How to Wash and Take Care of Your Compression Clothing?

Compression clothing has been gaining popularity recently in the world of gym clothing. Wearing this type of garment has many benefits, such as improving circulation and reducing swelling.

They do not only help professional athletes reduce injuries and improve performance, but are helpful for those who want to stay healthy and improve their workouts. That is why it is common to wear compression garments every day for the best results.

However, do you know how to take care of these expensive compression garments? Read on to learn how to keep them effective and longer-lasting.

How to Wash Your Compression Shirt?

Choosing a Detergent

The fibers of compression garments are very fine, so using mild detergents can keep the clothing in their best condition. A strong detergent such as bleach will destroy the fibers and should be avoided.

You might find it tempting to wash your dirty compression shirt with more detergent. But as a matter of fact, you actually need less. You might wonder whether you should add fabric softener to keep your shirt tender.

However, you should skip it! Fabric softener will form an invisible film that sticks onto the fabric, making it difficult to clean. It will also be an ideal place for the growth of bacteria.

Using the Washer

You might wonder:

Will these expensive compression clothing be ruined after placing into the washer?

Not really, if you know how to do it properly. Before starting the washer, put your compression shirts in a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash cycles. The best setting for washing this type of clothing is the gentle cycle with cold water.

Hand Washing

Similar to using the washer, use cold water to wash and rinse your compression shirts. When drying the garment, use a dry towel to roll it on, or gently press it for absorbing the excess water. Remember not to stretch and wring your compression shirt.

Drying

Since heat may damage the fibers in your compression clothing, it is best to air dry them by laying it on a drying rack.

You might want to save space by hanging your compression garments for drying. But the weight of the water will stretch your garments and destroy the original shape and fit.

How to Wash Your Compression Leggings?

The frequency of washing your compression leggings depends on how you use them. If you like wearing your compression leggings for physical exercise such as running, wash it after every wear because it absorbs your sweat.

There are also people who like the comfort of compression leggings and wear it for daily activities. Depending on how sweaty you are, you might be able to wash your leggings after two to three years.

General Tips For Taking Care of Your Compression Clothing

Wash Them Inside Out

The inside of the clothing is the closest to your skin, so it is the dirtiest as a result. Washing your clothing inside out can keep your garment clean.

Besides, this technique can also protect the outside of the clothing, which is the techy fabric that has special properties such as UV protection.

Don’t Keep the Dirty Clothes in Your Gym Bag

When you are exhausted after a long workout or a productive yoga class, it might seem like a good idea to wash the gym clothes later. However, keeping your compression clothing in your gym bag is not smart.

Your gym bag is an ideal location for the sweat and dead skin on your clothing to generate bacteria. Next time, hang your dirty clothes on your hamper first and air them out.

Wash Separately

Compression clothing is made out of a soft fabric. Just like any delicate clothing, they will be worn out when rubbed against harsh materials such as zippers. Also, if you wash your compression garment with towels, they will turn fuzzy.

Keep It Fresh

Exercise clothes can be stinky, but you shouldn’t ignore it. You can simply treat the odor by adding some baking soda in your laundry load. Alternatively, you can soak the garment in a mixture of water and vinegar.

Sometimes, the odor may come from the bacteria on the clothes. If that is the case, sprinkle some lemon juice to refresh your clothes.

Tackle the Lint

Your compression garment may pill if you do not wash it properly. These materials tend to pill easily, so it is important to handle the pill before it gets worse.

An inexpensive, handheld clothing shaver can gather the lint for you. If you do not want to make a new purchase, a dull razor can do the job for you too.

Conclusion

Compression clothing is an excellent invention for both enhancing your athletic ability and maintaining your health. However, it is a misconception that frequent washing will destroy the garment.

Instead, washing them frequently is helpful because the elastic property of the clothing can be restored. At the same time, dirt and bacteria will not stay on the garment.

Now that you’ve learned the proper way to wash your compression clothes, it’s time to enjoy the benefits they bring!