Tip of the Month - July 2020

Coach Monika Says…

Prolong the Lifespan of Your Sport Clothing with Hygiene and Proper Care

Given the economic distress during the present Pandemic most families may have to deal with new expenses when sports resume. Sport clothing and shoes are very costly but athletes can lengthen the lifespan of their sport wear through proper care and hygiene, and also avoid disease and infections (nail fungus).

• Sport clothes need proper care to last longer whether the use is 20 minutes or 2 hours. Sweat odour is not very pleasant for others!

• Therefore, wash the clothing after each training session so bacteria and odours are not manifesting themselves. It does not necessarily call for machine washing every time but strong washing by hand can be sufficient – although depending on dirt and strength of odour.

• Optimal temperature for use of the washing machine is about 30-degrees (86-degree Fahrenheit) in the delicate cycle.

• Close zippers, check pockets, and turn clothing inside out to avoid damaging cloth fibres.

• Air dry clothing rather than using the dryer.

• Sport Shoes: Sweat also persists in sports shoes. Place the shoes outdoors after each training session, remove the inner soles, and air thoroughly.

• If odour persists, sprinkle baking soda or baking powder into shoes overnight, and shake out the next morning.

Reference: 

Das Neue Magazin (2020). Langes Leben für die Sport Kleidung [Lengthen the life of sport clothing]. Medical Section, p. 5. Hamburg, Germany: Bauer Vertrieb KG.