Washing a tracksuit in a washing machine

Having purchased high-quality, expensive training gear, you want to wear it for as long as possible. The longevity of an item largely depends on proper care. Let's look at how to properly wash a tracksuit, and whether machine washing is acceptable or hand washing is recommended.

All information is on the label

Sportswear is made from a variety of fabrics: fleece, diving fabric, polyester, cotton, and velvet. Therefore, care instructions will vary from case to case. Be sure to read the label; it provides basic recommendations for washing, drying, and ironing the suit.

The manufacturer indicates on the label:

• What fabric is the set made of?
• Is automatic cleaning possible?
• What water temperature is optimal for washing?
• preferred washing machine mode;
• acceptable spin speed;
• drying method;
• ironing temperature;
• dry cleaning options.

If the tag is missing or the information on it has faded, you can follow general care recommendations for a specific type of fabric. The key is to understand the material your tracksuit is made of.

Is it worth cleaning every day?

It's advisable to wash your workout clothes after every workout. During intense workouts, your shirt and pants become soaked with sweat. The damp environment is ideal for bacteria to thrive. Also, after physical activity, the foul odor is absorbed deep into the fabric fibers, making it very difficult to remove.

It is advisable to wash your tracksuit within 24 hours after your workout.

If you can't clean your uniform immediately after coming home from the gym, it's important to at least dry and air it out. Drying will help stop bacteria from growing. Of course, if your uniform is only worn for evening strolls and not to the gym, there's no need to wash it after every wear.

About care methods

Unless the tag states otherwise, you can throw your tracksuit in the washing machine. General washing guidelines for workout clothes are as follows:

• run a gentle but quick cycle with an extra rinse;
• Before loading into the drum, fasten all zippers and buttons on the windbreaker;
• turn the product inside out;
• Taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations, manually adjust the spin speed and water heating temperature;
• Do not use household chemicals with aggressive components or chlorine-containing products.

It's recommended to use special laundry bags. The mesh will help prevent snagging and fraying of the fabric, as well as deformation of the sleeves, neckline, and legs. This is a must when loading thin running shirts and thermal underwear into the drum.

To neutralize unpleasant odors from sportswear, soak the suit in a vinegar solution for half an hour. Add 200 ml of white vinegar to a liter of water. After soaking, rinse the suit several times and load it into the washing machine for the main wash.

We will select a remedy

Almost all training kits are recommended to be washed in cool water, but the powder granules dissolve poorly at low temperatures. The granules get stuck in the seams and clog the pores of the membrane fabric. Incompletely rinsed detergent can trigger allergies and cause skin irritation. It is better to give preference to special gels for washing sportswear. Let's give some examples.

1. Cotico's concentrated gel cleaner is specially formulated for cleaning sportswear and sneakers. Effective in cold water, it gently cleans fabric fibers, easily removing even the most stubborn stains. It maintains the shape and brightness of garments and neutralizes unpleasant odors.
   
2. Burti Sport&Outdoor Gel is also designed to combat odors and stains on sportswear. It effectively removes sweat, dirt, and blood stains, even in cold water. It maintains the elasticity of fabric fibers, preventing deformation. No additional fabric conditioner is required. It is also suitable for cleaning membranes.

All sportswear gels are machine-safe. When choosing a detergent, consider the color and type of fabric.

Do you need a rinse aid?

When cleaning tracksuits, it's permissible to use a softening conditioner, with the exception of suits made from membrane fabrics. Rinsing agents have a negative impact on the membrane, impairing its breathability and temperature-regulating properties.

When washing a membrane suit, you can add a "safe" fabric conditioner to the washing machine. This is white vinegar. Just 50-100 ml of acetic acid will soften the garment and provide an anti-static effect.

About drying and ironing

Experts do not recommend using the tumble dryer setting. High temperatures can cause items to lose their elasticity. If there's no other option, use the lowest heat setting.

After removing the set from the drum, be sure to shake the items thoroughly. This will help prevent creases and wrinkles from forming in the fabric.

The best option is to lay the tracksuit out on a drying rack and let it dry naturally.

Sportswear is typically not ironed. If necessary, turn the garment inside out and iron it through a layer of cheesecloth, using the lowest iron setting.

   

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