Tips On How To Wash And Care For Athleta Leggings - Fabricare Center

Tips On How To Wash And Care For Athleta Leggings

Fabricare Center Blog

Tips On How To Wash And Care For Athleta Leggings

Are your Athleta leggings not looking as good as they used to? You may find that your favorite workout gear loses its shape or fades quickly. And to help, in this blog we’ll show you how to wash Athleta leggings the right way.

Athleta uses special fabrics like Powervita and Featherweight Stretch in their leggings. These materials need proper care to stay in top shape. And in this article, we’ll provide clear washing tips for keeping your Athleta leggings fresh and durable. Follow our guide to make them last longer and maintain their quality! 

Key Takeaways

  • Read Care Labels: Always check the care labels on your Athleta leggings. They provide specific washing and drying instructions to avoid damage.
  • Cold Water Washing: Use cold water and a gentle cycle or hand wash. This prevents colors from fading and keeps the fabric intact.
  • Avoid Heat Drying: Air dry your leggings or lay them flat on a towel. Avoid using dryers as heat can damage stretchy fibers.
  • Pretreat Stains Properly: Apply distilled white vinegar or an enzymatic stain remover before washing for tougher stains.
  • Use Suitable Detergents: Choose mild, fragrance-free detergents like ACTIVE or Heritage Park Activewear Laundry Detergent for synthetic fabrics.

Preparing to Wash Athleta Leggings

Check the care labels to see specific washing instructions. Pretreat any visible stains before washing.

Preparing to Wash Athleta Leggings

Checking Care Labels

Reading the care labels on your Athleta leggings is essential. These labels show the right washing temperature and cycle settings, preventing damage. For example, some leggings need cold water to keep colors vibrant.

Care labels also warn against using bleach and fabric softeners. Both can harm performance fabrics in Athleta leggings. Follow drying methods suggested on these labels to help preserve fabric integrity.

Pretreating Stains

After checking care labels, pretreat stains on Athleta leggings. Apply distilled white vinegar or an enzymatic stain remover directly to the spots. Gently rub the solution into the fabric with your fingers.

Before washing, pretreat any visible stains:

  • Materials Needed:
    • Distilled white vinegar or enzymatic stain remover
    • Clean fingers for gentle rubbing
  • Steps:
    1. Apply the vinegar or stain remover directly to the stained area.
    2. Gently rub the solution into the fabric with your fingers.
    3. For tougher stains, soak the leggings in cool water mixed with one cup of distilled white vinegar for 15-30 minutes.

Washing Techniques for Athleta Leggings

Use cold water to prevent fading and shrinkage. Turn the leggings inside out before washing.

Machine Washing with a Gentle Cycle

StepInstructions
Water TemperatureUse cold water to prevent fading and shrinkage.
Cycle SelectionChoose a delicate or gentle wash cycle.
Laundry BagPlace leggings in a mesh laundry bag for added protection.
Detergent ChoiceUse a suitable detergent like ACTIVE or Heritage Park Activewear Laundry Detergent.
Machine LoadingAvoid overcrowding; fill the machine only halfway to ensure thorough cleaning without damage.

Hand Washing Tips

StepInstructions
Prepare Soapy WaterFill a basin with cool water and add ACTIVE Detergent.
Soak LeggingsSoak the leggings for at least 15 minutes.
Gently Scrub FabricLightly scrub the fabric to remove dirt and stains without damaging the material.
Rinse ThoroughlyEnsure all detergent is rinsed out to prevent residue buildup.
Additional TipsUse baking soda or vinegar for stain removal and deodorizing. Avoid harsh scrubs.

Drying and Post-Wash Care for Athleta Leggings

Gently squeeze out excess water from your leggings after washing. Lay them flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry.

Drying and Post-Wash Care for Athleta Leggings

Air Drying Techniques

Hang your leggings to dry using a drying rack or shower rod. This helps them keep their shape and elasticity. Avoid hooks, so the fabric doesn’t stretch out.

Air dry to maintain the quality of the material. Never use a dryer as it can damage the fabric. For best results, place your leggings flat on a towel to air dry completely.

Avoiding Heat from Dryers

Heat from dryers can damage the fabric of your leggings. Use a cold cycle for washing and air drying to protect stretchy fibers.

