Eco-Conscious Laundry for Active Lifestyles: How to Care for Sports Gear and Activewear with ECOS®

With the arrival of the new year, many of us have committed to leading a more active lifestyle. Maybe you’ve joined a gym, started a new sport, or picked up a fresh workout routine. But have you ever thought about how to care for your activewear and training gear sustainably?

At ECOS, we understand that New Year’s resolutions for a more active lifestyle come with sweaty clothes, smelly gear, and towels that need extra care. In fact, taking proper care of activewear is more important than it seems. Not only is it better for the planet, but it also helps preserve and protect the life of your specialized fabrics for longer.

That’s why today, we’re sharing tips on how to manage your sports laundry in an eco-conscious way, caring for both your activewear and the environment.

4 Tips for Eco-Conscious Care of Your Activewear

1. Smart Washing for Activewear

Technical fabrics like polyester or spandex are designed to wick away sweat, but they can also trap odors. Here’s how to clean them effectively:

• Wash with a gentle, eco-conscious detergent: ECOS Laundry Detergents are plant-powered and perfect for removing odors without damaging fibers or leaving behind harsh chemical residues. If stains or odors are strong, it may be best to soak the clothes before washing them. Use an ECOS detergent like our Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent Packs, formulated with several plant-based ingredients, stain-fighting enzymes, and baking soda to tackle odors—no harsh chemicals needed.
  
• Wash in cold water: This reduces energy use and protects the fabric’s properties. Plus, cold water works effectively when paired with a high-quality eco-conscious detergent.
• Avoid conventional fabric softeners: These can clog the fibers of your activewear. If you need a touch of softness, try white vinegar—it also helps neutralize odors.
• Monitor the dryer temperature. Sport fabrics should be avoided from being dried at high temperatures, as this can degrade the fibers more quickly and reduce their softness.

2. Odor Control for Gear and Accessories

Backpacks, shoes, and gloves can collect odors too. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Clean regularly with a DIY solution: Mix water, baking soda, and a few drops of our ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner to remove bacteria and odors without harming the materials.
  
• Air dry outdoors: Whenever possible, let your clothes dry outdoors, but be careful, as leaving garments in the sun can cause fading due to UV light exposure. Outdoor drying should preferably be done in a shaded area to prevent long-term degradation of the fabric’s appearance.
• Use a refreshing spray: Make a quick spray using water and a few drops of essential oil to keep your sports accessories smelling fresh between uses.

3. Plan Your Weekly Laundry Routine

Active schedules mean dirty clothes can pile up quickly. Stay on top of it with these tips:

• Don’t leave sweaty clothes in your gym bag: Take them straight to the laundry or hang them up to air out. Odor-causing bacteria thrive in warm, moist, and dark conditions. That’s why leaving sweaty clothes in the hamper or gym bag makes them smell bad.
• Use quick wash cycles: ECOS detergents are highly concentrated and effective, even in short cycles, saving water and time.
• Wash more, waste less: With ECOS, a little goes a long way. Our concentrated formulas deliver outstanding results with less product. The new ECOS Laundry Detergent Ultra-Concentrated Free & Clear, now available on Amazon, is a great choice.

4. Commit to the Environment

Adding eco-conscious laundry practices to your active routine is a small change with a big impact:

• Choose eco-conscious products: Opt for ECOS detergents and cleaners that are safer for your family, your clothes, and the planet. Our ECOS Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent with Enzymes is made without phosphates and prevents residue buildup.
• Air dry when possible: Save energy by using a drying rack instead of a dryer.
• Reuse and recycle: Consider detergent packaging with sustainability in mind. ECOS offers options like Laundry Detergent Sheets, designed to minimize waste, and concentrated detergents in 100% recyclable bottles—perfect for those who care about the planet.

This year, be a champion not just at the gym but also in caring for your clothes and the planet. With ECOS, you can keep your activewear and sports gear spotless while helping reduce your environmental footprint.

Take on your workouts and New Year’s resolutions with confidence and sustainability! 💪🌱

Sources:
American Cleaning Institute. Tips for Clothing and Laundry.
http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide