of your bag or your hamper with the rest of your clothes after an arduous workout. However, doing so will encourage the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Remove your moisture-wicking clothing and immediately rinse with cold water as soon as you get home. This aids in the removal of all those pesky bacteria, so be thorough! If they’re stinky, soak them in a solution of one part vinegar to four parts white vinegar in your sink. If feasible, toss them in the washer after thoroughly rinsing. If you don’t have a dryer, hang them up somewhere to dry or go to a dry cleaning service.
Washing
Read the care directions on the tag before washing moisture-wicking shirts or gear. To avoid damage, these goods should be cleaned with caution. They should always be laundered separately from other clothing items, notably zippered or buttoned pants, and hoodies.
For various reasons, turning your athletic apparel inside out before washing it is highly suggested. First, because the inside of your clothing is in direct contact with your body, it is the dirtiest. It’s easier for your washer to get rid of the grime if you turn your gear inside out. It also protects the outside of your clothing from damage while keeping colors vibrant. If something does become snagged in the wash, it will be on the inside, less noticeable.
Use a gentle detergent and use a little less than normal when washing your sporting wear. Avoid using fabric softener since it might become caught in the fabric’s fibers, preventing the moisture-wicking characteristics from operating correctly. Add one cup of white vinegar and one spoonful of baking soda to the washer to get rid of odors.
It’s important to remember that moisture-wicking shirts and pants should never be washed in hot water. It has the potential to harm the fibers and obliterate the wicking abilities. To avoid damage, just wash your gym gear in cold water.
Storing them appropriately
It’s also crucial to store your moisture-wicking gear with caution. Because most blank t-shirts and leggings created from this material are stretchy, they should not be hung on hangers. Gravity’s pulling force might leave unsightly hanger scars or stretch out your favorite leggings, making them overly long.
Workout clothes should be folded properly and stored in a drawer. However, do not store moisture-wicking clothes until they are entirely dry. Even a tiny amount of moisture can encourage the growth of odor-producing mold and mildew.
For all types of athletes, moisture-wicking shirts and clothing are essential. You can extend the life of your gear by following a few simple procedures to properly care for it, allowing you to stay in the game longer.
Also read: 4 Types of Clothing With Some Best Natural Fibers
