Laundry

This may seem so mundane. So domestic. But any athlete knows, and so does the spouse/significant other, that gym clothes can get RANK.  And washing them to get them CLEAN can be a challenge. 

Of course, white clothes are simple. Bleach. Colors are a special effort.  And I have refined the process to get them clean.

First, it is best if you own or have access to an in-home washer and dryer.  

Option #1:  PRESOAKING

White (distilled) Vinegar is your friend. A very good friend.

For Colors

• Set your cycle to Presoak/Prewash
• When the fill cycle is almost done, pour in AT LEAST 1 cup of white vinegar. You can add a little detergent if you wish.
• When the presoak cycle is finished, set a regular wash cycle.  The long one.
• Add your detergent, any other additive (see Option #2), and more vinegar if you wish.

The vinegar helps neutralize bacteria and odor.  
No, your gear will not smell like vinegar.  It will be rinsed out during the rinse cycle and gone.

Option #2: WASH ADDITIVES 
(can be used in conjunction with Option #1)

20 Mule Team Borax & Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds

For Colors
Don't want to presoak? Add your detergent, a 1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax powder, and ONE squirt of Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds.
Nice and clean.  OxiClean is also an option.

For Whites
OxiClean (and bleach, just less of it)
*Tip: Let the washer fill and turn it off. Let the white clothes soak in the OxiClean/bleach/water for 30 min. (Don't forget to resume the washer.) Will brighten them quite a bit.

J brings home a garbage bag of damp gym clothes, light & heavy Gi, shin/elbow/knee pads, and handwraps. EVERY WEEK.  They've had time to stew and simmer.  I developed the above techniques for my own sake.  

And now I'm sharing these valuable tips with you.

Enjoy!

Where to buy:
Borax & OxiClean-Family Dollar (costs less there)
Dr. Bronner's SalSuds-Vitamin Shoppe