A Complete Guide to Washing Activewear to Prevent Odors and Stretching

Washing sportswear properly is important for keeping it clean, preventing odors, and helping it retain its shape. Activewear such as workout tops, jerseys, leggings, sports bras, and compression pants is generally made from synthetic fabrics that need different care from everyday clothing.

Incorrect washing, excessive detergent, hot water, or unsuitable drying methods can leave sportswear with lingering odors, cause colors to fade quickly, and reduce the fabric’s elasticity.

Why Does Sportswear Smell Even After Washing

Sportswear can retain odors for longer because sweat, body oils, and residue from the skin cling to the fabric fibers. This is particularly noticeable in synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon, which are commonly used in activewear.

The problem usually becomes worse when clothes that are still wet with sweat are put straight into a gym bag or an enclosed laundry basket. A damp environment can allow microorganisms to grow and make odors harder to remove.

Fabric softener should also be avoided on most activewear. Softener residue can coat the fibers and reduce the fabric’s ability to absorb and transport moisture.

If your sportswear still smells after washing, this does not necessarily mean the clothing is damaged. The washing method may simply be unsuitable for the fabric’s characteristics.

Identify Your Activewear Fabric Before Washing

Each fabric has different characteristics. Understanding the material helps you choose the right water temperature, washing method, and drying process.

1. Polyester

Polyester is lightweight, dries quickly, and is widely used in workout tops and jerseys. However, it can retain body oils and odors, so it needs effective washing without excessively harsh treatment.

2. Nylon

Nylon has a relatively soft texture and is often used in leggings, sports bras, and sportswear that requires flexibility. Keep it away from excessive heat to preserve its shape and color.

3. Spandex Elastane or Lycra

These elastic materials provide stretch and help clothing conform to the body. Excessive heat and friction can cause them to lose elasticity more quickly.

For this reason, wash workout leggings in cold water or at a low temperature, use a gentle cycle, and air-dry them according to the care label.

4. Polyester and Spandex or Nylon and Elastane Blends

These blends are commonly found in modern activewear because they combine strength, elasticity, and moisture management. Their care needs to account for the heat-sensitive elastane component.

5. Merino Wool

Merino wool is used in some sportswear, especially base layers for outdoor activities. Its care differs from that of synthetic fabrics and usually requires wool detergent, low-temperature water, and gentle handling.

Products and Treatments to Avoid for Activewear

Before washing activewear, keep the following points in mind:

Fabric softener: can leave a coating on the fibers and interfere with moisture-wicking performance.
Water that is too hot: can accelerate damage to elastic fibers and affect the garment’s shape.
High-temperature tumble drying: excessive heat can speed up the loss of elasticity, especially in clothing containing spandex or elastane.
Chlorine bleach: may damage fibers and colors. Use it only if the care label specifically permits it.
Too much detergent: does not automatically make clothing cleaner. Residue left behind can make the fabric feel less clean and more likely to retain odors.

Always use the garment’s care label as your main reference, as recommendations can differ between products.

How to Wash Activewear Properly

1. Do Not Put Clothes Away Immediately After Exercise

Clothing that is wet with sweat should not go straight into a bag or enclosed basket. If you cannot wash it yet, hang it in a well-ventilated area until it is no longer damp. Avoid piling up wet clothes.

The sooner clothing receives appropriate care, the less likely odors are to become embedded in the fabric fibers.

2. Prepare Clothing Before Washing

Before putting activewear in the washing machine:

Turn garments inside out, especially those with prints, patterns, or surfaces prone to friction.
Close zippers and fasten hooks so they do not catch on other clothing.
Use a mesh laundry bag for leggings, sports bras, or garments with straps and small details.
Separate clothing by color and fabric type to reduce the risk of color transfer and friction damage.

3. Choose a Suitable Detergent

Use the right amount of detergent according to the product instructions and how dirty the clothing is. Liquid detergent is often more practical for activewear because it dissolves easily, especially when washing in cold water.

If the clothing has stubborn odors or sweat stains, a detergent formulated for sportswear can help remove body residue more effectively.

Avoid assuming that more detergent means cleaner clothing. Excessive amounts can leave residue on the fabric.

4. Use a Gentle Washing Machine Cycle

For most activewear, choose a gentle, delicate, or sportswear cycle if available. Use cold water or the temperature recommended on the care label. Avoid washing activewear with jeans, towels, or very heavy clothing, as friction can accelerate surface wear.

5. How to Wash by Hand

Hand-washing can be an option for sportswear that is highly stretchy, thin, or has special details.

Follow these steps:

Fill a container with cold water.
Add a suitable amount of detergent.
Soak according to the fabric care or detergent instructions.
Gently press and rub areas exposed to a lot of sweat, such as the underarms and back.
Rinse until no detergent remains.
Do not twist the garment forcefully, as this can affect the fabric’s shape and elasticity.

How to Dry Sportswear Without Stretching It

Drying is just as important as washing.

Remove clothing from the washing machine as soon as the cycle finishes.
Avoid high-temperature tumble drying, especially for garments containing elastane.
Dry clothing in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid prolonged direct sunlight if the garment has sensitive colors or prints.
For stretchy clothing, use a suitable hanger and avoid pulling the fabric excessively while it is wet.
Follow the drying symbols on the care label, as some fabrics require special methods.

Proper drying can minimize the risk of clothing losing its shape or elasticity.

How to Wash Sportswear for Different Activities

The type of activity can determine the main kinds of dirt that accumulate on clothing.

