Most runners have found themselves at the sink dealing ineffectually with muddy, sopping wet trainers and wondering if they dare machine-wash them. Can you do it – and what is the best way to tackle a “rainproof” jacket that is starting to whiff? I asked Michaela Uzzell from appliance manufacturer Miele for her advice on the most common runners’ laundry conundrums.
At what temperature should I wash smelly, sweaty running kit?
The temperature will depend on the material of your clothes: cotton items can be washed regularly at higher temperatures to get rid of bad smells, whereas synthetics are more sensitive to higher temperatures and should be washed at a maximum of 30C. For peace of mind, follow the guidance on the fabric care label, as the manufacturer will dictate the safe temperatures for washing.
If a top is just a bit sweaty, will a rinse do the trick?
Your clothes should be thoroughly washed, as water alone will not fully break down body fats and sweat. Also, if you wait too long to wash your items, it will be more difficult to get rid of bad smells and dirt from the fabric.
Should you use a specialist detergent for sportswear?
We advise using specialist detergent if possible. These are excellent at breaking down bad smells, and will also help to prevent Lycra from sagging and prevens electrostatic charging of fibres, which means your sportswear lasts longer. Non-sports clothes would not be harmed by being washed in this detergent as part of the same wash. It is important to bear in mind, however, that synthetic clothing is more sensitive than cotton, so I would recommended loading the machine only half full, up to a maximum of 4kg.
How should I wash outer running gear that is rainproof or windproof?
We would advise washing using a specialist detergent, ideally teamed with an outerwear programme – most of our washing machines have one – to help protect the fabric. It is important that your waterproof garments are re-proofed every so often, otherwise they will stop repelling water and allowing moisture to escape from the inside. Do use a proofing agent with the relevant programmes on your washing and drying machines.
Some running gear starts to smell, even after washing, as it get older. Is there anything you can do about that?
To avoid this, ensure that you are washing items regularly using a good-quality sportswear detergent, as the odour absorber included will prevent bad smells. Specialist detergent contains the correct enzymes to break down fats and sweat. It is important to make sure that you are washing your clothes at the hottest temperature allowed for the garments; this will help eliminate bacteria that cause bad smells.
Should you tumble-dry technical fabrics?
This depends on the advice of the garment care label advice, which is not random: fabrics from different manufacturers will contain different blends of fibres, so what applies to one brand may not apply to another.
What about fabric softener?
Using fabric softener is not usually necessary when using good detergents, as they contain cellulase, which helps to stop fabrics becoming rough. You should not use fabric softener for any outerwear, as this will damage the membrane of the fabric. Sports textiles are usually made of synthetic fibres, the functional properties of which can be affected by fabric softener.
Should you put your trainers in the washing machine? If so, should you take out the insoles?
Again, it is important to follow the advice of your trainer manufacturer, as different trainers may be more or less suitable for washing machines, depending on their construction and materials. Some washer-dryers actually have a trainers programmes, which have reduced mechanics – similar to the wool and silk programmes. It is not normally necessary to take out insoles.
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