• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Clothing Care

July 28, 2011 | Uncategorized

So judging by the title, I am turning into Susie Home-maker, no? I try to be practical when I can, really. Yes, this post is about taking care of your running clothes, and the materials they are made from. What REALLY got me writing about this was quite interesting. Every so often I look back at what I was doing this day a year ago, and when I typed this (the 27th) a year ago, I had just gotten my new washer and dryer delivered that day, yahoo! Let me tell you, a year later, I am still obsessed with my appliances. Clothes washing is so easy not to mention SO much for fun with cool red machines!

So through a totally random train of thought, I decided workout clothes washing lessons were in order. So. how many of you wash and dry your workout clothes just like everything else? (Ok, put your hand down, you are totally embarrassing yourself.) Well, you may do this because you are lazy, or uneducated. Not sure which is better….BUT, please listen up, you may learn something.

Let’s face it, Workout/running clothes are EXPENSIVE. Not something you want to be replacing left and right because you shrunk it, stained it in the washer, or dried it and it fell apart. If you use some TLC your stuff will lost a lot longer. Let’s start with the basics.

Separating: I wash all of my workout stuff together. let’s face it, it smells. bad. I don’t want that stank going over into my regular clothes. Also, I do a load of colored running clothes and white/socks workout clothes.

Detergent: I use special Tide sport with febreeze to wash all my workout clothes in. Now, there is a lot of controversy as to the true usefulness of this stuff but I like it, and tend to err on the side of caution, so I use it. It is supposed to help eliminate stinky odors, and get out tough dirt grass and clay stains for you crazy trail runners out there.

Temperature: Always check the tag for instructions, but I usually if not always wash my running clothes in COLD water. Also, if your machine has different cycles, try using a delicate cycle.

Soak: If you have a particular stinky piece, try soaking it in some detergent in a sink or bucket for a few hours before washing. Some people even swear by soaking in baking soda first. I have never tried this myself, because my sweat smells like flowers, so there is no need.

Drying: I NEVER put my running stuff in the dryer. I air dry everything on a drying rack I got from Bed Bath and Beyond. It easily folds down for storage purposes if you don’t have room to keep it up all the time. Some people say putting them in the dryer gets the stink out…but with cheaper pieces I find it also makes them shrink or fall apart faster, so I would rather soak them than put in the dryer. Also, if you do dry them, NEVER use a dryer sheet/fabric softener. They clog the little sweat wicking areas and the wicking doesn’t wick as well, what? your welcome, wabbit…..

Cool iron only: I doubt you will ever have to iron your running clothes (weirdos) but in case you do, use a COOL iron only. Got it?

Because I take such awesome care of my stuff, it lasts a really long time. I have some pieces of gear I have had for years, and because I take care of it, it lasts a long time. And of course, I want my super cute stuff to last a long time!

 

***EXCITING raffle coming Monday! It may or may not have to do with a favorite company of mine… 🙂 I will be hosting the raffle to raise money for TNT! a GREAT cause, so please come back Monday!

QOTD: Do you have any tips for the care of your workout clothes?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jen says

    July 28, 2011 at 7:35 am

    I know how much you love ironing so I’m sure you iron your running clothes 🙂

    I put my sports bras, Nike tempo shorts, and some of my more cottony tops in the dryer. But obviously not the tech stuff. I also never separate! I know, shame shame. I do laundry every other day so I’d just rather wash everything together.

    • Heather says

      July 28, 2011 at 8:36 am

      bahaha. I will have my wrinkle release spray with me in Disney. 🙂

  2. Peachy says

    July 28, 2011 at 8:07 am

    Oh, I am so bad. I’m not even going to tell you about my process because I do a LOT wrong 🙂 But you have shown me the light and I will now start taking better care of my tech stuff – promise!

  3. Dawn says

    July 28, 2011 at 8:23 am

    I am a very luck girl because my husband does all the laundry. I would not know how to even work out current machines. We do air dry almost everything we have though….the fold up clothes dryer is a must have in this house!

  4. Morgan @ Becoming Rooks says

    July 28, 2011 at 8:29 am

    Great idea for a post!! I was like so many people and just threw our running stuff in with the normal laundry. My husbands shirts started stinking something fierce, even when clean, and I had no idea why. I learned that that fabric softener will deteriorate the wicking/anti-odor properties in tech fabrics. So another really important tip is never, ever use fabric softener with tech fabrics! (I also learned that tech fabric sometimes just stinks, bleh!)

  5. Jenny says

    July 28, 2011 at 10:32 am

    I recently learned that added half a cup of normal white vinegar to each washer load will help maintain the wicking properties and will help cut any accumulated “stank.” I was worried that the clothes would be left with a vinegary smell, but after a couple months of doing this, they smell good, and non-vinegary!