Gym Workouts and Weight Training: Sweat usually collects around the underarms, back, and areas that touch gym equipment. Turn garments inside out before washing and pay extra attention to these areas.
Running: Tops, pants, and socks can be exposed to substantial amounts of sweat. Avoid leaving them damp for too long after use.
Yoga and Pilates: Leggings and yoga clothing often come into contact with mats or the floor. Check the care label and use a gentle washing cycle to preserve the fabric’s shape.
Soccer and Field Sports: In addition to sweat, jerseys can pick up soil and grass stains. Remove loose dirt first, then wash according to the fabric instructions. When washing a soccer jersey, turn it inside out and avoid stiff brushes on printed designs, player numbers, or logos.
Swimming and Aquatic Sports: Rinse swimwear with fresh water immediately after use to help remove chlorine, salt, or other substances from the water. Avoid excessive heat, as it can accelerate damage to elastic materials.

How to Remove Stubborn Odors from Sportswear

If clothing still smells after washing, do not immediately resort to harsher treatments. First check the care label and make sure detergent or fabric softener residue has not built up.

For persistent odors, clothing can be soaked using a laundry product specifically designed to remove odors or one that is appropriate for the fabric.

White vinegar and baking soda are also commonly used in home laundry care, but they should not be mixed directly with detergent or other laundry chemicals. Use them separately and make sure the method is compatible with the garment’s care instructions.

If odors keep returning after several washes, especially in frequently worn activewear, professional treatment may be an option. Professional laundry services can tailor care to the material, stains, and severity of the odor.

How to Wash Merino Wool Activewear

Merino wool requires different treatment from synthetic activewear. Use cold water or a low temperature, wool detergent, and a gentle cycle if the care label allows machine-washing.

Avoid squeezing or twisting forcefully. After washing, dry the garment flat if recommended on the care label to help retain its shape.

For further guidance on caring for delicate materials, you can also read a guide on how to wash wool and silk clothing.

Caring for Sports Shoes

Alongside clothing, sports shoes also need proper care. Running shoes and sneakers contain materials such as mesh, synthetic leather, rubber, and textiles that cannot always be treated in the same way.

For guidance on shoe care, also read the articles on nearby shoe cleaning services and how to care for white shoes.

Common Mistakes That Damage Activewear More Quickly

Several everyday habits can accelerate odor buildup and damage to sportswear:

Keeping wet clothing in a bag or enclosed basket.
Regularly using fabric softener on activewear.
Using water that is too hot.
Washing with very rough or heavy clothing.
Using a tumble dryer at a high temperature.
Using excessive detergent.
Ignoring the garment’s care label.
Rubbing printed designs, logos, or elastic sections too vigorously.

Trust aQualis Fabricare with Your Premium Activewear

For sportswear made from special fabrics, designer activewear, or garments with odors that return after washing, professional care can help maintain cleanliness while preserving the material’s condition.

At aQualis Fabricare, clothing care is tailored to the fabric’s characteristics and each item’s needs. For sportswear requiring more thorough treatment, several options are available to help address odors and stains while maintaining the color and fiber quality.

AntiBacterial Guard helps address bacteria and odor sources in clothing so that odors that return when garments are worn again are not simply masked by fragrance. This treatment may be an option for synthetic activewear that more readily retains sweat and odors.

Meanwhile, GreenChemical forms part of a washing approach that is gentler on materials. The care process also includes ColorCare to help preserve the garment’s color and appearance after washing.

Sportswear made from merino wool requires different handling from polyester or spandex. aQualis Fabricare offers wet cleaning and Wool & Silk Care to help preserve the softness, shape, and fiber characteristics of delicate materials.

Care options available at aQualis Fabricare include:

AntiBacterial Guard: helps address odor sources and bacteria in sportswear.
GreenChemical: a washing formula designed to help care for clothing materials more gently.
Bio Stain Removal™: helps treat grass, soil, and other stains from sporting activities.
ColorCare: helps keep clothing colors looking bright and well maintained.
Wool & Silk Care: specialized treatment for delicate materials such as merino wool.
Pickup and delivery: clothing can be collected and returned without requiring you to visit an outlet.

aQualis Fabricare offers free pickup and delivery for a minimum of 2 items. Clothing can be collected from your home or another location within the service area.

aQualis Fabricare Outlets Across Cities

Looking for professional laundry services for sportswear? aQualis Fabricare has outlets and services in various cities across Indonesia, allowing you to choose the nearest location or use pickup and delivery if available in your area.

Laundry in South Jakarta
Laundry in Central Jakarta
Laundry in West Jakarta
Laundry in East Jakarta
Laundry in North Jakarta
Laundry in Bogor
Laundry Pickup and Delivery in Depok
Laundry in Bekasi
Laundry in South Tangerang
Laundry in Bandung
Laundry in Semarang
Laundry Pickup and Delivery in Surabaya
Laundry in Yogyakarta
Laundry in Medan
Laundry in Palembang
Laundry in Lampung
Laundry in Jambi
Laundry in Serang
Laundry in Pekanbaru
Laundry in Balikpapan
Laundry in Makassar (South Sulawesi)
Laundry in West Nusa Tenggara

For addresses, opening hours, and available locations, visit the aQualis Fabricare Locations page.

Caring for sportswear with the right methods helps preserve its cleanliness, elasticity, color, and comfort. If washing at home cannot resolve stubborn odors or your clothing is made from materials that need special attention, aQualis Fabricare can help with laundry care tailored to your garments’ needs.