Workout clothes are built to perform. But to keep them looking and feeling fresh over time, you need to take care of them properly. Here are our top tips to make your favorite CLN Athletics pieces last longer and perform optimally, wash after wash.
1. Wash as soon as possible after exercise
After a tough workout, it's tempting to throw your clothes in the laundry basket or leave them in your bag. But sweat and moisture quickly create an environment where bacteria thrive – and that's what causes bad odor, not just the sweat itself.
Do this:
- Hang your clothes to dry if you can't wash them right away.
- Don't store them bunched up in a bag or laundry basket.
- Wash preferably within 24 hours to reduce bacterial growth.
2. Turn the garments inside out before washing
It's the inside that collects the most sweat and bacteria – and that's where it smells the most. Turning your workout clothes inside out helps with both hygiene and protects prints, logos and surface materials from wear.
Advantages:
- More effective cleaning where it's needed most.
- Longer lifespan of colors, prints and textures.
3. Use cold water – 30 to a maximum of 40 degrees
Most workout clothes are made from technical functional materials that are sensitive to high temperatures. Washing in water that is too hot can damage the fibers, cause the garments to lose their shape and impair their moisture-wicking properties.
Consider:
- 30 degrees is enough to get rid of sweat and dirt.
- Avoid programs with prewash or high spin speeds.
4. Skip fabric softener completely
Fabric softener may feel like a fresh finish, but it's actually one of the most common reasons why workout clothes lose their function. It forms a film over the fabric and blocks breathability.
Fabric softener results:
- The clothes breathe less well → start to smell faster.
- Poor moisture transport → feels sticky during exercise.
- Risk of elastane and stretch material breaking down.
5. Use the right detergent – preferably for sportswear
A mild detergent without perfume and bleach is gentler on technical materials. There are also special detergents for sportswear that are developed to effectively neutralize sweat odor.
Tip:
- Avoid overdosing – it will not make the clothes cleaner.
- Run an empty machine with vinegar occasionally to clean the machine from sweat and detergent residue.
6. Air dry instead of tumble drying
The heat in the dryer can destroy elastic fibers and cause garments to shrink or lose their shape. It's better to let your workout clothes air dry – preferably hanging or lying flat.
Best way to dry:
- Hang on a hanger in a ventilated space.
- Avoid direct sunlight which can fade colors.
7. Wash workout clothes separately
Mixing laundry with jeans, towels or items with zippers can create friction and damage the more delicate materials in your workout clothes. This is especially important if you have mesh, seamless tights or clothes with detailed prints.
Please wash separately:
- Workout clothes (especially light and dark separated).
- Use laundry bags for extra delicate materials.
The text is written by Simon Hallberg
Fitness lover & writer
Published: 2025-07-03
