Hot weather can make sportswear harder to keep fresh. Sweat, humidity and dust can leave activewear feeling damp and smelling less than fresh if it is not washed properly. The good news is that a few simple washing habits can help keep your sportswear clean, fresh and ready for your next training session.
This article outlines how to wash sportswear in hot weather and keep it fresh between workouts.
Key Highlights
Air-dry the sportswear within an hour of training.
Wash your sportswear separately. Do not wash them along with towels, denim, and heavy cotton.
Turn every garment inside out before loading it in the machine. Opt for a cold and gentle cycle.
Use the recommended dose of detergent.
Dry your clothes in the shade or indoors, not under direct sunlight.
How to Wash Sportswear: Step by Step
Follow these steps for a thorough wash. Below is an end-to-end guide on how to wash sportswear efficiently:
1. Air it first
Take your sportswear out of your gym bag as soon as possible after training. Let the clothes air out before washing them, rather than leaving sweaty garments in a closed bag where odours can linger.
2. Sort the load
Wash sportswear separately from heavier items such as towels and denim. Avoid mixing it with clothes that have buttons, zips or other rough details that could rub against the fabric during the wash.
3. Prepare the clothes
Close all zips and fastenings before putting the clothes in the machine. Turning sportswear inside out can also help protect the outer surface of the fabric during washing.
4. Set the wash cycle
Use a gentle cycle with cold water as recommended on the garment care label. A cooler, gentle wash can help care for sportswear fabrics while cleaning away sweat and everyday dirt.
5. Add your detergent
Use the recommended amount of detergent for the size of your load. For a standard load, use one Ariel Ultra PODS or Ariel Platinum Clean Powder according to the product instructions.
6. Skip the softener
Don’t add fabric softener for sportswear as it would coat the garment and trap the odour.
7. Go for an extra rinse
If your sportswear still feels soapy or has noticeable sweat residue after washing, an extra rinse can help remove any remaining detergent and residue from the fabric.
8. Unload immediately
Remove your sportswear from the washing machine as soon as the cycle ends. Shake out the garments and air-dry them in a well-ventilated, shaded area, following the care instructions on the label.
Why Hot Weather Makes Sportswear Harder to Clean
The smell in sportswear does not come from sweat alone. Bacteria on the skin break down sweat and body oils, and the odour that follows settles into the fibres as the garment dries.
Fabric type is what determines what follows. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and elastane repel water but retain body oils. If poorly washed, this would leave the source of the smell in the garment. Cotton, on the other hand, absorbs sweat. It may seem clean as it dries and starts to smell again as soon as it is damp.
Heat adds to both. Heavier sweating leaves salt in the fabric, and airborne dust is attracted to anything that is still damp.
Hence, using detergents like Ariel Platinum Clean Gel - Floral Breeze or Ariel Platinum Clean Gel - Lavender helps clean your sportswear while leaving clothes with a fresh fragrance.
What to Do Between Training and the Wash
Do not leave sportswear in a closed bag or inside your parked vehicle. Heat and trapped moisture can encourage bacteria and odour to build up. Instead, take the clothes out and let them air-dry in a well-ventilated area.
If you are unable to wash clothes immediately, rinse the clothes in cold water before air-drying them.
For collar and underarm marks, pre-treat the garment with some Ariel Platinum Clean Gel before washing.
How Much Detergent to Use
An important aspect of knowing how to wash sportswear is detergent quantity. Using too little detergent may leave sweat and body oils on the fabric, which can contribute to lingering odours. On the other hand, using too much detergent can leave residue on the fibres, making the fabric feel stiff and potentially trapping odours.
Always check the detergent packaging for the recommended dosage based on your load size.
Drying in a Hot Climate
Avoid drying sportswear in direct sunlight. While it can help clothes dry faster, prolonged exposure may fade colours and affect elastic fibres. Instead, dry sportswear in a shaded, well-ventilated area or indoors. Also, bring them indoors once they are completely dry to prevent dust from settling on them.
Avoid tumble drying unless the garment care label says it is suitable. High heat can affect some synthetic fabrics and elastic materials.
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