  6. Crystal says

    July 28, 2011 at 11:51 am

    If I have a lot of workout clothes, I will do them separately in a gentle load. Most of the time, though, I throw them in with the regular wash. I do put my bras and skirts (and more delicate workout shirts) in a mesh lingerie bag though, so they don’t snag on anything. I don’t use liquid fabric softener, and I air dry it all. Some of my cheaper, cottony (yet wicking) tanks will go in the dryer (and I do use dryer sheets) if I’m lazy, but I don’t care much if those are not really wicking, since they are cottony anyway. I’m not a stinky person (I don’t think? lol), so my workout clothes rarely smell really nasty. I just use regular tide or all. Woolite is not HE so I don’t put that in my machine. If I’m hand washing stuff in the sink. though, I will use the woolite. ALSO, I have a good tip…if you wear sunscreen and WHITE technical running clothes, you may get some chartreuse staining on your expensive stuff. OMG. Never fear, OxyClean is here! I had stained the straps on a white top, so I soaked it in oxyclean…for 4 weeks…that’s how long it took to come out…but it did! Crisis averted! This also works with yellow deodorant stains. Put a scoop in a bucket with warm water and throw in your stained piece. Change the water weekly until the stain is gone. I have not ruined anything by doing this, and have saved some of my favorite tops. Be prepared to have that item out of commission for a month, but it’s better than throwing it away!

  7. Crystal says

    July 28, 2011 at 11:52 am

    Ooh, and I’m ALL OVER a raffle! I’ll be back! 😉

  8. Rach says

    July 28, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Ooh I love your new washer and dryer! So pretty! 🙂

    We have different loads of laundry at our house:

    – Rach’s delicate stuff (‘intimates’, favorite shirts, & dresses). These go into a cold wash and get hung up to dry.
    – Rach’s & Christopher’s jeans/shorts/teeshirts (and most of Christopher’s work clothes too): warm wash, tumble dry low
    – Christopher’s & Rach’s gym/outside clothes: hot wash with extra detergent and tumble dry on high

    Christopher used to toss all of his stuff together, but it was making his work clothes start to get that “funk” (like you talked about) so I convinced him that it was worth the time to separate them out in order to keep his nice clothes smelling nice. 🙂 And as for me, I don’t have actual “work out clothes” as much as I just have shorts and tank tops. Nothing officially made for sports so nothing I’m worried about stretching out or shrinking, etc. 🙂 Great tips, though! I think a lot of people don’t realize that they need to take good care of clothes if they want them to last. 🙂

    • Heather says

      July 29, 2011 at 8:45 am

      Bobby isn’t allowed to do laundry, except towels LOL!

  9. Stephanie says

    July 28, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    i always line dry my clothes but you bring up good poitns about these other to dos. thanks! also reminds me to get a clothes hanger instead of continually hanging things over chairs. here is an add get those washer bags for your special things that always get lost or hurt – socks? bras? do you know what i am referring to, i forget the actual name of these things..

    • Heather says

      July 29, 2011 at 8:44 am

      yes I have a dedicates bag, but I only put regular bras in it or swimsuits, or tops with long ties etc. that can get caught up in things. 🙂

  10. Karen says

    July 28, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    I lay out all of my sweat wicking clothing, too! Thanks for the great tips!! :0)

  11. Jordan Trump says

    July 28, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    Okay, okay… I’ll get a drying rack! I know that I need to, since like 80% of my clothes are running clothes or just something made of a technical fabric. I hate cotton, yuck. Plus whenever I wash nice running or workout clothes, they inevitably become bound to the one patch of velcro on a pair of shorts somewhere in the dryer. How much was your rack? I see some on Amazon for about $30.

    And I really want fancy front loading machines!

    • Heather says

      July 29, 2011 at 8:44 am

      http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=16536636
      plus if you get on their mailing list they send periodic 20% off coupons.

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • A Quick and Easy Seasonal American Road Trip Guide
  • Why Quick Workouts Deliver Big Results
  • 4 Things That Stop People From Exercising (And What To Do About Them)
  • 6 Tips for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
🏖️ If you’re planning to visit Orange Beach 🏖️ If you’re planning to visit Orange Beach, Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts should be on your shortlist

Beachfront luxury, huge condo space (yes, private balcony hot tub!), and resort amenities that keep everyone happy: pools, a lazy river, direct beach access, and an easy, walkable location for dining and activities. (Ad)

But not only should you stay at @turquoiseplaceofficial but you should book directly through @spectrumresorts . Why? 

-10% off year round when you use my code LOOKGLASS on the spectrum website when you book your vacation! 

-Complimentary breakfast at the exclusive Spectrum Club Lounge (seasonal).

- 10% discount at retail and dining facilities during your stay when charged to your Spectrum Wristband (excludes alcohol).

-Cashless charging and keyless room entry for smooth transactions with your wristband.

-With more than 300 team members, your family will enjoy prompt, personalized service and attention.

-Scheduled resort activities are free to enjoy for guests who book direct with Spectrum Resorts.

There are so many reasons we love it here, I can’t even list them all. Be sure to save this post for later or send to the person you want to go on vacation with! 

