If you work out with any frequency, or have kids who play sports, you’ve already learned two heavy truths about athletic gear. It's really expensive. And it gets really dirty…not to mention smelly! From sports bras to yoga pants to tennis shirts and winter base layers, athletic gear takes a beating every time it’s used. The good news is that with a few insider tips, and the right products on hand, you can keep your family’s gear looking and smelling fresh.*
Here's our top five tips for how to care for athletic gear.
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Spray Now, Wash Later
The best time to treat stains on athletic gear is right away. The trouble is that it’s not always the best time to do laundry. That’s why we love Seventh Generation Laundry Stain Remover. Made with 6X cleaning agents and biobased-based enzymes that go to work on set-in messes, it’s never been easier to stay ahead of stains. Simply spray the stain now, then wash when you’re ready using your favorite laundry detergent (we think ours is pretty great!). In addition to fresh, clean athletic gear, you get the peace of mind knowing that our stain spray is made from 97% biobased ingredients and is free from dyes or fragrances.
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Take it Easy(Dose)
Getting your kids to practice on time, let alone maintaining your own exercise routine and washing everyone’s gear, can feel like a near-impossible juggling act. Let us help. We made our EasyDose Ultra-Concentrated Laundry Detergent to simplify your laundry routine while still giving you the clean you depend on and the sustainable benefits you deserve. It starts with our compact 23 fl. oz bottle that uses 60% less plastic, 50% less water, and is 75% lighter when compared to our 90 fl. oz bottle. Even better, our bottle’s cap uses auto-dosing technology to measure the perfect amount of detergent every time. Finally, EasyDose’s 98% Biobased formula is EPA Safer Choice Certified to be safer for your loved ones
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Make Sweat Stains a Memory
Sweat stains can be a little embarrassing, not to mention be more than a little smelly. But if you own any white or light-colored workout gear, you’re all too familiar with those yellow and gray stains that love to show up. Here’s how to make them a memory so you can get the most out of your gear:
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Soak stained clothing in a solution of warm water and white vinegar.
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Using an old toothbrush, apply a paste made with baking soda, salt, and hydrogen peroxide directly to stain.
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Let the stain remover sit for 5-10 minutes.
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Machine wash on cold using a plant-based laundry detergent powered by stain-fighting enzymes to finish the job.
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Embrace the Cold
Most modern workout clothes are made from synthetic fabrics that require cold water washing. Why? Hot water gradually breaks down synthetics, which means that washing your workout clothes in hot water will gradually shrink them. We recommend washing your workout clothes on your machine’s delicate setting in cold water to help retain their shape, breathability, and other performance features. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of using far less energy during the wash cycle.
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Always Air Dry
For long-lasting performance, we recommend always air drying your athletic gear. The heat from your dryer can damage the high-performance and delicate fabrics often found in workout clothing. A breezy, sunny spot is ideal for air drying, but if that’s not an option, hang your gear in your shower until it’s dry and ready for use. Air drying not only makes your gear last longer, it’s also good for your wallet, and the environment.
We hope these tips help you get the most of your favorite athletic gear. Now get out there and play!
*Always check your garment’s warning labels before washing or treating.
