BT Geniuses ~ Fabric softener and performance clothing questions

Fabric softeners (and a lot of liquid detergents) can leave a residue that  interferes with the wicking/shedding/breathability etc of technical fabrics. It's why a lot of  fabrics like Gore-Tex recommend either a tech-specific wash (like the Nikwax stuff) or at the very least, powder detergent. 

I've used dryer sheets with the few pieces of 'tech' clothing I do dry in the dryer (mostly cycling jerseys), and I've never noticed any effect on their performance.

The clothing will spontaneously combust.

The downside to this is that replacement is expensive, but it makes for a fantastic finishing photo.

 Good one Sty!

 There was another thread on this and somebody recommended All concentrated unscented detergent and 1/4 cup of vinegar. It really works well for me. I had tried WIN, but the scent it leaves behind is too strong for my taste.

Residues from detergents themselves can "clog" the wicking material, but the softeners are worse, particularly the dryer sheets. Using a low residue detergent and air-drying works best for all tech fabrics. I never noticed the difference until we switched detergents.

 I use Sport Wash from Walmart - it's about a litre, will wash over 20 loads and costs around $5 - no scent, no residue, and works great for refreshing the wicking properties of tech clothing that just don't wick as well as when they were new. I don't use it every wash, maybe a couple times a month I'll wash all my tech fabric gear and I notice a big difference in the fabric's performance.

Best of all, I haven't spontaneously combusted yet. 

Trisports also has a couple of options:

http://www.trisports.com/apparelcare.html

When it's hot out I might even take my stuff in the shower with me as kind of a Pre-rinse.  I figure that they're already soaked with sweat so why not.  I think the important thing is getting the sweat out ASAP so the "funk" doesn't set in.  Also, I make sure find a gym bag with a mesh pocket to help dry my gear.  This seems to cut down on the amount of detergent I need.

I am not a genius of any sort, but I have been running for 30 years, and have learned a trick or two...largely b/c I am cheap and don't want to be replacing stuff all t he time.

So...cheapskate mmrocker's tricks to long-lasting, clean-staying workout gear.

1. After every workout: shower in your clothes. At the very least, rinse. At best, let em get all shampooed. Wring them out, and air dry.

2. Machine wash them SPARINGLY. If you do #1 above, and alternate through a few outfits, you rarely have to send them to the Evil Place (aka washer).

3. When you DO machine wash, use NO fabric softner, and ether Oxyclean liquid or Nature's Miracle (yes, I know it's for cat pee) as an additive if you find yourself especially smelly. Run it on gentle cycle, or the "Active Wear" cycle in your newer machines.

4. Just like with wire hangers... NO MORE DRYERS. Lay flat to dry or use the pinchy hangers to suspend them.

I ran in a sport bra the other day that was from 1992. It's in just as good of shape as some of my newer stuff. Workout wear will last, and will avoid getting that "off" smell if you take care of it.