Do You Wash Your Gym Clothes More When It's Warm?

When it comes to deciding how often to do laundry, opinions tend to vastly differ. On one end of the spectrum, you've got people doing laundry several times a week, and on the other? Well, raw denim jeans should only be washed ever six months or so. What about gym clothes, though? How often to wash them? And do you wash your gym clothes more when it's warm?

Well, for starters, in most situations, it's considered best to wash your gym clothes after every wear. After all, damp spandex makes for a pretty ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungus (including infection-causing yeast), according to POPSUGAR. That said, some say it's OK to skip the occasional wash — so long as you make sure to literally air out your dirty laundry, according to Glamour. You see, making sure it dries completely after a sweaty workout makes it less susceptible to bacteria, not to mention the fact that it helps with the smell.

So, how about for warmer weather? Well, usually, warmer weather equals sweatier gym clothes, which would definitely amount to more frequent washings.

That said, if you're working out in a climate-controlled gym (as so many of us are), it won't actually make much of a difference. In fact, it might even help your clothes dry faster — unless, of course, you're dealing with a lot of humidity.

All that said, though, there are a few things to keep in mind when washing your gym clothes — after all, they're generally made of specialized, high-performance fabrics. For instance, did you know that you're not supposed to use fabric softeners? Apparently, they decrease the longevity of the stretchiness, which is an important component of any self-respecting gym garment.

You'll also want to cut back on the heavily-scented detergent, which can cut back on the breathability of your workout clothes (if you're worried about the scent, white vinegar can work some real wonders). Utilizing the cold cycle (or even washing the items by hand) is another way to make your clothes last.

Laundry's no fun, but having clean, long-lasting, and fresh-smelling workout gear certainly is!

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