With school back in session, the days of chauffeuring kids to sports practices and games is back too. That probably means dealing with dirty, stinky uniforms too and wracking your brain on how to get them clean and smelling better. Luckily, we have some tips!
- Presoak.
Presoaking uniforms and practice gear really helps to get them squeaky clean and get rid of any unpleasant odors. Rinse the uniform or practice clothes in the sink when you get home, but be sure not to use hot water. This will allow you to get rid of any loose dirt before soaking it. Next, fill either the sink or a large container with warm, but not hot water. Add two tablespoons of a heavy-duty detergent like Tide or Persil and a ½ cup of baking soda to neutralize smells. Let the clothes soak for at least an hour up to overnight. - Look at the label.
Just like with any other clothes, you want to make sure you read the label on the uniforms carefully. This can help clue you in to the best ways to take care of and clean the fabrics. - Turn uniforms inside out.
The bacteria that often causes odors on workout or sports clothes comes from things like sweat and dead skin cells rubbing off and forming on the inside of the clothes. If you turn the clothes inside out, it can allow all of that to be cleaned a little easier. - Use the right amount of detergent.
A lot of us are guilty of using too much detergent, but more doesn’t really mean better in this case. Using too much detergent leaves a soap residue on your clothes that helps to keep the odors trapped inside. - Boost your laundry.
Adding a little something extra in your load of sports uniforms or practice clothes can help to get those smells and extra dirt out. White vinegar, baking soda, or other laundry boosters on the market may be something to consider. There are also specially formulated sports detergents on the market you can buy if everything else isn’t cutting it. - No fabric softener.
Much like using too much detergent, using fabric softener on sports uniforms or practice wear can leave a coating on the clothes, trapping odors in. That residue, once built up, can also make it harder for water and detergent to fully penetrate and clean the fibers in future washes. - Avoid heat.
High heat–whether from hot water or a dryer–can cause uniforms to shrink and set in stains in odors. It’s also not good for the elastic that’s often in athletic wear, and the dryer in particular can destroy printed numbers and letters on uniforms. - Wash alone.
While it can be tempting to throw everything in together to get laundry over with, sports uniforms, practice clothes, and/or workout clothes should be washed either by themselves or with other clothes like them. - Try an LG Styler Steam Closet.
If all of this sounds like a lot to do and remember, you might benefit from an LG Styler Steam Closet offered at Modern Gas. It takes the guesswork out of difficult to wash clothes like sports uniforms and practice clothes. This unique appliance uses powerful steam technology to make cleaning hard to wash clothes a little easier. Learn more here.