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How to Wash Running Clothes – Best Methods

June 4, 2024

Running is one of the easiest ways to improve your health – and all you need is a good pair of running shoes and some workout clothes.

Popular Brands of Running Clothes

Here are some big brands that offer workout clear for runners:

Brooks Sports

Brooks Sports is based in Seattle and sells high-performance running shoes, clothing, accessories, and more.

Asics

Asics is a Japanese company that specializes in workout gear including clothes and footwear.

asics running shoes

Patagonia

Patagonia is a popular clothing brand that sells outdoor apparel. They also sell a variety of running gear from tops to base layers.

Smart Wool

Smartwool is a company that specializes in merino wool products, all of which come with a moisture-wicking and anti-microbial finish.

Saucony

Saucony is a manufacturer of athletic footwear. They are a subsidiary of Wolverine World Wide and offer a variety of shoes that are meant for running, racing, trail running, and walking.

Mizuno

Mizuno is a Japanese sportswear company. Founded in Osaka, the brand sells a wide range of sports gear including those for running, volleyball, golf, tennis, boxing, rugby, judo, and more.

Nike

Nike is the world’s largest manufacturer of athletic footwear and clothes and sells a variety of running gear from shoes to socks.

Aside from running gear, they also have products that are geared toward other sports such as tennis, basketball, golf, and soccer.

Adidas

Adidas is the largest supplier of sportswear in Europe. Known for its three stripes, the company manufactures a wide range of footwear, clothing, and accessories.

Under Armour

Under Armour is an American company that sells sportswear, sports equipment, and footwear. Founded by Kevin Plank, the brand can be found in over a dozen countries worldwide including London, Hong Kong, Seoul, Sao Paulo, and Paris.


How to Wash Running Clothes

Using the Washing Machine

Most of the workout clothing that you wear for running is machine washable.

Step 1: Sort Your Clothes

sort your laundry

Separate your running clothes based on color; you should have one wash load for dark-colored items and another for light-colored items.

Step 2: Use a Laundry Bag

laundry bag

Once you’ve got your loads sorted, turn the garments inside out and place them in a laundry bag.

Step 3: Add Detergent

active detergent

Place the laundry bag in the washing machine and add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent.

Avoid using fabric softener if you can. It will coat your running clothes with a waxy layer that will prevent sweat from evaporating from the surface.

Step 4: Run a Wash Cycle

washing machine settings

Run a cold, gentle cycle. Avoid hot water; running clothes tend to be made from synthetic fabrics, which while durable, should not be exposed to heat.

Step 5: Let Them Air Dry

air dry clothes

Let your clothes air dry on a drying rack afterwards. Do not use the dryer.

Supply:

  • ACTIVE Detergent
  • Laundry bags

You can wash your running clothes with other athletic wear (except sports bras and other delicates) as long as you’re not mixing colors. You can even wash your gym bag in the same load.

active det transparent shadow

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Washing Your Athletic Clothes by Hand

You can also wash your activewear by hand – you just need a large sink or tub.

Supplies:

  • ACTIVE Detergent
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Drying rack

Step 1:

Fill a small container or sink with cool or lukewarm water. Add a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to create a soapy mixture.

activewear laundry detergent gym clothing deodorizer

Step 2:

Submerge your sweaty clothes in the solution. Let them soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

Swish the items afterwards through the sudsy water with gentle movements. Do not scrub or twist the material as that can easily damage the fibers.

soapy mixture

Step 3:

Rinse the items with cool water. Continue until there are no more soap suds.

running water kitchen

Step 4:

Lightly squeeze the excess water out of the wet clothes before putting them on a clean towel.

Blot it a few times to get rid of the moisture before hanging the garments up to dry. Remember, skip the dryer.

lay towel

How to Clean Running Shoes

Cleaning Your Running Shoes with Water and Detergent

You can easily clean your running shoes with a bit of detergent. Here’s how.

Supplies:

  • Clean cloth
  • Old toothbrush
  • ACTIVE Detergent
  • Water
  • Baking soda
remove shoe insole

Step 1:

Clap the shoes together lightly to remove excess dirt.

Then remove the shoelaces and insoles and wash them separately (either by machine or by hand).

activewear laundry detergent gym clothing deodorizer

Step 2:

Mix a bit of ACTIVE Detergent with water to create a soapy mixture and apply it onto the shoe using an old toothbrush.

If necessary, you can also add some baking soda for extra deodorizing power.

rinse with water

Step 3:

Rinse the shoe with cool water. Continue until all the grime and soap suds are gone.

air dry running shoes 1

Step 4:

Let the shoes air dry at room temperature. Do not put them in the sun as the heat can cause staining and the soles to warp.

Wait until they’re fully dry before wearing them again.

You can stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper to hasten the drying process.

Are Running Shoes Machine Washable?

Ideally, you want to wash your running shoes by hand. In some cases, however, you might be able to get away with putting them in the washer. When in doubt, check the care tag label.

Supplies:

  • Laundry bags
  • A few towels
  • ACTIVE Detergent

Step 1:

The first thing you want to do is to remove the laces. To prevent them from being tangled, put them in a laundry bag.

laundry bag

Step 2:

Place your shoes in a separate bag and load them into the washer.

Don’t forget to add a few towels – they will act as a “buffer” so that the shoes won’t bang around during the wash.

clothes in laundry bag

Step 3:

Add a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and run a cold delicate cycle (hot water will cause the colors to fade).

activewear laundry detergent gym clothing deodorizer

Step 4:

Take the shoes and laces out of the machine after the cycle is finished and let them air dry.

choosing a pair of running shoes

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Picture of Sophia Grant

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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