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Running a Marathon? Here's the Best Way to Do Laundry.

Running a Marathon? Here's the Best Way to Do Laundry.

Running a marathon is a big task--but your laundry shouldn’t have to be! When training for a marathon, you may find yourself investing in performance and sweat wicking fabrics to maximize your comfort as you run. These fabrics are tightly woven to help divert moisture, allow sweat to evaporate, and keep you cool. However, these benefits come with a downside. If not properly washed, bacteria can get caught in the tight knit fibers, leading to stubborn odors. Not sure how to wash running gear? Here are a few tips for runners to keep the laundry hamper from overflowing. 

 

HOW TO WASH RUNNING CLOTHES

First things first, be sure to check the care label! The tiny tag can hold a lot of important information straight from the manufacturer.

When in doubt, wash your running clothes with cold or lukewarm water. Some synthetic fibers such polyester and nylon are not designed for high heat, and can lose their elasticity. We recommend washing your clothes as soon as possible to prevent permastink —that nasty, stuck-in-your-clothes smell that stubbornly clings to your workout clothes. Luckily, Dropps Activewear Laundry Detergent is designed specifically to tackle permastink, with 5 enzymes that clean a variety of stain types and keep your running clothes smelling fresh. Simply wash your gear with one Activewear pod (scented or unscented, take your pick!) to wash your sweat clean away.

When your clothes are so fresh and so clean, skip the dryer, which can cause damage or shrinkage, shortening the lifespan of your clothes. Hang your clothes to dry near a fan or in direct sunlight. (Bonus—the sun’s rays discourage bacterial growth and add an extra zap of freshness!)

 

HOW TO WASH RUNNING SHOES

Your shoes are the MVP of your running kit, so you want to make sure to treat them right! 

Like your post-run stretching routine, it can be nice to give your shoes a bit of a massage. After a run, use an old toothbrush to remove any heavy buildup of mud and dirt. Clap the soles of your shoes together to remove dirt easily, and then let your shoes dry with the laces undone and the insoles taken out. If you have access to a sunny place, be sure to take advantage of the sun’s natural anti-bacterial properties!

If your running shoes get really dirty, you can spot clean them or even put them in the washing machine! To wash in the machine,

  1. Remove the shoe laces and insoles to hand wash separately
  2. Brush off any loose dirt or debris
  3. Put shoes in a mesh bag
  4. Use your preferred detergent (we love Dropps Activewear to tackle stink and stains)
  5. Wash on a delicate cycle with cold water
  6. Air dry! High heat can damage the materials of the shoe. To help with drying and retaining form, you can stuff the shoes with paper towels or newspaper.

 

 

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