#albeachblogger #turquoiseplace #orangebeach #orangebeachalabama
#ad No tricks, just treats for smart shoppers! 👻💳 

This Halloween season, @krogerco is giving 4x fuel points when you buy gift cards after clipping your digital coupon! I grabbed a hostess gift for a Halloween party and earned extra savings at the pump — it’s seriously the easiest way to gift and save. 
Whether you’re treating yourself before a costume party, picking up a hostess gift, or grabbing dinner after trick-or-treating, Kroger’s got gift cards for all your favorite spots — beauty, dining, and fashion. 🎯 

Clip your digital coupon at the link in my bio 🛒 
Pick up your gift cards in-store ⛽ 
Save at the pump at Kroger Fuel Centers. 
Offer ends 11/4, so don’t wait — head to your local Kroger and treat yourself to simple savings this Halloween! 🧡 

#KrogerPartner #KrogerGiftCards #Halloween4x #HalloweenSavings #SmartShopping #NoTricksJustTreats
A huge thank you to @disneystyle for gifting me an A huge thank you to @disneystyle for gifting me and Emma Kate this fun box of goodies to get in a Halloween spooky vibe !! 🎃 ✨

I love that Disney sells such a wide array of holiday merchandise, for all holidays. There truly is something for everyone in your family or on your shopping list! I listed all the brands in partnership with Disney in our box below. Which is your favorite? 

@oldnavy 
@bathandbodyworks 
@loungefly 
@wetnwildbeauty 
@zakdesigns 
@makeuperaser 
@disneybooks 

#disneystyle
I’m not suggesting you go into debt to go on vac I’m not suggesting you go into debt to go on vacation. But I am suggesting you remember that time is something you can’t get back, and memories are something that will stay with you longer than things. 🚢 

As we enter the holiday season, maybe it’s time to consider that long overdue vacation instead of quite so many things under the tree? Maybe a few less items for some time away to rest and recharge with loved ones?

@disneycruiseline is great for just that because they truly have something for everyone, from babies, kids, to adults. The cruise we just went on included beach time, pool time, an obstacle course, lots of eating, basketball, foosball, ping-pong, movie, watching, scavenger hunt finding, pirates (the nice kind!), ice cream, and so much more. ✨🫶🏻 

Always happy to answer questions about the most magical cruise line around! 

#disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneyvacation
🚢 A vacation should actually feel like a vacati 🚢 A vacation should actually feel like a vacation right? I hear too many people coming home from vacations with their kids that say they are exhausted and now need another vacation from their vacation. 

This is why I love @disneycruiseline. 💖

They have kids clubs included in the price of your cruise fare* that are open for a lot of the day and late into the night. This allows for adults only time at the adults only pool, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Not to mention, the kids absolutely have a blast. Mine never wanted to leave! 🫶🏻

it’s a win-win situation in my book. They get to go have some fun with other kids, and I get to relax and recharge on my vacation, and then we can also spend quality family time together as well! ✨

Send this to someone you are trying to convince to go on a DCL cruise with you! 😏

*included in cruise fare for kids clubs, not the nursery which is an extra charge. 

#disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneycruisekids #disneycruisevacation #cruisevacation
We absolutely love Orange Beach, it’s one of our We absolutely love Orange Beach, it’s one of our favorite places to visit and feels like home. 🫶🏻

There are so many great businesses with employees that make you feel like family. Here are a few we visited over fall break. Be sure to save this for your next visit to the beach! Have you been to any of these places? 🍊 

@coastalorangebeach: Not only a beautiful restaurant right on the gulf with amazing food, drinks, and servers, but also a really great store with amazing merch! We found some great stuff. If you go to the restaurant, ask for J-Mac to be your server and make sure to get a bushwhacker with a peanut butter floater! 😋 

@florabama_olerivergrill : Right on the bama/Florida line, this fun restaurant boasts beautiful sunsets, a fun cocktail menu (the key lime colada was amazing!) and you can even rent pontoon boats and jet skis from the marina, or take a dolphin cruise! 🐬 

@theorangebeachstore : I’ve passed this store 100 times but this was my first time inside and now I’m mad that I have been missing out all this time. They have a beautiful selection of really nice souvenirs from great brand names you already know and love. Great quality clothing and other things like blankets, cup, hats, and candles. I shopped forever! 

@fbyachtclub_ : The Flora Bama Yacht club is also right on the state line on the bay side and has fun live music, a really nice menu including crab claws, hummus, chicken pasta, and key lime pie. Service was great and we loved the live music. 

Thank y’all for having us! ✨
#florabama #coastalal #orangebeach #orangebeachalabama #orangebeachrestaurants #orangebeachdining #albeachblogger
But why are they like this? I even tell him “I d But why are they like this? I even tell him “I don’t want a Bobby-sized bite” and it’s still fit for a polar bear. 🍰 

#loveandmarriage #husbandsandwives #menbelike #orangebeachalabama #coastalal #marriedlifebelike

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d