Washing sports leggings effectively requires specific care to maintain their elasticity, wicking properties, and odor control. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure your favorite activewear stays fresh and lasts longer.
Why Proper Care Matters for Sports Leggings
Sports leggings are typically made from synthetic fabrics like nylon, spandex, polyester, or blends designed to be breathable, moisture-wicking, and stretchy. These materials, while high-performance, are sensitive to heat and harsh chemicals, which can degrade their fibers, leading to loss of elasticity, pilling, and diminished wicking capabilities. Proper washing protects these features, prevents odors from setting in, and extends the lifespan of your gear.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Sports Leggings
Caring for your sports leggings doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a detailed approach:
Pre-Wash Preparation
Before tossing your leggings into the machine, a little prep work goes a long way:
- Turn Inside Out: Always turn your sports leggings inside out. This protects the outer fabric from abrasion, preserves any prints or logos, and allows the detergent to better reach the areas where sweat and oils accumulate most – the inside.
- Separate by Fabric and Color: Wash activewear with similar fabrics and colors. Avoid washing with heavy items like jeans or anything that sheds lint, like cotton towels, as lint can cling to synthetic fibers.
- Pre-Rinse (Optional): If your leggings are particularly sweaty or muddy, a quick rinse under cold water can help remove loose dirt and excess sweat before the main wash cycle.
Washing Instructions
The washing machine is your friend, but specific settings and products are key for activewear.
- Use Cold Water: Always wash your sportswear in cold water. Cold water protects the fabric's integrity, prevents shrinking, and saves energy. Hot water can break down synthetic fibers and elastic over time.
- Choose the Right Detergent: For the best results, make sure you use a detergent specifically formulated to handle tough sweat marks and malodour. Products like Ariel Platinum PODS® + Febreze Odour Defence are designed for this purpose, offering enhanced odour defence and targeting deep-seated smells. Avoid detergents with excessive dyes or perfumes, which can sometimes irritate skin.
- Opt for a Gentle Cycle: Select your washing machine's delicate or gentle cycle. This setting uses lower spin speeds and less agitation, which is kinder to stretchy fabrics.
- Skip Fabric Softener: Fabric softener can be detrimental to sports leggings. It leaves a residue that clogs the pores of moisture-wicking fabrics, trapping bacteria and odors, and reducing their breathability and stretch. Learn more about why fabric softener harms activewear.
- Avoid Bleach: Never use bleach on synthetic activewear. Bleach can damage the fabric fibers, cause discoloration, and reduce the garment's elasticity.
Here’s a quick overview of detergent choices:
| Detergent Type | Best For | Avoid If |
|---|---|---|
| Activewear-Specific | Odor removal, preserving fabric technology | Usually more expensive |
| Standard Liquid Detergent | General cleaning | Might not tackle deep odors as effectively |
| Powder Detergent | Can sometimes leave residue on synthetic fabrics | Not ideal for cold water washes (may not dissolve fully) |
Drying Your Sports Leggings
Drying activewear correctly is just as important as washing it.
- Air Dry is Best: The most recommended method is to air dry your sports leggings. Hang them on a drying rack or clothesline, away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors and degrade elastic. Air drying helps maintain elasticity and prevents heat damage.
- Low Heat Tumble Dry (If Necessary): If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting or an "air fluff" cycle. Remove the leggings while they are still slightly damp to minimize exposure to heat. High heat can damage the elastic and cause shrinkage or pilling.
- Avoid Dryer Sheets: Like fabric softeners, dryer sheets can leave a waxy residue on your activewear, hindering its performance features.
Essential Tips for Longevity
- Wash Promptly: Don't let sweaty leggings sit in a hamper for too long. The longer they sit, the more likely bacteria and odors are to set in.
- Don't Overfill the Machine: Give your leggings room to move in the washer. An overfilled machine won't clean items effectively and can cause friction that damages fabrics.
- Use Less Detergent: Too much detergent can lead to residue build-up, trapping odors. Use the recommended amount, or even slightly less, especially for front-loading machines.
- Consider Washing Bags: For very delicate leggings, use a mesh laundry bag. This provides an extra layer of protection against snags and stretching during the wash cycle.
- Store Properly: Once dry, fold or hang your leggings neatly. Avoid crushing them in tight drawers, which can affect their shape over time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Hot Water: Damages elastic and synthetic fibers.
- Fabric Softener: Clogs moisture-wicking pores and traps odors.
- Harsh Detergents/Bleach: Degrade fabric and cause discoloration.
- High Heat Drying: Damages elasticity and can cause pilling.
- Washing with Lint-Producing Items: Causes pilling and dulls fabric appearance.
When to Consider Hand Washing
For highly delicate sports leggings or those with intricate designs, hand washing can be a gentler alternative. Fill a basin with cold water, add a small amount of activewear-specific detergent, and gently agitate the leggings. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all soap is gone, then gently squeeze out excess water before air drying.
By integrating these practices into your laundry routine, your sports leggings will stay comfortable, perform well, and look great for many workouts to come.
