Many of us like to live in our activewear. Yoga leggings are the perfect catch-all to wear when working from home, running errands and for casual weekends. If your leggings are your go-to favourites, it’s time to learn how to clean your activewear. A little extra TLC can help your favourite activewear last longer and remove odour-causing bacteria to keep them smelling fresher for longer.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about how to wash activewear - from understanding activewear material to the step-by-step process of how to wash activewear. Bookmark this article for your next laundry day!
What is Activewear?
Activewear is casual clothing designed for exercising without compromising on comfort. Although popular for outdoor activities and exercise, the comfort and versatility of activewear make it easy to style outside of the gym. Activewear gives you the benefits of gym clothing with the visual appeal of casual streetwear.
Leggings, joggers and gym shorts are amongst the most popular activewear staples and easy to mix and match with your favourite comfy clothing. Yoga leggings use stretchy fabric to support you while working out and can withstand sweat and outdoor elements.
Activewear materials
What makes yoga leggings comfortable is their activewear material. Cotton, polyester, spandex and nylon are the most popular types of activewear material. Our yoga leggings are made using a polyester-spandex blend.
It’s important to know how often to wash gym clothes and how to remove the odour that often lingers on these materials. Activewear requires extra care due to its fabric to maintain its condition. Washing at a hot temperature can reduce elasticity and dull the vibrancy of your pattern or fabric.
How to Wash Your Activewear: Step-by-Step Guide
Knowing how to clean your activewear helps you get the most out of your favourite yoga leggings and gym shorts. Our step-by-step guide will teach how to keep your activewear in good condition by looking fresh and smelling odour-free.
Taking a little extra time with your activewear when doing laundry will keep your favourite pieces feeling soft and cosy for a long time to come.
1. Rinse, Soak or Pre-treat your Gym Clothes
Even if you’re not working out, your activewear will naturally absorb sweat throughout the day especially during the summer months. A quick rinsing will prevent the sweat from drying into your clothes and keep them fresh. Be patient and let your activewear fully dry after rinsing before storing or wearing it again.
Accidents and stains also happen. If your activewear or yoga leggings need a deeper clean, pre-treating and soaking can help break down stains and remove odour-causing bacteria. Use a 1:2 solution of vinegar and water to pre-treat your activewear for 30 minutes before washing.
2. Choose the Right Detergent
When opting to wash for the first time, always read the washing instructions or care guide for your activewear beforehand. A gentle detergent will protect the quality of your activewear material and prevent skin irritation.
Choosing gentle detergent helps maintain the moisture-wicking properties of activewear to keep you feeling cool. Avoid overpouring your detergent and use the correct quantity for the amount you are washing.
3. Find the Best Setting on your Washing Machine
Every washing machine is different, so take a second to look at your wash settings. If your washing machine is new, you might have a dedicated activewear or gym clothing setting to give you an optimised wash cycle. Otherwise, choosing a cooler cycle can give you the same results and protect the elasticity and stretch of your activewear material.
4. Turn your Activewear Inside Out
Before you put your activewear into the machine, take a second to turn it inside out. This extra step prevents colours from bleeding to maintain the look and vibrancy of the design and helps remove stains.
5. Allow your Activewear to Dry Naturally
Avoid the temptation to dry your activewear in a heated dryer. Taking the time to air dry your activewear and yoga leggings reduces shrinkage, limits bacterial growth and prevents damage. Air drying your activewear will keep it looking fresh and fitting comfortably.
How to Get the Sweat Smell out of Gym Clothes and Activewear
If you’ve clicked on this article, you may be wondering how to get the sweat smell out of gym clothes. The sweat odours that linger on activewear are caused by bacteria that naturally occur from your skin, getting trapped in the activewear fabric.
You can remove the smell from activewear by pre-treating using a dilute 1:2 vinegar and water solution. Rinsing after each wear and air drying prevents sweat build-up.
Avoid using a scented fabric softener as this can damage the moisture-wicking properties of your activewear and reduce its stretchability. Instead, use an antibacterial washing powder.
How Often Should You Wash Activewear?
Unlike other clothing, activewear should be cleaned or rinsed after every wear. It’s natural for sweat, bacteria and general stains to gather in activewear material.
Rinsing after every wear helps break these down and maintain the condition of your activewear. Following our guide on how to clean activewear without causing damage will help you get the most out of your favourite yoga leggings.
How to Treat Stains on Activewear
Stains happen - whether it’s spilling your coffee or walking through the mud. Don’t put your activewear straight back into your wardrobe if it’s stained!
You can remove stains, including deodorant marks, by pre-treating your activewear using an old toothbrush to apply detergent directly to the area.
Keep your Activewear Clean!
Looking after your activewear by following our care instructions will keep your yoga leggings looking fresh from season to season. Always make sure to rinse or wash your activewear after every wear. Turn your activewear inside out before washing on a low-temperature setting using a gentle detergent for the best results.
Sweat happens but pre-treating and regular washing will tackle bacteria to keep your activewear smelling fresh and maintain its stretch. Explore the latest arrivals to our Llama Leisure activewear range and best-selling adult leggings to find your favourite style.
Do you have a question on how to clean your activewear? Get more product care advice by visiting our Help Centre and Leggings Care Guide.
