It's true that sweat doesn't ruin sportswear, but why do they lose their shape, color, and breathability after a few months? Is the problem with the fabrics themselves or with the washing of sportswear?
Many sportswear quickly become unusable, why? Because of this washing mistake sports clothes!
Sportswear is designed for movement, sweating and endurance – but not for normal washing cycles, which destroy them faster than we would like. Special fibers that regulate moisture and body temperature require a completely different approach.
Recurring errors in washing sportswear, they are not small – they affect breathability, elasticity, and even hygiene.
The biggest mistakes when washing sportswear
1. Washing at too high temperatures
Hot water kills bacteria, but it can damages elastic fibers and destroys the fabric structure. Sportswear is not designed to be washed at 60 degrees. Most of these fabrics “survive” best in a colder wash, ideal at 30 degreesHigh temperature also affects the stretchability and compression functions of clothing.
2. Using fabric softener
Although fabric softener seems like a good choice for a pleasant smell, when used on sportswear, it loses its functionality. Fabric softener creates a layer that closes the pores of the fabric, so the clothes no longer breathe as they should.
As a result, unpleasant odors and bacteria remain in them. The moisture wicking function disappears after just a few washes with fabric softener.
3. Excessive detergent dosage
More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes. On the contrary – excess detergent often does not rinse completely from the fabric, causing skin irritation and clogged pores in the material.
Residues cause hardness and discomfort when worn. Less is truly more in this case.
4. Washing with other clothes
Mixing sportswear and everyday clothes in the same cycle can damage delicate fabrics. Rough materials like jeans or zippers cause friction and they damage softer sports fibers. In addition, clothing colors can bleed into each other, leading to discoloration.
5. Using a dryer
The dryer destroys elasticity. Heat can shrinks fabrics or permanently deforms themSportswear is best dried naturally, turned inside out and away from direct sunlight. This way it retains its shape and color.
6. Washing too often or too rarely
It is also important to find a balance when it comes to washing frequency. Washing too often leads to material wear, but too little allows bacteria and persistent odors to grow. It is recommended to wash clothes after any significant sweating, but always gently and thoughtfully.
7. Ignoring specific instructions on the label
The right care is written on the labels – but most people never look at them. That's where you'll find information about maximum temperature, drying bans or ironing. Following these instructions will preserve the functionality of the fabric.
8. Improper drying after washing
Wet clothes left in the machine for hours develop an unpleasant odor and bacteria. Immediately after washing They should be hung and spread out to dry evenly. Wrinkled wet clothes are a breeding ground for mold and loss of freshness.
