It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack when it comes to finding yoga leggings that fit like a glove, feel soft against your skin, and move with your contours (rather than against them). So, why would you spoil all of your hard work by drying your new Lululemon or Athleta leggings? PollyPark help you find the most suitable yoga leggings. Here we go over how to properly wash leggings, including which detergents to use, what temperature water to use, and how to get rid of those annoying sweat scents once and for all.
USE A SPANDEX- OR SPORT-SPECIFIC DETERGENT TO WASH YOGA LEGGINGS
The majority of athletic leggings (as well as many daily pairs like Spanx and Commando) are comprised of a synthetic blend that is closer to plastic in composition than cotton. As a result, your regular washing detergent won’t be able to reach in between those extremely close-knit threads to effectively remove bacteria, filth, and dirt, which could explain why your athletic wear develops a mild odor over time. Using a detergent like Hex Performance or The Laundress, which is designed expressly for treating tech-savvy fabrics, will ensure a deeper, more complete clean.
BUT DON’T OVERDO IT ON THE SOAP TO WASH YOGA LEGGINGS
You may believe that the more cleaning solution you use, the cleaner your garments would be. That’s not the case. Excess detergent may stick to your leggings and put a film of soap on them, obstructing sweat-wicking qualities and making everyday pairs feel much less soft.
When in doubt, err on the side of underfilling a little more than overfilling, as written on the bottle or inside the cap, and when in doubt, follow the recommended plenty of detergent the bottle or inside the cap, and when in doubt, err on the side of underfilling a little more than overfilling.
USE COOL WATER
Your mother may have taught you that only hot water can properly clean your clothes, but this is not the case. Many fabrics are unable to tolerate high temperatures and are at risk of breaking down or being damaged during a hot water rinse cycle. Most sports materials are best washed in cool to warm water, but read the care label before dumping your gear in the washing.
DON’T PUT YOUR LEGGINGS IN THE DRYER
When it comes to heat, never dry your leggings (even if you’re trying to shrink them). The dryer, like the heat cycle in your washing machine, can damage elastic materials and even warp the fibers, causing your leggings to no longer fit like a dream. Instead, drape them over a laundry rack, a clothesline, or even your shower curtain rod to air dry. (Note: Some dryers include an air-dry setting that doesn’t use any heat, which should be safe if you really need to use it.)
LAY THEM FLAT OR DRAPE THEM TO DRY CAREFULLY.
It’s better not to hang your leggings with clips or pant hangers because they can stretch out the fabric. Similarly, if you prefer to hand wash your leggings, make sure they aren’t sopping wet when you drape them.
HAND WASH WITH CARE OF YOGA LEGGINGS
When it comes to handwashing, there are two main points to remember. To begin, work any deodorizing or cleaning products into the cloth using your hands rather than a brush. Second, don’t ring your leggings to drain excess liquid. Instead, press the material against the side of your washing basin until you’ve gotten the most out of it.
SKIP THE FABRIC SOFTENER
Silicone, which is unfriendly to spandex and other high-performance textiles, is found in most fabric softeners. Silicone can leave a film on your leggings, reducing their capacity to remove sweat and limiting the breathability of the fabric.
USE WHITE VINEGAR TO ELIMINATE SMELLS
Do you want to get rid of any residual odors like B.O. or other noxious odors? Allow your leggings to soak for up to 30 minutes in a bowl of cold water and 14 to 12 cup white vinegar (use less if you’re only soaking one or two pairs) before tossing them in the washing machine. Why does it function this this? Consider it an opposites attract situation, with acidic vinegar attracted to alkaline aromas, such as those created by sweat—the two balance each other out to neutralize any scents and leaving you with blissfully odor-free clothing.
WASH YOUR YOGA LEGGINGS OFTEN
Wearing the same warm pair of leggings numerous days in a row, as tempting as it may be, isn’t good for your leggings or your skin. Leggings should be washed after each usage because they sit so near to your skin (and may become wet with sweat if you’re doing a workout in them).
RUN THEM THROUGH THE WASH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
This is especially true if you’re dealing with sweat-soaked sporting clothing. Mold and mildew thrive in sweaty clothes, making them great breeding grounds for mold and mildew on your favorite leggings and other prized possessions. We don’t recommend waiting more than a week between wearing and washing. Pro tip:
After your workout, take your wet clothing into the shower with you for a quick rise and hang them to dry overnight before tossing them in the hamper. This will kill at least some of the bacteria that cause odors and mildew, and it won’t leave your clothing smelling bad after a few days.
DO A SEPARATE ATHLETIC APPAREL LOAD
Why not separate your leggings, sports bras, and other similar items into their own smaller group if you don’t have time to do a full load of laundry every week? This also means you don’t have to use a sports detergent for all of your clothes, and you may use fabric softener liberally in your next ordinary load.
Another reason to keep your leggings separate from your towels? It’s not always easy to get the two materials to work together. Cotton fluff can stick to some sports materials, which won’t make them any less effective at draining perspiration or moving with your body, but it will make your leggings appear a little strange.
