Deep cleaning your workout gear is important to ensure it stays fresh, hygienic, and in good condition.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly deep clean common types of workout gear…

Gym Clothes (T-shirts, Shorts, Leggings, etc.)

• Pre-treat Stains – Apply a stain remover to areas with noticeable sweat or stains (like underarms or collar). Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.
• Wash in Cold Water – Use cold water to wash your workout clothes to prevent damage to the fabric and preserve elasticity.
• Use a Sports Detergent – Regular detergent might not fully eliminate sweat and odors. Consider using a detergent designed specifically for activewear (like those from Tide Sport or Hex Performance) to remove built-up body oils and bacteria.
• Turn Clothes Inside Out – This helps protect the fabric and prevents the outside from pilling or fading.
• Air Dry – Avoid the dryer, which can break down elastic fibers in your activewear. Instead, air dry your gear by hanging it up or laying it flat to preserve its fit and fabric.

Gym Shoes (Sneakers, Training Shoes)

• Remove Insoles and Laces – Take out the insoles and laces to clean them separately.
• Clean Insoles – Scrub them gently with soap and water, or sprinkle baking soda on them to absorb odors. Let them air dry completely.
• Wash Shoes – If machine washing is safe (check the manufacturer’s instructions), place your shoes in a laundry bag and wash them on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. If not, use a damp cloth or sponge with mild soap and scrub them clean. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water can work wonders.
• Dry Properly – Never put shoes in the dryer. Instead, stuff them with newspaper or towels to help maintain their shape while they air dry.

Yoga Mats

• Wipe Down – After every use, wipe your mat with a damp cloth or spray it with a gentle cleaner (like a mix of water and a few drops of dish soap or a yoga mat cleaner).
• Deep Clean – For a more thorough clean, soak your mat in warm water with a small amount of mild detergent for 10-15 minutes. Then, scrub it gently with a soft brush or sponge.
• Rinse and Dry – After cleaning, rinse your mat with clean water and hang it up to dry completely before rolling it back up.
• Disinfect – You can occasionally disinfect your mat with a solution of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) or use an alcohol-based cleaner.

Gym Bags

• Empty and Shake – Empty all pockets and compartments. Shake the bag out to remove loose dirt, lint, or crumbs.
• Spot Clean – Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to spot clean the exterior and interior. For tough stains, try using a fabric-safe stain remover.
• Wash – If the bag is machine washable (check the label), wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle inside a laundry bag. For non-machine-washable bags, hand wash with a mild detergent.
• Dry – Allow the bag to air dry completely to avoid any mildew buildup.

Resistance Bands, Dumbbells, and Other Equipment

• Wipe Down – For equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, or resistance bands, simply wipe them down with a disinfecting wipe or cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution.
• Sanitize – If you’ve been using shared gym equipment, make sure to wipe everything down with an alcohol-based sanitizer to kill germs and bacteria.

Water Bottles

• Disassemble – Take apart your water bottle (lid, straw, and any removable parts) to clean each piece individually.
• Wash – Use a bottle brush with warm, soapy water to clean the inside. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
• Disinfect – Occasionally, clean your water bottle by soaking it in a mixture of warm water and vinegar (or a water bottle cleaning tablet) to remove bacteria and odors.
• Air Dry – Let everything dry completely before reassembling.

General Tips

• Frequency – Deep clean your workout gear regularly, especially items that get a lot of use or retain sweat and bacteria (like clothes, mats, and shoes).
• Drying – For most gear, avoid high-heat drying (like in the dryer), as it can cause shrinkage or damage the fabric.
• Storage – After cleaning, store your gear in a cool, dry place to prevent odor buildup and mold growth, especially for items like mats and bags.

By maintaining your workout gear with regular cleaning, you’ll help prevent the buildup of odors and bacteria while extending the life of your equipment.