During a runner’s marathon or even a daily run, their equipment and uniforms can get filthy. The sweat and dirt caked on from tough exercise can be an impossible match for washing machines. Instead of trying to traditionally clean your uniforms, try these tips that will guarantee you a completely clean look.
Use Professional Cleaning Services
When the grime gets too much to handle, it may be time to take it to the professionals. Cleaning services designed specifically for equipment are available from sites like www.loveyourgear.ca, where uniforms and gear are cleaned with ozone that sanitizes, disinfects, and cleans your prized possessions. Ozone is a lot more effective than bleach, and prevents dangerous bacteria like MRSA from getting you sick. It’s not only more effective to send your dirty gear to professional cleaners, it’s a lot more convenient too.
Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions
If you clean your uniforms at home, it is always best to follow the manufacturer’s specifications on how the equipment is to be cleaned. It is important that runners and other athletes always routinely clean their uniforms. Along with routine washing, be sure to get advanced and specialized cleaning done for them once in a while.
Pre-Treat Stains
Depending on the stain, each will require a different pre-treating method.
- For enzymatic stains, pour liquid detergent directly onto the stain.
- Grease stains should be pre-soaked in detergent and water.
- Body-soil stains should be rinsed in cold water before washing.
- Bleachable stains should always be pre-treated and washed with powder detergent.
Wash the Uniform by Itself
For tough stains, it is always best to pre-treat. However, the best way to prevent damage to the uniform is to wash it by itself. Start by turning the garment inside out to protect iron-pressed elements of the clothing. Then, make sure to turn the washing machine on a delicate setting so that heat does not shrink or ruin it. Fabric softener is too abrasive for uniforms, and remember to never bleach it!
Hang-Dry Whenever Possible
Nearly all shrinkage of every piece of clothing happens because of heat-drying. It is always best to hang your uniforms and other garments on a clothesline if possible to prevent anything from happening to your costly belongings. Refraining from using a dryer also saves energy and saves you money!
Leave Zippers Closed
A small but important practice should be your ritual every time you clean your work uniform or sports jersey. Always close your zippers, as it is easy for them to snag clothing and cause damage to something potentially expensive. Unclipped bras are also a problem, and the best way to solve this is to invest in lingerie bags to put them in. Old pillowcases are also a useful trick!
Never Scrub Your Stains
Though it may feel right to scrub your clothing vigorously when pre-treating, you’re probably doing your valuable clothing items a disservice. Scrubbing on your clothing roughly will definitely cause the stain to spread and can even cause damage to the fabric. Instead of doing this, gently dab on the stain and work from the outside of the stain. When it comes to stains, don’t forget that the earlier you treat the spot, the more likely it is to go away.
Protect Your Valuables
It’s vital to take care of your clothing, especially when they’re professional and expensive garments like uniforms and jerseys. Being gentle with your valuable things is key to making sure they get cleaned properly. When in doubt, always go to the professionals to take care of the dirt. It’s better to be safe than sorry!