Maintaining the cleanliness of your gym gear is essential for hygiene and comfort. Sweat, dirt, and bacteria – they might be your workout companions, but they shouldn’t linger on your gear.
Learn effective methods for cleaning and caring for your gym clothes, bags, and shoes, ensuring they stay fresh, hygienic, and ready for your next workout.
Tips for cleaning gym clothes and towels
Training hard on the gym floor will result in progress and perspiration. Sweat is full of bacteria that cling to fabrics and cause a stink.
Your workout gear is subjected to more sweat than anything else, and the synthetic fabrics tend to hold these more.
Here’s what to do:
Washing your workout gear immediately after every use is the best and only way to eliminate bacteria.
Remember to turn your gym clothes inside out for washing them, as that’s where the dirt is.
Before tossing workout gear into the washing machine, fill the sink with cold water, add a cup of white vinegar and a cup of bicarbonate of soda, and soak the clothing for at least half an hour before running it through a wash cycle.
Wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle, and don’t use fabric softener.
Synthetic materials are prone to static build-up and are not recommended for dryer use. Instead, let them dry naturally on a washing line.
Tips for cleaning gym clothes
- How to clean your gym shoes:
- Always wear socks with gym shoes.
- Air sneakers are out after use.
- Use a sports shoe-cleaning spray.
- Sprinkle in shoe powder.
- Rotate a few pairs of gym shoes.
How to keep trainers tiptop
- Don’t let the mud and grunge build-up.
- Wipe away the excess dirt as you go.
- Mix a gentle cleaning solution of water and a few drops of detergent or dish soap.
- Remove the insole and laces to give each part of your shoe a good scrub down.
- Use an old facecloth or toothbrush to gently scrub the shoes on all sides.
- Use the toothbrush to get deep into the crevices of the sole.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm, clean water.
- Leave them to air-dry naturally.
Tips for cleaning gym bags and other gear
Clean Your Gym Gear
- Don’t forget to air out your gym bag. When your tote stays closed underneath your desk, in your car or by the front door throughout the day, there’s little air circulation to help remove any odours. This can create the perfect breeding ground for funk.
- Spray your bag with disinfectant spray or give it a proper wash.
- Another great way to keep odours at bay is to add to what’s inside your gym bag: Teabags. These absorbent little beauties can help trap odours overnight, sucking up unpleasant smells with ease. Simply replace it after a few days of use, and your gym bag should always be ready.
- Dryer sheets: The fresh scent you find after each load of laundry can be experienced from your fitness gear. Sensitive nostrils, beware – dry sheets have a potent smell.
Ensuring the cleanliness of your gym clothes, bag, shoes, and other gear is essential for hygiene and longevity. Regular washing, proper drying, and cleaning can prevent the buildup of bacteria and odours, ensuring a more pleasant and healthy workout experience. Following the tips and methods outlined in this article, you can keep your gym gear fresh, clean, and ready for your next fitness session.
Want to start your wellness journey? Join a Virgin Active gym near you today.