We spend a lot of money on our fancy running clothes. All those shorts, shirts, socks, jackets, fleece, and gloves require special attention. Have you ever noticed that some of those shirts seem to carry a lingering odor? Even after washing, that odor can spring right back after a mile on the trails. What gives? Supposedly the new technical fabrics trap dirt and bacteria more than standard cotton materials. And regular detergents tend to leave residue that inhibits the wicking properties (or water shedding of gore-tex type garments). The solution...try a sports-specific laundry detergent. I've found two that work well: WIN and Penguin Sport Wash. I swear that after just 1-2 washes my running garments are looking and smelling better! I'm not sure if they are performing better, but I'll take what I can get. Since I wash my running gear separate from "regular" clothes, it's not that much of a luxury to spend a bit more on these sports washes. You and your family will thank you for having cleaner and fresher running clothes. I prefer Penguin Wash since it's got a cute penguin on its logo...plus it seems to have no fragrance at all. Stuff just comes out clean and not all perfumy. Try one of these detergents and you'll never go back to harsh and ineffective ones again. Plus, they claim to be friendlier on the environment.
You can buy both of them via the web. Also, Dick's Sporting Goods seems to carry WIN in their stores. My local running store, Body n' Sole Sports, carries Penguin Wash. Body n' Sole also gives running club members 10% off their purchases. Go forth, buy some real sport detergent, and get the funk out of your clothes!
6 comments:
Great info! I travel a lot and I wear my running clothes everywhere. I've never been able to completely get the funk out. I re-wash clothes in the sink so I can pack lighter and let them dry on the hanger or on my body, something you can't do with cotton. My fellow airline passengers will appreciate your suggestion as well.
I think you'll like either one of these sports detergents. Give 'em a try and let me know whether you find them worthwhile.
There is a third performance apparel detergent out there. It is called Double Clean and is made by a company called either 2nd Wind or 10 Seconds.
http://www.tenseconds.com/featuredproducts.htm
Thanks for the tip. I'll try that "Double Clean" detergent too. Supposedly Dicks Sporting Goods carries it. I've found WIN and Penguin Wash both to be excellent. Maybe this third one will be a bit cheaper.
I have tried them all and the best value for the money is FitWash. It is a powder and costs less per load that the others.
Thanks TR. I'll have to try FitWash.
Post a Comment