You may have noticed that sweaty workouts can add up to some pretty stinky clothing. Notice that you have a lot of space around you at yoga class? Just kidding! This topic came up after hot yoga class one day last week so I thought I’d share a few of my tips for making those expensive workout clothes fresh scented and lasting longer.
1) If the clothing is drenched (e.g., you can wring it out) and you won’t be laundering it really soon, then rinse it in cold water just like you would wash the chlorine out of a bathing suit before hanging or putting on a drying rack. Always make sure the clothes are dry before they go into a laundry basket. I like to put my clothes, towels, and mat in the garage. I have some makeshift “racks” which means a dowel for my mat, a plastic lawn chair for my towel, and I typically hang my clothes (on hangers) from my bike handles. You may laugh at this set up, but it works!
2) When you do get around to washing a load of your athletic clothing, wash it separately using a pre-wash setting with white vinegar for the pre-wash and a mild detergent for the main wash. Baking soda is good also, but be careful about using vinegar and soda together as it will fizz up. DO NOT use fabric softener! I use a heavy soil setting but low spin cycle. Be mindful of any closures that might fray or catch such as bra hooks, zippers, and Velcro. Make sure these things are closed or place these items in a mesh laundry bag so they don’t catch on other items and snag them or make them fuzzy. I highly recommend hang drying workout clothes to extend their life – I’ve had lulu tops for years using this technique so I can justify their expense 🙂
3) Wash cottons or materials that have a lot of lint (e.g., towels from hot yoga) separately from the workout clothes that are generally nylon, Lycra, etc., but use the same pre-wash treatment. I use the dryer for towels (even yogitoes), but if the weather is nice and you have a clothes line, even better!
4) Don’t forget to freshen you yoga mat. I usually spray mine after every [hot yoga] use with mat refresher – I like the ones Manduka sells. And remember to clean your mat one a week using a mild soap or spray. You could easily make your own version using natural cleaning agents and essential oils. Typical ingredients might include water, vinegar, witch hazel, tea tree oil, and essential oils for fragrance and aromatherapy benefits. Note: check your mat’s care instructions as some essential oils can clog up porous mats. This will not only keep your mat sanitary and smelling good not to mention looking nice and lasting longer.
Namaste friends.
Flourish the Soul 