Ask Ultifresh: 5 Common Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Performance Wear

You’ve invested in high-performance apparel—a smart choice for staying comfortable, cool, and confident in Singapore’s climate. Your Ultifresh gear is engineered with advanced technology to manage moisture, resist stains, and fight odor.

But to keep that technology working at its peak, you need to avoid a few common laundry habits that can actually damage the technical fibers, reducing the lifespan and effectiveness of your favourite apparel.

Think of your performance wear like a high-tech gadget: it's powerful, but it needs proper care. Here are the five most common mistakes people make when washing their activewear, and the simple fixes to ensure your gear performs like new for years to come.

Mistake #1: Using Fabric Softener

This is the number one enemy of all performance wear. It might seem like a good idea to make your clothes feel softer, but fabric softener is a technical fabric killer.

• Why it's bad: Fabric softeners leave a waxy coating that clogs the microscopic pores of the fabric. This completely destroys the garment's ability to pull sweat away from your skin (moisture-wicking) and makes it impossible for water and detergent to properly clean the fibers. This coating also traps odor-causing bacteria.
  

• The Simple Fix: Just skip it! A gentle detergent is all you need. If you want to add a softening boost, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle; it acts as a natural softener without leaving a residue.

Mistake #2: Washing with Towels and Heavy Cottons

Tossing everything into one big load is convenient, but it's abrasive for your technical apparel.

• Why it's bad: Heavy, rough items like denim and towels create a huge amount of friction in the wash, which can cause pilling and snagging on the smooth surface of your performance shirts. Furthermore, fluffy items like towels shed lint that can get trapped in the fine knit of your activewear.
  

• The Simple Fix: Wash your performance wear in a separate, dedicated load. If you only have a few items, place them in a mesh laundry bag before adding them to a mixed load. This will protect them from abrasion.

Mistake #3: Using High Heat in the Washer and Dryer

Heat is the enemy of the delicate synthetic fibers that give your performance wear its stretch and moisture-wicking properties.

• Why it's bad: High heat can damage or even melt the fine fibers, leading to a loss of elasticity, shape, and even shrinkage. It can also weaken the bonded anti-odor and anti-stain technologies over time.
  

• The Simple Fix: Always wash in cold water. When it's time to dry, either hang to air dry (our Dri-Fit fabric dries incredibly fast!) or use the lowest, gentlest heat setting on your dryer.

Mistake #4: Letting Sweaty Clothes Sit in a Hamper

After a long workout, it’s tempting to just peel off your sweaty clothes and toss them into the laundry basket to deal with later.

• Why it's bad: A damp, dark hamper is a paradise for bacteria and mildew to grow. Letting your clothes fester for hours or days can lead to stubborn smells that are incredibly difficult to remove, even after washing.
  

• The Simple Fix: If you can't wash your gym clothes immediately, hang them up to air dry completely before putting them in the hamper. This prevents bacteria from multiplying and is the best defense against stubborn odors.

Mistake #5: Using Too Much Detergent

It's a common misconception that more soap means a cleaner result. With technical fabrics, the opposite is often true.

• Why it's bad: Excess detergent doesn't get rinsed away properly. It builds up on the fabric, creating a film that can trap dirt, dull colours, and lock in odor-causing bacteria.

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• The Simple Fix: Use about half the amount of detergent you would for a regular load of cottons. A little goes a long way with modern detergents and technical fabrics.

Caring for your high-performance apparel is simple. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll protect your investment, ensure your gear functions at its best, and enjoy that "like new" performance for many seasons to come.

FAQ – Performance Wear Care

Q1: Can I iron my Ultifresh t-shirt? A: We strongly advise against ironing performance wear. The high, direct heat can easily damage the synthetic fibers. Our fabrics are wrinkle-resistant, but if needed, a garment steamer on a low heat setting is a much safer option.

Q2: Do I need to buy a special "sports detergent"? A: While some sports detergents can be effective, they are not necessary if you follow the proper care steps. A high-quality, gentle, liquid detergent used in the correct (smaller) amount will do an excellent job.

Q3: How can I "rescue" old activewear that already has a stubborn smell? A: For non-Ultifresh items that have a built-in smell, you can try a pre-soak. Fill a basin with one part white vinegar and four parts cold water, and let the garment soak for 30-60 minutes before washing as usual (without fabric softener!).

Love your gear and it will love you back. By following these simple tips, you can ensure every piece of Ultifresh apparel delivers peak performance for years.