How Often Should You Wash Your Gym Clothes? A Guide Based on Activity Level

High-intensity Workouts (Wash After Every Use)

If you do high-intensity workouts like HIIT, CrossFit, cycling, or hot yoga, you know one thing for sure—you’re going to sweat. A lot. By the end of your session, your gym clothes are likely drenched, sticky, and holding on to bacteria that can lead to unpleasant odors (and even skin irritation). Unlike casual workouts where you might get away with re-wearing clothes once, high-intensity activewear needs to be washed after every use—no exceptions.

How to Properly Wash High-intensity Workout Clothes

• Wash Immediately (or Air Dry First) – If you can’t toss your clothes into the washing machine right away, hang them up to air out instead of stuffing them into a gym bag—this prevents bacteria from multiplying.
• Use Cold Water and Gentle Detergent – High heat can damage moisture-wicking fabrics, so wash your gym gear in cold water with a mild, sportswear-safe detergent to break down sweat and oils.
• Skip Fabric Softener – Softener coats moisture-wicking fabrics, reducing their ability to absorb sweat. Instead, use a small amount of white vinegar to eliminate odors.
• Turn Inside Out – Sweat and bacteria collect on the inside of your clothes. Washing them inside out ensures a deeper clean where it matters most.
• Air Dry Whenever Possible – Heat from dryers can break down elastic fibers over time. Hang drying helps extend the life of your workout gear.

Moderate-intensity Workouts (Wash Every 1-2 Wears)

If your routine consists of moderate-intensity exercises like jogging, Pilates, cycling, or strength training at a steady pace, you might not sweat as heavily as you would during high-intensity workouts. This means your gym clothes can handle one extra wear before needing a wash, depending on how much you sweat and the type of fabric you wear.

However, don’t push it too far—even if you’re not completely soaked, bacteria and odor start building up after just one or two wears. Finding the right balance keeps your workout gear fresh without unnecessary washing that wears down the fabric too soon.

When to Wash After 1 Wear vs. 2 Wears

Wash After 1 Wear If:

• You sweat moderately, even if it’s not excessive.
• Your workout space is hot, humid, or unventilated.
• Your clothes have a lingering smell or feel damp.
• You wear synthetic fabrics like polyester or spandex, which trap odors more easily.

Wash After 2 Wears If:

• You did a low-sweat activity like yoga, stretching, or light weightlifting.
• Your gym clothes feel dry and don’t have any noticeable odor.
• You wore breathable natural fabrics like cotton, which allow better airflow and don’t hold on to smells as quickly.

How to Keep Moderate-intensity Workout Clothes Fresh Between Wears

• Air Out Between Uses – Hang gym clothes somewhere with airflow (not in a laundry hamper or gym bag) to prevent bacteria growth.
• Do a Quick Odor Check – If your gym clothes still smell fresh and feel dry, you can get away with a second wear. If they have any hint of odor, wash them immediately.
• Rotate Your Activewear – Having multiple sets of workout gear means you don’t over wear the same pieces too frequently, which extends their lifespan.
• Wash in Cold Water and Skip Fabric Softener – Performance fabrics stay stronger and last longer when washed in cold water with a mild detergent designed for activewear. Fabric softeners leave a residue that reduces moisture-wicking properties—so skip them.

Low-intensity Workouts (Wash Every 2-3 Wears)

We’ve all had those days when our workout barely breaks a sweat—maybe it’s a leisurely yoga session, a mild stretching routine, or a peaceful stroll through the neighborhood. You move your body and stay active, but you don’t drench your clothes.

So, how often should you wash gear from these low-impact workouts? If you’re not generating a ton of sweat or odor, washing every two to three wears is usually enough to keep your activewear looking and smelling fresh.

How to Keep Low-intensity Workout Clothes Fresh Between Wears

• Let Them Breathe – Instead of tossing them in a laundry pile, hang your gym clothes in a well-ventilated area so they dry completely and stay fresh.
• Do a Sniff Test – If they smell clean and feel dry, they’re fine for another wear. If there’s even a hint of odor, it’s time for a wash.
• Focus on Undergarments – Socks, bras, and underwear always need washing after one wear, even if the rest of your outfit doesn’t.
• Spot Clean When Necessary – If a small area (like underarms) collects odor but the rest of the outfit is clean, dab it with a little detergent and water instead of washing the entire piece.
• Rotate Outfits – Have a few sets of activewear on hand so you don’t wear the same pieces back-to-back. This gives fabrics time to air out naturally.
• Wash Delicate Fabrics Separately – If your low-intensity workout gear includes yoga leggings, soft cotton tees, or performance fabrics, wash them on a gentle cycle with mild detergent to prevent unnecessary wear.

