Can You Put a Gym Bag in the Washer?
Most people underestimate the capabilities of a washing machine. While during a purchase, the seller issues a long list of items you cannot put in the washer, the fear of damaging it causes most people to underutilize it. For instance, it is uncommon to find a fitness enthusiast who puts a gym bag or any other bag for that matter in the washer. Could that be due to lack of knowledge or just out of fear of the unknown?
A gym bag can be cleaned using a washer, depending on its material. Bags made of canvas and nylon are the easiest to clean and can be washed using a gentle cycle, with cold water and regular detergent. However, leather bags require a little bit of finesse due to the delicate nature of the material.
In this article, I am going to discuss a stepwise guide with a few additional expert tips that will help you put your gym bag in the washer for proper cleaning. By following this guide, you will be able to accomplish this task without running the risk of damaging both the bag and the equipment. It is an excellent opportunity to get that deeper clean in your gym bags that you have always desired. Say goodbye to the ineffective techniques that have been of little benefit in ensuring that you get rid of the sweaty smell.
For Christ’s Sake, You Need to Clean Your Gym Bag!
I am a fitness enthusiast – not the new year’s resolution type- and at the gym, I always interact with people from all walks of life. It is one of the few places where you will find different people freely display their peculiar habits, ranging from extreme aggression to timid clumsiness. You cannot forget the nudists, lunch breaker, and the talk show hosts. I forgot to mention those who seemingly go to the gym to exercise their finger train their thumbs the entire time – the constant texters.
However, one thing that stands out is their hygiene levels. I hate to say it, but people need to raise their game in terms of cleanliness. I am no saint either, I’ve been there, and done that. There was a point the fire burning in me to increase weights, train faster, beat goals, you name it, made me lose sight of my hygiene. One way to measure a person’s level of sanitation is to peep in their gym bags.
Trust me on this; you are going to regret doing it.
Most gym bags are germy, sweaty, and have all sorts of weird smells. It is a surprise how people can comfortably put in their new clothes and protein shake in such a messy and stinky environment. However, by realizing that the gym bag can be machine washed means half the battle has been won, more so for the lazy folks. I know you are now wondering how it is done. Read on to get a step-by-step guide in the next section of the article.
Getting Started
1. Empty the bag
The first thing that you should do is to remove all the contents of the bag. That includes emptying even the side pockets. Once you have done this, leave all the pockets unzipped, or unfastened for the case of laced bags. Turn the bag inside out, and untag any added accessories such as the shoulder strap.
2. Read the care labels, if any
A care label provides information on best practices to observe when washing a garment or accessory. Confirm whether the bag’s material is canvas, nylon, or any other material since it will determine the appropriate washing technique. Remember, the information provided on the care label is usually apparel- specific. That means that what works for one bag many not necessarily be the solution for another. Generally, most gym bags can be washed using a washer, except those made out of pure leather.
3. Add the gym bag to the washer
You can choose to put the gym bag directly to the appliance or wrap it first with a mesh laundry bag. Set the machine to a gentle cycle, and wash the bag using cold water with regular liquid detergent. Hot water is unsuitable since it causes the canvas to shrink.
It is usually advisable to add several towels with the bag to give it extra friction, which results in better cleaning. Additionally, it protects the washer’s parts from unnecessary wear. One thing to note, however, is that the towels should be of a similar color since the formation of color stains is the last thing that you would want to deal with in your bag.
You can decide to use a disinfectant sparingly at different washing intervals to kill the germs.
Never forget the keyword here, sparingly. That is because most detergents such as hydrogen peroxide and alcohol are derivatives of strong chemical bases which can easily damage the fabric. Good examples of disinfectants to use are those made from pine oil bases. Add correct amounts of disinfectant to the washer, according to the instruction on the label.
4. Dry the gym bag
Once the cleaning cycle is complete, remove the bag and drain off excess water using a dry towel. The bag can then be air-dried by hanging it outside, though there is no problem with hanging it inside or under a shade.
However, it is vital to note that any attempt to use a dryer is a grave mistake as it may irreversibly damage the bag. Therefore, do the right thing.
Remember, washer often wrinkles the bag and the best time to reshape it is when it is still damp.
5. Handling Bag straps
Most manufacturers design gym bags with removable bag straps. If that is the case, it should be hand-washed, preferably with a strong detergent, as it is usually prone to have tough stains. Rinse it with cold water and allow it to air-dry.
Additional Expert Tips
• If the bag has a stained patch, say from oil or grease, it is advisable to remove the spot by scrubbing it using a soft brush and detergent before you embark on cleaning using a washer.
• Wringing a bag after washing is dangerous since it can damage the zippers. Additionally, it may distort its shape cause the bag to have wrinkles.
• Be sure to read and re-read the care labels. Washing some bags may cause irreversible damage. If yours is one of them, you can wipe it using a damp cloth with detergent.
Related Questions
Is it possible to clean a leather gym bag in the washer?
Yes, though you run the risk of damaging the bag.
Ideally, you should wash the bag in the sink.
That is because most leather bags usually have a light construction and are vulnerable to moisture condition in the washing machine. In addition to that, their glue can quickly fall apart when machine washed. Apart from that, the leather dye may bleed.
Nonetheless, if you must put the gym bag in the washer, you should use a front loader. To protect it against damage, insert the bag into a pillowcase cover before placing it in the machine. Remember to condition the leather using saddle soap after each cleaning. Once the cleaning cycle is complete, stuff towels or pieces of clothes which will help in preserving its shape.
What alternatives do I have if I don’t own a washer?
Lack of a washer is not a free pass to owning a filthy bag. You can clean it by mixing white vinegar and a mild detergent such as a soap dishwasher. Using a piece of cloth, wipe the bag both inside and out, and rinse it with a clean sponge using cold water to protect the bag from shrinking. Alternatively, you can switch to old fashion disinfectant wipes to give it a quick wipe.