Are Gym Bags Machine Washable?
Gym bags are a necessary evil. We all have to lug our gear around to and from the gym, but no one wants to carry a grungy, smelly bag. That’s why it’s important to know if Gym bags are machine washable or not!
Check Also: How to Wash a Duffel Bag with Wheels?
Gym Bag Care: Are Gym Bags Machine Washable?
Surprisingly, the answer is YES! But we need to first take some precautionary measures:
- Always check the care label before washing Gym bags.
- Secondly, check the material of your bag:
- Gym bags that are made from synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester are machine washable. These fabrics can withstand machine whirl and high temperatures without shrinking or losing their shape.
- If the bag is made of leather or other materials, it might need to be dry-cleaned instead.
Now that you know Gym bags are machine washable, there’s no excuse for carrying around a dirty one! Get ready for giving the Gym bag a soft swirl!
Step-by-Step Guide to Machine Wash a Gym Bag
Step 1: Necessary Preparations for Machine Wash
First, be sure to make the following essential preparations:
- Empty all pockets, zippers, and compartments of the Gym bag.
- Look for a panel insert that is placed at the bottom of the gym bag to keep the bag in shape. Remove that insert to wipe it out separately with a soapy rag.
- Remove any other removable parts like wheels, straps, tags, etc.
- If the straps can’t be removed then make sure to make a knot to avoid it from getting tangled up.
- Trim down any loose threads.
- Turn it inside out for clearing out any stray items.
- Finally, close any Velcro or zipper closures.
Your gym is ready to go for putting in the machine!
Step 2: Washing
Put the Gym bag in the washing machine with the same colored sheets and towels. Towels protect the drum of your washing machine from getting hit by any chunky part of the gym bag.
Now, make sure to wash the gym bag on the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. If the gym buddy is too stinky, put half a cup of white vinegar or any commercially scented conditioner in the machine for removing the bad odor.
Step 3: Rinsing
After the cycle is complete, take out the Gym bag and untie any knotted straps. Now, rinse it thoroughly with cold water to remove any soap residue. If you don’t rinse it, the Gym bag will become sticky.
Step 4: Drying
After rinsing the gym bag thoroughly, hang or air dries the gym bag. Tumble dry the Gym bag on a low setting, but not usually appreciated.
Avoid direct sunlight and make sure to dry it out completely before storing or using it again.
Step 5: Storing (Optional)
If you’re not using the Gym bag right away, then store it in a clean and dry place. For longer storage, consider using mothballs or cedar balls to keep away any critters.
Store Gym bags in mesh bags to allow air circulation and prevent them from getting musty. Also, use sachet or lavender bags for a Gym bag… that smells great!
Pros and Cons of Machine Washing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Give easy cleaning with little effort. | Bags can lose shape or color. |
| Doesn’t require any special care or attention. | Gym bags might get damaged if not washed properly. |
| Time-saving option. | They might shrink after machine washing. |
Alternative to Machine Washing or Cleaning Gym Bags
- Hand Wash: The best way to hand-wash your Gym bag is by filling a bathtub with cold water and mild detergent. Submerge your Gym bag and soak it for about 30 minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub off any tough stains. Rinse it thoroughly and then hang it to dry.
- Dry Clean: Gym bags that are made of delicate materials such as wool or leather should be dry cleaned.
- Spot Clean: You can also spot clean Gym bags with a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush. Simply apply the detergent to the affected area and scrub it gently. Rinse it off with cold water and then hang it to dry.
Final Words
The gym bag shouldno more smells like a locker room. Gym bag machine washing is easy and effective, so there’s no excuse for not keeping the bag clean.