Home Workouts and Minimal Sweat Sessions (Wash Every 3 Wears)

Working out at home offers the ultimate convenience—no commute, no crowded gym, and the flexibility to squeeze in a quick session whenever you have time. Whether you do light yoga, resistance band exercises, bodyweight movements, or just a short routine on the treadmill, these workouts often generate far less sweat than intense gym sessions.

But even if you barely break a sweat, your activewear still collects body oils and skin cells every time you wear it. That’s why it’s generally best to wash your home workout clothes after about three wears, assuming they remain odor free and don’t feel grimy.

How to Keep Home Workout Clothes Fresh Between Washes

• Hang Clothes to Air Out Immediately – Don’t crumple them on the floor or toss them in a corner—hang them somewhere with good airflow to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Stick to a 3-wear Rule (Or Sooner if Needed) – If your gym clothes still smell fresh and feel clean, you’re good for another wear. But if they start to feel damp or develop an odor, wash them sooner.
• Spot Clean Small Stains – If you spill coffee on your leggings or notice a quick stain, spot clean with a mild detergent and let them dry instead of washing the entire item.
• Wash in Cold Water and Skip Fabric Softener – When it’s time to wash, cold water helps protect the elasticity and moisture-wicking properties of your activewear, while fabric softeners leave residue that can trap odors over time.
• Rotate Between Workout Outfits – Having a few sets of activewear ensures you don’t constantly re-wear the same pieces, helping maintain fabric longevity.

Outdoor Activities (Wash Based on Conditions)

There’s something about fresh air, open spaces, and the thrill of exploration that draws many of us outdoors. Whether it’s hiking up rugged trails, running trails through scenic parks, mountain biking on winding paths, or even kayaking in calm lakes, these adventures come with unpredictable elements—changing weather, dirt, mud, and varying levels of sweat.

Because these conditions can shift drastically from one outing to the next, the best practice for washing your outdoor activewear is to base it on how dirty, sweaty, or exposed to the elements your gear gets.

How Often to Wash Based on Outdoor Activity Type and Conditions

• Light Outdoor Activities (Walking, Casual Biking, Light Jogging in Cool Weather) – Wash after 2-3 wears if your clothes remain dry and odor free. Air them out between uses.
• Moderate Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Trail Running, Cycling in Mild Conditions) – Wash after every 1-2 wears depending on how sweaty or dirty they get.
• Intense Outdoor Activities (Mountain Biking, Mud Runs, Long Distance Running in Hot/Humid Weather) – Wash after every use to remove sweat, bacteria, and outdoor debris.

Pro Tips for Washing Outdoor Workout Gear

• Air Out Gear Immediately – After a workout, hang your clothes to dry before tossing them in the hamper.
• Shake Off Debris – For dusty or muddy situations, shake out your clothing to remove loose dirt before washing.
• Spot Clean Stains – If you get splattered with mud, treat stains quickly with a mild detergent so they don’t set.
• Use Cold Water – Most performance fabrics last longer with cold water washes. Avoid fabric softener, as it can clog fibers and reduce breathability.

Your Workout Is Intense, But Laundry Doesn’t Have to Be—Red Hanger Cleaners Can Help!

Don’t burden yourself with piles of sweaty gym clothes after every workout. Whether you crush a HIIT session, hit the weights, or run trails in Salt Lake City, your activewear deserves a deep, professional clean that eliminates odor, sweat, and bacteria—without the hassle of doing it yourself.

At Red Hanger Cleaners, we offer a professional dry cleaning service and specialized laundry care for fitness enthusiasts across Salt Lake City and beyond—so you can focus on your next workout, not the laundry pile. We know how important it is for our customers to have clean, comfortable clothing, and we’re here to make that happen with top-tier garment care in Utah.

Have questions or need to schedule a pickup? Contact us today by phone at 801-355-6935 or send us an inquiry through our email customercare@redhanger.com.