Should you be hand washing your workout clothes? Laundry pros explain

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According to experts, items with high stretch or compression should probably be hand washed to preserve the integrity of the fabric. Getty ImagesWith all the content available online these days, it can be hard to figure out what’s real and what’s hype. While we don’t always have the answers, we have a direct line to people who do — which is why we present to you our series The Internet Made Me Ask, where we have experts break down the truth about some of the buzziest trends on our timelines, like whether honey is good for your skin.

It can be hard enough to find the time to work out — do you really also have to find the time to hand wash your gym clothes afterward? That’s a question that divides fitness fanatics and laundry obsessives alike. Some swear hand washing is the only way to make your leggings and moisture-wicking tees last longer and smell good, while others say throwing them in a washing machine is totally fine. But there may be something to the former’s longevity argument.

“Many workout clothes are made of delicate synthetic materials, which can lose their shape or start to degrade if washed in too warm water or thrown about too vigorously in a machine,” says Sara Aparacio, resident cleaning expert and spokesperson for Homeaglow, a cleaning service.

But does that mean hand washing is really the only way to wash your workout gear? I talked to Aparacio and Ashley Torres, cleaning expert and team leader at Karen’s Green Maids, an LGBTQ-led green cleaning company to find out the truth.

The good news: for most of your workout wardrobe, the machine is likely fine. “Honestly, for your daily leggings, bike shorts and tees, cold water on the delicate cycle will likely suffice,” says Torres. “The times I do choose to hand wash items is when they are the ones where the stretch is absolutely vital, sports bras with molded cups and any item with mesh. Hot water and a rougher cycle is the downfall of stretch,” Torres says.

If you’re really unsure, you can always check the label on your clothes before you do anything else. “Generally, it’s best to follow the care instructions on the tag,” says Aparacio.

Every product on this list has been tested (and recommended) by NBC Selected staff and/or has a four-star average rating from 5,000 or more shoppers at Amazon.

5,805 Amazon Reviews$29.95AmazonMy husband’s running clothes are pretty stinky after he logs miles, and this detergent has been great at eliminating that stench. Formulated specifically for sweat-soaked synthetic fabrics, it cuts through built-up bacteria that regular detergent tends to leave behind, so his gear actually smells clean again — not just masked in a cloying scent.

5,256 Amazon Reviews$18.00AmazonThis Dirty Labs Detergent is versatile enough for however you choose to clean your workout gear. Whether you’re soaking items in the sink or running them on your machine’s delicate cycle, this hyper-concentrated, biodegradable formula gently cleans without breaking down stretchy fabrics — making it a smart pick for any method.

48,408 Amazon Reviews$9.99AmazonExperts say that if you’re machine washing sports bras, putting them in a laundry bag can help protect them. These bags are big enough for tank tops and other small items with delicate details that could get damaged from being thrown around a machine.

71,772 Amazon Reviews$31.49$34.42AmazonNow 9% offThis Amazon Basics drying rack offers plenty of slots to lay out sports bras, leggings and tees so they dry evenly without stretching in the dryer. When you’re done, it folds down compactly for easy storage, making it a practical pick for small homes or apartments without extra room to spare.

Whichever method you land on, both experts had plenty of practical advice for actually getting the job done right. I spoke with Aparacio and Torres about their best tips for washing workout clothes whether you are hand washing or using a machine.

selectedselectedYour washing machine can last longer if you clean it the right way — here’s what experts recommendWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

At NBC Selected, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

I am a commerce editor at NBC Selected and a journalist who regularly covers wellness, beauty, home and lifestyle. I have written about the best wide toe box shoes, moisture-wicking socks and more. For this story, I spoke with two laundry experts on how to best wash your workout clothes.

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Bethany HeitmanBethany Heitman is a commerce editor at NBC Selected.