In the world of gym clothes, compression garments continue to grow in popularity. Wearing compression shirts provides several advantages, including increased circulation and reduced swelling. Learn how to wash compression shirts and extend the life of these amazing workout clothes.
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Compression shirts are not only for those looking to stay healthy and boost their workouts but also for professional athletes searching for ways to reduce injuries and boost performance.
Serious athletes understand for the best outcomes, use compression shirts every day.
However, do you know how to clean and care for your high-performance workout shirts? Continue reading to learn how to keep them clean and long-lasting!
How to Wash Compression Shirts
How to Wash Your Compression Shirt
Remove any excess dirt from your shirt by lightly brushing it with a toothbrush
Avoid any buttons or other parts that could break or come loose during washing. In a sink, mix together two tablespoons of mild detergent with cold water. Use a small amount of soap so that it won’t build up on the compression shirt and cause irritation later on.
Use the gentle cycle using cold water
Use the gentle cycle using cold water. Use a mild detergent and wash the shirt separately from other clothing. Do not use bleach or fabric softener as they can damage your compression shirt.
Add a small amount of mild detergent
Do not use bleach or fabric softener as they can damage your compression shirt. Add a small amount of mild detergent, such as Woolite, to the wash water and allow it to soak for about 15 minutes before washing.
Always wash with similarly colored clothing
Do not use bleach or fabric softener as they can damage your compression shirt. Rinse the shirt thoroughly in cold water and remove any excess suds.
Best laundry detergent
Mild detergents can help them last as long as possible. Bleach or other harsh detergents will damage the fibers and should be avoided.
While you might be tempted to add additional detergent to your dirty compression shirt, it only requires a fraction of what is required.
Do not use fabric softener on your athletic compression shirts.
Fabric softeners cover a fabric’s surface with electrically charged chemical compounds, enabling fibers to “stand up” from the surface and imparting a softer and fluffier feel.
However, these chemical compounds leave a film on compression shirts, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and odor.
Using a Washing Machine
Check the labels. Most compression shirts will say “machine wash”, however, launder them like you would delicates. Wash compression clothing together or use a mesh laundry bag for delicates when washing with other clothing items.
Hand Wash Only
If your item requires hand washing, follow these steps:
- Wash and rinse your compression shirts in cold water
- When drying the clothing, roll it on a dry towel or gently press it to absorb the extra moisture
- ➤Do not wring or stretch your compression shirt.
➥Read also… Best compression shirts for slimming
How to Wash Compression Shirts
How to Dry Compression Shirts
Air dry
The best way to dry shirts is to roll the garment in a dry towel, or gently press it to absorb the extra moisture.
Machine dry
If using a dryer, the temperature dial should be set on a no-heat (low-heat) air drying cycle because excessive heat exposure can damage the elastic fibers of your compression shirts.
Does your garment contain a silicone band? Consider using the no-heat dryer option will protect it.
➥Read also… Best compression shirts for loose skin
How to Wash Compression Shirts
Tips For Taking Care of Your Compression Shirts
Wash promptly after use
Develop a habit of washing your tummy tucker immediately after you return from the gym or workout. Your gym bag is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow due to sweat and dead skin on your clothing.
Sweat (and bacteria) left on compression shirts for extended periods can cause stains, spots, and odors that are hard to remove.
Always wash colors and whites separately
Just like you would with your normal laundry loads, wash whites and colors separately. This will keep your white garments brilliant and colors vivid.
Always use cold water
Never use hot or warm water when washing your compression shirts.
Never use fabric softener
Never use fabric softener on your athletic compression shirts. They cover a fabric’s surface with electrically charged chemical compounds, enabling fibers to “stand up” from the surface and imparting a softer and fluffier feel.
Also, avoid using laundry detergents that include fabric softeners
Prevent pilling
The term “pills” refers to small, solid lint balls that form on the surface of materials such as clothing, while “pilling” refers to the act of forming them.
Most pills may be sliced or scraped away using a cloth comb or a battery-operated pill/lint remover.
Use a mesh bag for delicates to prevent pilling from occurring.
How to Wash Compression Shirts
Summary
Compression shirts are a great way to boost your athletic performance, as well as provide immediate relief to sore muscles and improve circulation.
Keep your compression shirts fresh and fit by taking precautions to wash and care for them properly. Compression shirts can last several years with simple handling and care tips provided.
Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.
