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How to Wash Leggings and Yoga Pants
March 16, 2024
-
By
Sophia Grant
Proper washing is key if you want to maintain the shape, color, and performance of your leggings.
What’s the best way to wash them? What type of detergent should you use? Can you use fabric softener? Keep reading for all the answers!
Choosing the Right Detergent for Your Leggings
Mild detergents, with less aggressive washing agents, are recommended for leggings due to their delicate fabrics.
Sport-Specific Detergents Like ACTIVE
If your leggings are made from synthetic materials like spandex, nylon, or polyester, use ACTIVE Detergent. It will penetrate and clean technical fabrics, effectively remove odors without the need for masking fragrances, and maintain the breathability and moisture-wicking properties of athetlc fabrics.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using detergents with harsh chemicals such as optical brighteners and fabric softeners.
These chemicals can reduce the breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities of your leggings and interfere with their stretchiness and ability to retain elasticity over time.
Washing Techniques for Different Legging Materials
Different legging materials necessitate different washing methods. For leggings made of blended materials, refer to the care label for washing instructions, using the guidelines for the most delicate material in the blend.
Cotton Leggings
To help maintain color and mitigate fading, cotton leggings should be cared for in the following way:
- Turn the leggings inside out before washing.
- Use a mesh washing bag to prevent snagging inside the washing machine.
- Wash them on a gentle cycle using cool water with a low spin setting to avoid shrinkage and damage
Synthetic Leggings
Synthetic leggings are more durable than their cotton counterparts and are more resistant to chafing and everyday wear.
However, they need special care to preserve their longevity. Here are some tips for washing synthetic leggings:
- Wash them in cool water
- If they’re made from spandex, nylon, polyester, or rayon, use a delicate or hand-wash cycle with cool water
- Avoid exposing synthetic leggings to the high heat of a dryer, as it can reduce the ability of the moisture-wicking material and damage the fabric
Wool and Silk Leggings
Wool and silk leggings are considered delicate clothing due to their delicate nature and require particular attention.
Avoid high heat or vigorous washing cycles that can damage the fibers. Instead, opt for a delicate or hand-wash cycle.
After washing, air-dry them flat on a drying rack or a flat, moisture-resistant surface to prevent misshaping. Avoid placing silk leggings in a clothes dryer, as the high heat can permanently damage the delicate fabric.
The washing instructions in this guide are compatible with all types of leggings fabrics from all brands including:
- 90 Degree by Reflex
- A AGROSTE
- Adanola
- Aerie
- Aritzia
- Aurola
- Beyond Yoga
- Colorfulkoala
- Crop Shop Boutique (CSB)
- ECHT
- Ewedoos
- Fabletics
- Fashion Nova
- Fengbay
- Fullsoft
- Glyder
- HeathYoga
- HeyNuts
- Hiskywin
- Homma
- IUGA
- Just My Size
- Justice
- K-Deer
- Leggings Depot
- Lingswallow
- Lorna Jane
- LuLaRoe
- Neleus
- NVGTN
- Ododos
- Phisockat
- Satina
- Sunzel
- Sweaty Betty
- Syrinx
- Tiktok Style
- TSLA
- Ultracor
- Yogipace
Proper Washing Machine Settings for Leggings
Most leggings should be washed on a cold water cycle or delicate cycle to preserve their elasticity and prevent fabric damage. High-performance activewear leggings, in particular, should be washed on a delicate cycle with cold water.
Also, remember to wash leggings with similar-weight items or in a mesh bag to avoid stretching and tangling with heavier garments.
Cold Water Cycle
Cold water will help prevent shrinkage, color fading, and wrinkling of your leggings. Modern laundry detergents such as ACTIVE also contain enzymes that activate at temperatures as low as 60°F, meaning your clothes will get thoroughly clean even in cold water cycles.
In contrast, using warm or hot water may not provide any additional benefits and could potentially damage your leggings.
However, remember to avoid fabric softeners when washing leggings, as they can leave a residue that will compromise the material’s breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
Delicate or Hand-Wash Cycle
The delicate wash cycle, a gentle machine equivalent to hand washing, can keep your leggings in the best shape by protecting them from the harm that can occur during more aggressive washing cycles.
It’s the shortest and gentlest cycle on a washing machine, generally lasting only between four and seven minutes during the wash portion to minimize fabric stress.
After the wash portion, the rinse cycle will remove all detergent residue to maintain the quality of your leggings.
