10 Mistakes You Might Be Making When Washing Your Gym Clothes

Let’s face it: your gym clothes work hard. They soak up sweat, stretch with every rep, and often get tossed straight into a laundry basket to marinate until wash day. But are you treating them right in the wash? At Clean Right Laundromat, we’ve seen a lot of gym gear go from high-performance to high-maintenance—just because of a few common laundry mistakes.

Here are 10 gym-clothes-washing blunders you might be making—and how to fix them:

1. Letting Them Sit Too Long

Sweaty clothes can become a breeding ground for bacteria and odors if left unwashed for days. If you can’t wash them immediately, at least let them air out before tossing them in the hamper.

2. Using Too Much Detergent

More soap doesn’t mean more clean. In fact, excess detergent can leave residue that traps odors and affects fabric breathability. Use a small amount of a sport-specific detergent for best results.

3. Washing on Hot

Hot water can break down the stretchy fibers in your athletic wear. Stick to cold or warm water to keep your clothes looking and feeling new.

4. Skipping the Extra Rinse

An extra rinse cycle helps remove leftover sweat, detergent, and bacteria—especially important for moisture-wicking fabrics.

5. Using Fabric Softener

It may smell nice, but fabric softener can coat synthetic fibers, reducing their sweat-wicking power. Instead, add a bit of white vinegar to your rinse cycle to neutralize odors without residue.

6. Throwing Everything in Together

Don’t wash your gym clothes with heavy towels or jeans. The friction can damage the delicate performance fabrics. Wash athletic gear separately when you can.

7. Drying on High Heat

High heat breaks down elastic and causes shrinkage. Tumble dry on low or, better yet, hang dry your gym gear to extend its life.

8. Not Turning Clothes Inside Out

Turning clothes inside out helps protect logos, reduce pilling, and allows sweat and bacteria to wash away more easily.

9. Ignoring the Care Label

Not all gym clothes are made the same. Some need extra care. Check the label for specific washing instructions—especially for compression wear and sports bras.

10. Not Washing Them Often Enough

Yes, even if they “don’t smell that bad,” gym clothes need to be washed after every use. Bacteria doesn’t take days off.

Need a better clean? Come see us at Clean Right Laundromat.
Our high-efficiency washers and dryers are perfect for activewear. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to stay consistent at the gym, we’ll help you keep your gear fresh, clean, and ready for action.