At LYFTLYFE, we know our customers lead active lifestyles. Our technical, trendy activewear is designed to keep up with everything you do. But we also know activewear requires proper care to stay in top shape.
One common question we get is whether you can wash your favorite hoodie with the rest of your laundry. Hoodies tend to attract more dirt, sweat, and odors than other garments. So is it okay to toss them in with the rest of the load? Or do hoodies need special treatment?
Below, we'll walk through the do's and don'ts of washing your hoodies to keep your sleeveless hoodies looking and feeling LYFTLYFE-fresh.
Washing Hoodies With Other Clothes
The good news is that in most cases, it's perfectly fine to wash your hoodies along with your other activewear and casual clothes. However, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your hoodies last for years:
Pre-treat Stains
Hoodies are prone to sweat stains and odors, especially in the armpit area unless you’re dealing with sleeveless hoodies. Before washing, pre-treat any stubborn stains using a stain remover or mix together your own pre-treat solution.
The combination of dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda makes an effective DIY stain-fighter. Scrub it into stains, let sit for 5-10 minutes, then launder as usual.
Wash Less
Overwashing hoodies can cause fading and breakdown of the fabric over time. For casual everyday wear, we recommend washing hoodies every 3-4 wears.
If you’re hoodies for more strenuous activity or workouts, you’ll want to wash them as often as every time you wear them. Washing too frequently can shorten the lifespan of your favorite hoodie but failing to wash them when they accumulate sweat can have the same effect.
Wash in Cold Water
Skip the hot water and wash hoodies in cold water to help preserve the shape and color. Hot water can cause the cotton fibers to shrink or fade. Cold water is gentler on fabrics and still effectively removes most dirt and odors when used with the right detergent.
Moreover, hot water will shrink your clothes if you’re dealing with natural fibers that haven’t been pre-shrunk.
Air-dry When Possible
The heat and tumbling of the dryer can damage hoodie fabrics, causing them to shrink, pill, or become misshapen.
Instead, allow hoodies to air dry flat to maintain their shape and softness. Laying flat to dry also prevents the hood and front pocket area from becoming distorted.
Use Mild Detergents
Harsh detergents can be too rough on cotton fibers, causing premature thinning and breakdown. Instead, use a gentle, fragrance-free liquid detergent without added bleach.
Soap-based formulas designed for delicates are also safe for hoodies. Stay away from powder detergents which can leave a residue.
Fabric Softener
Liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets can cause buildup on hoodie fabrics that diminishes softness over time. They can also reduce the breathability and moisture-wicking ability of performance fabrics.
Fabric softener actually builds up on fibers over time and can make your clothes less soft. So, in most cases, you can skip it and only wash with detergent.
By following these tips, you can safely wash your hoodies along with the rest of your laundry. The right washing methods will extend the life of your hoodies so you can wear them year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my hoodies?
For casual everyday hoodies, we recommend washing after every 5-6 wears or as needed. Hoodies worn as base layers for sports or outdoor activities may need washing after 1-2 wears since they absorb more sweat. Wash any hoodies that have been in contact with illness right away. Use your best judgment and wash as needed based on wear and odor.
Should you zip-up hoodies before washing them?
Zipping up the front before washing can help prevent the teeth of the zipper from snagging on the fabric during the wash cycle. However, leaving it unzipped allows more water to penetrate the fabric and remove odors. So this one is up to your personal preference!
Conclusion
With the right washing methods, you can safely wash your hoodies along with other garments to simplify laundry day.
Take extra care by pre-treating stains, using gentler detergents, washing in cold water, and air drying.
Follow these tips and your hoodies will stay soft, colorful, and ready for even your most active days for many seasons to come.
As your go-to source for urban-inspired activewear, LYFTLYFE has all the athleisure apparel you need to look stylish from the streets to the gym. Shop the full selection of hoodies and more at lyftlyfe.com. And let us know if you have any other care and cleaning questions - we're here to help!