How To Clean Popular Workout Wear + Acessories

Nothing beats a good workout, so why not make sure your workout clothes stay in great shape, too?

To make it easier, you can always send your workout clothes and accessories to us – we have all the tech and expertise to clean up sweaty stuff. But, if you’re curious, here’s some info on how to refresh some popular items (remember to always check your care labels first!).

Barre socks

Why you need them? So you don’t have to go barefoot, because you can’t wear shoes in barre class. You can use these for yoga, too, if you’d rather not be barefoot in front of strangers at your workout classes. They’re recommended for low-impact workouts like barre, pilates, and yoga for stability – so you don’t slip and fall, since they have grips on the underside. 

How to clean them? More carefully than regular socks. Wash them inside out with your delicates (or on a gentle cycle), and put them in a mesh delicates bag so the sticky grips on the bottom don’t come off. You can dry them on low heat if you’re in a rush, but be careful not to let them get too hot – again, you want to watch out for those sticky dots. Air-drying is usually the best option.

Cycle shorts

Why you need them? Have you ever tried to ride a bike in flowy pants? The bike chain means disaster for anything that comes near it, and getting your pants caught in a bike chain can easily ruin your chain AND your pants. Therefore, you need nice, compressive bike shorts or pants, usually with some extra padding at the crotch (those bike seats can get extra uncomfortable the longer you ride).

How to clean them? Preferably on a cold or delicate cycle, away from other contrasting fabrics. Use a gentle detergent, free from heavy scents or dyes, and don’t use softener. You can throw in a sports detergent if you feel like they’re extra sweaty. Lay flat to dry, heat is bad for the elastic and can set-in smells that may not have gotten out.

Yoga mats

Why you need it? Who wants to sit on a hard floor? Or worse, fall on a hard floor from crow pose. They provide stability and reduce the risk of injuries – no one wants to fall from a crow pose onto a hard floor. They also make yoga more comfortable. 

How do you clean it? This can be tricky. Yoga mats can absolutely be breeding grounds for bacteria, especially depending on the type of mat, and you don’t want to mess around with that. If you’re using your mat outside, they get even dirtier. You should be wiping your mat down after every practice with a store-bought cleaner. Then, depending on use, you should deep-clean at least once a month. If you’re doing a lot of hot yoga or outdoor activities, consider cleaning more frequently.

To deep clean, you should soak it in a bathtub with dish soap (a tablespoon per gallon, and you don’t need to fill the tub up, just enough to soak the mat) and cool-to-warm water for about 15 minutes, then scrub it with a sponge. Rinse by draining and refilling the tub, then hang to dry. 

This is a bit much and is a workout in itself.  Did you know we clean yoga mats? You can send your mat our way and we’ll give it a good deep clean.

Athleisure

Why do you need it? Light workouts or casual days, WFH, walking around town to run errands, and all the things you don’t want to dress up for.

How do you clean it? Read the labels, the rules will vary depending on the brand and material. Usually, you can wash it with your regular athletic wear. Don’t ever use fabric softener, and try to use a natural, mild detergent. Why? Because detergent buildup is real. After a while, soap can build up in fabrics and start to collect and trap smells. This is why it’s important to pay attention to labels to make sure you’re not using too much detergent, because more detergent does not equal more clean. 

Running Shoes 

Why do you need them? Running shoes are a must for making sure you don’t get pavement-induced complications. Shin splints, knee problems, even back problems can result from improper support. If you’re an avid runner, you probably already know that you can go to shoe stores and do simple tests to get a customized fit. For those of you who aren’t marathon runners, you can probably just get some Nikes or Adidas designed for running. Do your research, though, because your needs will vary depending on what you’re looking for from your runs.

How to clean them? Many running shoes can be put through a hand wash or gentle cycle on your washing machine. Especially if you aren’t very invested in them – like that old, extra pair of Nikes you save for dirty hiking expeditions or a rainy-day run. It’s probably safe to use the machine and some mild detergent (take out the laces and don’t dry them). If you’re more invested in your shoes, it’s better to hand-clean. 

Take out the insoles and scrub with a water and vinegar mixture and let them air dry. Vinegar helps with the smell. For the outside, scrub with a brush and a mild soap and water mixture, then rinse them off. Stick some towels inside while they air dry to soak up excess water and help them keep their shape. 

There you have it, some good Clean tips and tricks for keeping up with your workout wear. Make sure you always read the care labels, and if you’re unsure, send your workout gear our way. We’ll give them the good deep clean they deserve.