How to Machine Wash Leggings and Yoga Pants
Leggings and yoga pants are machine washable and can be washed with other similarly colored items
Just remember to sort the garments by color; don’t wash darks with lights and vice versa.
Step 1: Place the Leggings In a Mesh Bag
Turn the leggings inside out and place them in a mesh laundry bag before putting them in the washer. The bag will prevent them from snagging and wearing out during the wash cycle.
Step 2: Add ACTIVE Detergent
Measure one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and add it directly to the drum. Avoid using fabric softeners and bleach.
Step 3: Run a Wash Cycle
Run a ‘delicate’ or ‘gentle’ wash cycle with cold water. Don’t use hot water as the heat can compromise the garments’ integrity.
Step 4: Dry the Leggings
Hang dry the leggings after washing. Avoid using the dryer; you don’t want to expose them to high heat.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Mesh laundry bag
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Designed to thoroughly and safely clean leggings and yoga pants.
Hand-Washing Leggings: Step-By-Step Guide
Hand-washing can help preserve the leggings’ form and prolong their life, especially for delicate clothing.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
Step 1:
Fill a sink or basin with cool to lukewarm water.
Step 2:
Add a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent to the water and agitate it with your hand to dissolve the powder.
Step 3:
Submerge the leggings and gently swish them through the sudsy water before rinsing with clean water.
Let them air dry afterwards.
Never wring or twist your leggings like a towel – that will permanently stretch out the fibers.
Drying Leggings the Right Way
Tumble drying can shrink leggings, damage stretchy fabrics, and warp the fibers, resulting in leggings that no longer fit properly.
Rather, you want to let them dry naturally as that will help prevent shrinkage and keep the fabric’s integrity intact.
Supplies:
- Clean towels
- Clothesline (optional)
Step 1:
Gently press the wet leggings in a towel to get rid of the excess moisture, before laying them flat on another towel.
Step 2:
Flip the leggings periodically to ensure even drying. You can also line-dry the leggings in a well ventilated area.
Avoid drying your leggings under direct sunlight as the sun’s rays can cause the colors to fade.
Caring for Activewear and Gym Leggings
Activewear and gym leggings should be washed after every use to prevent natural odors from becoming embedded in the fibers. Synthetic leggings, in particular, are prone to trapping odors, making it crucial to wash them after each workout session.
Odor Removal Techniques
Pre-treating synthetic leggings with white vinegar is an effective way to remove odors. Simply soak the leggings in cold water mixed with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of white vinegar for half an hour before washing.
Stain Treatment
Stains on leggings can be a nuisance, but with the right treatment, you can remove them easily. Here are some tips for treating different types of stains:
For body oil stains: gently apply a laundry stain remover or liquid detergent on the stain using your fingertips, avoiding scrubbing to prevent fabric damage
For deodorant marks: try rubbing the stain with a pair of clean pantyhose or a dryer sheet
For grass stains: create a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide with liquid dish soap, then cover the stain with it and leave to sit for 10-15 minutes before washing
Storage Solutions
How you store your yoga pants and leggings can affect how long they’ll last. We recommend folding or rolling them neatly before storing them to avoid creases and wrinkles. It’s also a good idea to store them vertically and alternate their direction to maximize space and maintain accessibility.
How to Wash Leggings – Overview
Caring for your leggings means more than just tossing them in the washer and dryer. From choosing the right detergent and washing techniques to proper drying and storage, every step is crucial.
Remember, the longevity of your leggings largely depends on how you care for them. So be sure to follow the tips we’ve provided to keep your favorite pair looking and feeling their best for years to come!
Washing Yoga Pants and Leggings – FAQs
How do you wash leggings without ruining them?
To wash your leggings without ruining them, wash and hang dry them immediately after use, making sure to use cool water.
How many times should I wear leggings before washing?
You should wash leggings after every wear to maintain their elasticity and to eliminate any sweat or odors. This is especially important for activewear and if you have sensitive skin.
Do leggings shrink in the wash?
Yes, leggings can shrink in the wash, especially if they contain cotton and other fabrics like spandex or polyester. Be sure to follow the care instructions to prevent shrinking.
Should you put leggings in the dryer?
No, it’s not recommended that you put leggings in the dryer as the hot air can damage the stretchy fibers over time. It’s best to hang them dry on a rack or clothesline instead.
Can you wash leggings in the washing machine?
Yes, you can wash leggings in the washing machine. Turn them inside out, use cold water, a gentle cycle, and ACTIVE Detergent to maintain their color and shape.
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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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