We’ve all worn the same workout set that we wore a few days ago without washing it. Especially if you work out regularly, your laundry basket can quickly fill up with workout clothes if you wash them after every session. But is it actually harmful to wear your workout clothes multiple times before washing them?
Dirty Clothes
If you’ve sweated a lot during your workout, sweat, dirt, and bacteria can accumulate in your workout clothes. This can not only lead to unpleasant odors but also cause skin irritations or infections. Due to the tight fit of workout clothing, bacteria can easily settle in your clothes and on your body, whether you’ve sweat or not. Therefore, it’s important not to walk around in your workout clothes for hours after your workout, as this increases the risk of these undesirable consequences.
In the Laundry
Especially after intense workouts, you’ll want to wash your workout clothes immediately. There are bacteria on our skin, and that’s completely normal. Most bacteria can survive well on your clothes, meaning that when you wear the set again the next day, you’re essentially carrying a breeding ground for bacteria.
Haven’t worked out intensely? Then you can leave your clothes for a while before washing them. On warm, sunny days, it’s often enough to hang your workout clothes outside in the sun because UV light damages bacteria, making them less likely to multiply.
Types of Workout Clothes
The fit of your workout clothes also influences how often you should wash them. Tight clothing, like sports bras or tight leggings, is recommended to be washed more often. It’s best to wear these clothes only once, as the skin under your breasts is a place where fungal infections can easily occur.
The Right Washing Method
Sweaty workout clothes should be washed at a high temperature. However, avoid using fabric softener, as it leaves a thin, oily layer on the fibers of your clothes. Bacteria can attach to these oils, leading to various undesirable effects. Instead of fabric softener, it’s better to add a little vinegar to your wash. Vinegar has antibacterial properties and helps break down the oils, making it harder for bacteria to settle.
Additionally, it’s best not to wash workout clothes with other laundry. The synthetic materials in workout clothes attract cotton fibers, which can cling to your workout clothes. Over time, this can damage the synthetic fabric, causing it to lose its stretch, compression, and overall quality.