A user on a yoga subreddit, known as u/Ok_Fox6079, faces a common conundrum that many hot yogis can relate to: dealing with sweat-soaked yoga clothes in the absence of an in-unit washer and dryer. After moving to a new apartment where laundry is done in the building for a price, this yogi finds themselves struggling to wash their sweaty gear as often as they’d like. The clothes, which are kept in plastic bags for a week, still smell bad even after washing, prompting the user to seek advice from fellow yogis about how to properly care for them amidst these new limitations.
Summary
- Many yogis recommend air drying clothes immediately after class to prevent mildew and odors.
- Hand washing with various techniques is a popular solution among those in apartments without in-unit laundry.
- Specialized laundry detergents and additives can significantly reduce lingering sweat smells.
- Investing in moisture-wicking fabrics can help avoid accumulation of odors over time.
Drying Clothes: No Place for Plastic
One of the first pieces of advice that resonates throughout the comments is the paramount importance of letting sweaty clothes air dry. User CoffeeCheeseYoga suggests, “Find a place to hang them up when you get home. Let them completely dry before throwing them into the hamper.” Other commenters echo this sentiment, warning against the dangers of letting wet clothing sit in a plastic bag for days on end. Renagleppolf further reinforces this point, stating, “Air dry entirely after use, do NOT let them sit in a plastic bag! That’ll reduce smells 10 fold!” It’s clear that the majority agree: keeping wet clothes sealed in plastic is a recipe for disaster, as it fosters mildew and that distinct post-workout smell. The general vibe among users is to treat your sweaty clothes with the respect they deserve: air them out!
The Hand-Washing Brigade
In the absence of convenient laundry services, fellow yogis have developed ingenious hand-washing methods to keep their garments fresh. Raccoon_at_noon shares their experience: “I hand wash all my clothes every second day and hang them up on a clothes rack.” It seems that some folks have gotten quite resourceful! Ok-Reflection-1429 agrees, saying, “I wear them right into the shower after class and rinse them, then air dry, and then throw them in with my dirty clothes.” This proactive approach not only prevents sweat from building up but also ensures that the odor doesn’t have a chance to set in. Another enthusiast, Imaginary_Cloud4132, highlights the simplicity of soaking their clothes in a bucket with a bit of detergent before letting them dry. This fun DIY laundry team reminds everyone that even if you’ve never considered washing your gear by hand before, it’s not as daunting as it sounds. There’s always a way to work around challenges!
Cleaning Solutions and Special Additives
When it comes down to it, some people just need an extra nudge in the form of powerful cleaning solutions. Aware_Anything_28 suggests “laundry stripping”—a slightly alarming term for a surprisingly effective process that involves soaking clothes in a mixture of laundry soap and other ingredients to lift built-up oils and odors. This method seems to intrigue many; who knew strips weren’t just for laundry, right? Alternatively, yikesonbikes2 mentions the benefits of adding a capful of Lysol sanitizer to laundry loads, pointing out that the material of modern athleisure gear can often retain unpleasant smells. Others talk about using specific brands like Nathan detergent, which is designed for sportswear and does wonders for sweat. Overall, the general consensus is clear—when in doubt, take a page from fellow yogis and stock up on effective detergents, additives, and cleaning methods that will keep your clothing fresh.
Investing in the Right Gear
A potentially overlooked tip is that the types and materials of your yoga clothing can greatly influence how well they handle sweat. User etamatulg suggests, “Reconsider your yoga wardrobe. There’s clothes which can soak up sweat and there’s clothes which wick moisture and don’t really end up sweaty.” This insight will likely resonate with many yogis who have struggled with damp clothing. Investing in moisture-wicking fabrics not only improves performance during practice but can eliminate the post-class laundry hassle altogether. As users come together to share tips and tricks, it’s evident that choosing the right gear can be just as important as how you handle your laundry. From synthetic fabrics that dry quickly to items that combat odor, the right gear can make a significant difference for a hot yogi looking to maintain a fresh wardrobe.
There’s something decidedly humorous about the lengths that hot yoga enthusiasts will go to keep their gear fresh, but in a practical sense, we can all take a page from this playbook. Whether it’s through innovative drying practices, hand-washing rituals, specialized products, or simply making smart choices in workout attire, the combination of advice from this community has proven to be invaluable. Ultimately, for hot yogis like u/Ok_Fox6079, navigating the challenges of sweat-soaked clothes can certainly be a labor of love, and thanks to this collective wisdom, it’s now possible to keep your yoga journey fresh and fragrant.