Washing a tracksuit in a washing machine

Having bought a high-quality, expensive training uniform, you want to wear it for as long as possible. The service life of a thing largely depends on proper care of it. Let's figure out how to properly wash a tracksuit, whether automatic washing is acceptable or only manual cleaning of the product is recommended.

All information on the label

Sports sets are made from different fabrics: footer, diving, polyester, cotton, velvet. Therefore, the rules of care will vary in each specific case. Be sure to study the label; the label provides basic recommendations for washing, drying and ironing the suit.

The manufacturer indicates on the tag:

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

If there is no label, or the information on it has been erased, you can use general recommendations for caring for a specific type of fabric. The main thing is to understand what material your tracksuit is made of.

Should you cleanse every day?

It is advisable to wash your sportswear after each lesson. During intense workouts, your T-shirt and pants become soaked with sweat. A humid environment is ideal for bacterial growth. Also, after physical activity, the fetid “aroma” is absorbed deep into the fibers of the fabric, and it can be very difficult to remove it later.

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

If you can’t clean your uniform immediately after coming from the gym, it’s important to at least dry and ventilate your clothes. Drying will help stop the growth of bacteria. Of course, if the suit is worn only for evening walks and not to the fitness club, there is no need to wash it after each wear.

About methods of care

Unless the label says otherwise, you can throw your tracksuit in the washing machine. General guidelines for washing workout clothes are:

• run a gentle, but at the same time fast mode with additional rinsing;
• Before loading into the drum, fasten all the 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 is advisable to use special laundry bags. The mesh will help avoid the appearance of puffs and abrasions on the fabric, deformation of the sleeves, neckline and legs. This requirement will be mandatory when loading thin running T-shirts and thermal underwear into the drum.

To neutralize the unpleasant odor from sportswear, soak the set in a vinegar solution for half an hour. To do this, add 200 ml of white vinegar to a liter of water. After soaking, rinse the suit several times and place it in the washing machine for the main wash.

Let's choose a remedy

Almost all training kits are recommended to be washed in cool water, and the powder granules do not dissolve well at low degrees. The grains get stuck in the seams and clog in the pores of the membrane fabric. Incompletely rinsed product can cause allergies and cause skin irritation. It is better to give preference to special gels for washing sportswear. Let's give examples.

1. Cotico concentrated product. The gel is designed specifically for cleaning sports uniforms and sneakers. Effective in cold water, it has a gentle effect on fabric fibers, easily dealing with complex stains. Maintains the shape and brightness of things, neutralizes unpleasant odors.
   
2. Burti Sport&Outdoor gel is also aimed at combating odors and stains in sportswear. The product effectively copes with sweat, dirt and blood stains even in cold water. Maintains the elasticity of fabric fibers and prevents deformation of things. Does not require additional use of air conditioner. Suitable for membrane cleaning.

All sportswear gels can be placed in the washing machine. When choosing a washing liquid, focus on the color and type of fabric.

Do you need rinse aid?

When cleaning tracksuits, it is allowed to use a softening conditioner, with the only exception being sets made of membrane fabrics. Rinse aid negatively affects the membrane, disrupting its breathability and temperature-regulating properties.

When washing a membrane suit, you can add a “safe” conditioner to the washing machine. We are talking about white vinegar. Just 50-100 ml of acetic acid will soften things and give an antistatic effect.

About drying and ironing

Experts do not recommend using the drying mode in a washing machine. After exposure to high temperatures, things may lose their elasticity. If there is no other way, set the minimum heating degree.

After removing the kit from the drum, be sure to shake things well. This will help avoid creases and folds in the fabric.

The best option is to lay the tracksuit on the dryer and leave it to dry naturally.

Typically, sports uniforms are not ironed. If necessary, you can turn the clothes inside out and iron them through a layer of gauze, setting the iron to the minimum heating temperature.

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