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The Best Ways to Wash Knee & Elbow Sleeves
July 30, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
Knee sleeves are a type of garment that’s designed to protect the knee from injury or damage. They slide over the knees and are suitable for a variety of sports from basketball to lifting.
Advantages of Knee Sleeves:
- They offer compression, which will help you recover more quickly after a training session
- They provide lateral stability by limiting patella movement
- They can increase your proprioception (the sense through which we perceive our body)
Disadvantages of Knee Sleeves:
- They can be pricey
- They can develop an odor after a while
Washing Your Knee Sleeves
Knee sleeves are in constant contact with your skin, meaning that they will absorb sweat as you move around.
That’s why it’s so important to wash them after each wear. The last thing that you want is to have smelly knee sleeves.
They’re not that hard to clean either – you can either put them in the washing machine with the rest of your clothes or wash them by hand.
How to Wash Knee Sleeves and Compression Braces
Most knee sleeves are made from neoprene, a type of synthetic rubber, which makes them easy to wash.
Machine Wash Your Knee Sleeves
As long as you follow the proper steps, you can run them through the washer.
Step 1: Use a Laundry Bag
Turn the sleeve inside out; that will expose the inner layer so that it’ll be easier for the detergent to wash the sweat away. We also recommend putting the item in a laundry bag before loading it into the washer.
The bag will keep the sleeves together and prevent them from getting ‘lost’ during the cycle.
Step 2: Add Detergent
Measure one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and add it to the tub. Do not use chemicals such as bleach.
Step 3: Run a Delicate Cycle
Choose a gentle or delicate cycle and wash with cold water. Avoid using hot water as it can cause the fabric to shrink.
Step 4: Let Them Air Dry
Once the cycle is finished, take out the sleeves and lay them on a clean towel. Gently squeeze to get rid of some of the extra water.
Depending on how thick the sleeves are, it can take several hours for them to dry completely.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- Clean towel
Never wring or twist the sleeves like a towel or rag – that will cause the neoprene material to stretch out.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Enzymatic deep-cleaning laundry detergent, perfect for deodorizing knee and elbow sleeves.
Hand Washing Knee Sleeves
You can also wash your knee sleeves by hand. For example, you can use a sink or a large bucket.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Baking soda (optional)
- Water
Step 1:
Fill a large sink or bucket with water and add some ACTIVE Detergent. You’ll have to agitate the liquid with your hand to dissolve the powder.
If necessary, you can also add a bit of baking soda for extra deodorizing power.
Step 2:
Turn the knee sleeves inside out and place them in the solution. Gently rub the material, paying extra attention to the crease as dirt tends to accumulate in that area.
Step 3:
Let the knee sleeves soak for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with water.
Step 4:
Squeeze the sleeves gently to remove some of the excess water and lay them on a flat surface to dry.
What About Elbow Sleeves?
Elbow sleeves are similar to knee sleeves, except they’re designed to protect the elbows instead of the knees.
Advantages of Elbow Sleeves
- They will improve blood circulation, which will help prevent swelling and inflammation
- They will act as a mini shield, protecting the skin from scratches and other injuries
- They can help you maintain your body temperature
- They can prevent muscle soreness to some degree after exercise
Disadvantages of Elbow Sleeves:
- They can develop an odor
Washing Instructions For Elbow Sleeves
Machine Washing Your Elbow Sleeves
As with knee sleeves, you can also machine wash the ones for your elbows.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
Step 1:
Start by turning your elbow sleeves inside out – that will give the water and detergent better access to the inner layer.
Next, place them in a laundry bag and load them into the washer.
Step 2:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to the drum. Skip the fabric conditioner.
Step 3:
Run a gentle cycle and remember to use cold water. Hot water can cause the elbow sleeves to warp and shrink.
Step 4:
After washing, gently squeeze the sleeves with your hands to remove the excess water, then lay them flat to dry on a clean surface.
Do not tumble dry.
Do not leave your elbow sleeves under direct sunlight.
Hand Wash Your Elbow Sleeves
You can also wash your elbow sleeves by hand. Here’s how.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Clean towel
Step 1:
Fill a sink with warm water, then add a bit of ACTIVE Detergent. Make sure the powder is thoroughly dissolved before putting your sleeves in.
Let them soak for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2:
Work the soapy water into the sleeve with your hand and rinse with clean water.
Remember, you don’t want there to be any residue on the fabric.
Step 3:
Squeeze out some of the extra water before transferring the sleeve to a clean towel. If necessary, you can also roll it up to get rid of more moisture.
Allow it to air dry.
Don’t put your elbow sleeves in the dryer – the heat can cause it to shrink or warp, even on the lowest setting.
How to Wash Knee Sleeves – FAQs
What’s the best way to clean knee sleeves?
Knee sleeves are machine washable. You can also hand wash them in the sink with a bit of mild detergent, such as the one by ACTIVE.
What kind of laundry detergent should you use for knee sleeves?
ACTIVE Detergent is the best choice for knee sleeves. It’s gentle yet powerful and will eliminate all odors, oils, and sweat.
What’s the best way to deodorize knee sleeves?
Distilled white vinegar can be used to neutralize smells.
Simply add half to one cup during the final rinse cycle. You can also soak the sleeves in a white vinegar water solution.
Leave them in for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with water.
What’s the difference between knee sleeves and knee pads?
Knee sleeves are designed for compression while knee pads are designed to prevent your knee from impact injuries.
For those with both, you can machine wash them together, as long as you seperate them with laundry bags.
Remember to turn the knee sleeves and knee pads inside out before washing.
Should you wash knee sleeves with cold or hot water?
Knee sleeves should always be washed with cold water. Avoid using scalding hot water as the heat can cause the neoprene material to deteriorate over time.
Is it better to hand wash your knee sleeves?
Hand washing is much gentler than using the washing machine. For one thing, you won’t be exposing the sleeves to any agitation, which over time, can cause the material to wear out.
Given that, it’s best to wash them by hand if you want them to last.
Can you wash the sleeves with dish soap?
You can use dish soap in a pinch but it won’t be nearly as effective as ACTIVE Detergent, which is specially formulated for these types of garments.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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