Air drying means your leggings will last longer. Avoid the dryer by hanging them up instead. This keeps the fabric fresh and strong.

Drying Athleta Leggings: Do’s and Don’ts

DoDon’t
Air dry your leggingsUse a dryer
Lay leggings flat to maintain shapeHang using hooks that can stretch the fabric
Use a clean, dry towelExpose leggings to direct sunlight for prolonged periods

Special Considerations for Athleta Fabrics

Different fabrics need different care methods. Always use detergents that suit the technical materials in your leggings.

Handling Technical and Proprietary Fabrics

Athleta uses specialized textiles like Powervita, Powerlift, and Featherweight Stretch. These materials offer durability, elasticity, and moisture-wicking properties. To care for these high-performance synthetic fibers, avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.

Both can break down the material and affect its performance.

Use a mild detergent that is suitable for technical fabrics. This keeps your leggings stretchy and breathable over time. Check the care labels on every piece of Athleta activewear to ensure you follow their specific guidelines.

Move on to learn about using appropriate detergents for keeping your leggings in top shape!

Using Appropriate Detergents

Choosing the right detergent ensures your Athleta leggings stay in top shape. Heritage Park Activewear Laundry Detergent is a great option. This fragrance-free detergent is effective on performance clothing and maintains fabric quality.

Avoid using bleach, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets as they can damage synthetic fabrics. ACTIVE Detergent offers a plant-based formula that’s designed for athletic wear. Its special blend works well with the technical materials used in Athleta leggings.

Maintaining Athleta Leggings Longevity

How to Store Athleta Leggings

Store your leggings in a cool, dry place. Fold them neatly to avoid wrinkles and creases.

Regular Care Tips

Wash or hang dry Athleta leggings immediately after use. This helps prevent odor and bacteria buildup. Use specialized detergent like ACTIVE for washing to keep the fabric fresh.

Hand wash by soaking them in a detergent solution for at least 15 minutes. For machine washing, place leggings in a mesh laundry bag and use cold water on a gentle cycle. Air drying instead of using heat from dryers will extend the lifespan of your leggings.

How to Store Athleta Leggings

Storage Environment:

  • Store leggings in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or weakening.

Folding Techniques:

  • Fold leggings neatly to avoid stretching and keep them looking new.

Storage Solutions:

  • Use drawers, shelves, or storage cubes to keep leggings organized and protected from sharp objects that can cause snags and tears.

Addressing Common Issues

Fold leggings neatly and place them in a drawer. Avoid hanging to prevent stretching. Use storage cubes or organizers for easy access.

Check for pilling on the fabric. Use a fabric shaver gently to remove pills without harming the material. Stains can be tough, so pre-treat them with mild detergent before washing.

Rinse thoroughly to avoid any soap residue that may cause irritation.

Avoid using fabric softeners as they break down stretchy fibers in activewear. Wash sports bras separately in a lingerie bag with cold water to keep their shape and elasticity intact.

Always separate darks from lights when washing your workout clothes to prevent color bleeding.

Conclusion

Caring for your Athleta leggings is simple. Check the care labels before washing. Always pretreat any stains you find. Use a gentle cycle or hand wash them with mild detergent. Avoid using heat from dryers to keep their shape and quality intact.

Proper care makes these leggings last longer and keeps them looking new. Take pride in maintaining your activewear, and you’ll enjoy it even more! Embrace these tips, and feel confident in your perfectly cared-for leggings!

For extra tips on care and storage, check out related guides online or consult Athleta’s customer service for help.

FAQs

1. How should I wash my Athleta leggings?

Wash your Athleta leggings in cold water on a gentle cycle to preserve the fabric and colors.

2. Can I put my Athleta leggings in the dryer?

It is best to air dry your Athleta leggings to avoid shrinking and maintain their shape.

3. What kind of detergent should I use for washing Athleta leggings?

Use a mild, non-abrasive detergent free from bleach or fabric softeners to keep your Athleta leggings looking new.

4. Are there any special care tips for maintaining the quality of my Athleta leggings?

Avoid ironing or using high heat on your Athleta leggings; store them flat or hanging to prevent creases and stretching.