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Running gear is very important for every runner. These items not only provide necessary protection during exercise but can also improve performance to some extent.
However, no matter how much runners love their sports T-shirts, shorts, or running shoes, these items have a limited lifespan. Some runners like to buy several pairs of running shoes and alternate them, while others prefer to wear one pair until they can't wear them anymore.
In fact, if you use some reasonable maintenance methods, you can effectively extend the lifespan of your running gear. Today, I'll share some tips on how to maintain the most commonly used sports gear.
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How should running shoes be maintained?
1. Most running shoes have a lifespan of around 700 kilometers. Depending on the shoes, training surfaces, and running styles, to maximize their lifespan, they should only be worn during training.
2. If you need to clean them, just use water and a stiff brush to clean the surface. Remove the insoles and put newspaper or paper towels inside to absorb moisture and maintain the shape of the shoes.
3. Do not put the shoes in a washing machine or dryer. Heat and soaking can melt the adhesive and deform the shoes.
4. Pay attention to changes in the shoes. Signs of aging include thinning soles, reduced cushioning, and noticeable shape changes. When these occur, it's time to buy new shoes, but old shoes can still be used for casual walking.
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What should you pay attention to when maintaining sports T-shirts?
1. The key to maintaining sports T-shirts is timely washing and replacement. If your T-shirt is made of high-tech fabric, unless you are doing weight training or training in thorny jungles, the best approach is to discard it before it wears out.
The moisture-wicking function can lead to bacteria growing easily on these fabrics. If you leave a worn T-shirt in a sports bag or closet, it will develop a very unpleasant odor even after just one day.
2. If you can't wash it immediately, hang it in a ventilated place to air dry. This can prevent the unpleasant odor from developing.
3. Pay attention to the washing instructions. Some clothes are best air-dried, while others can be put in a dryer.Most importantly, do not use fabric softeners. These contain substances that can destroy the moisture-wicking function of high-tech fabrics. It's best to turn the clothes inside out during washing to avoid contact with other garments.
4. Adding baking soda to the water and washing repeatedly can remove odors from the fabric. If a noticeable odor remains after washing, it indicates poor quality and the garment should not be worn.
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How should sports shorts be maintained?
1. Having several pairs of different shorts and compression shorts can effectively extend their lifespan.
2. It's best to use a gentle cold water wash to minimize damage to the fabric. Follow the washing instructions on the garment. When washing shorts with liners, you may not want them to touch other clothes, but separating them can be cumbersome. If you have many high-tech fabric garments, you can wash them separately.
3. Do not use fabric softeners and use residue-free detergents. There are special detergents available for high-tech fabrics.
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How should sports bras be maintained?
1. Use a mesh laundry bag when washing and separate them from other clothes.
2. Another key point is to air dry them naturally. If you accidentally put a bra in the dryer, it may not be damaged, but it will reduce its lifespan.
3. Have three bras: one to wear, one being washed, and one as a backup. This allows you to choose different styles for different training sessions.
4. The lifespan of a bra is generally between 6-12 months. Do not wait for skin abrasions or discomfort to signal that it's time to replace the bra.
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What should you pay attention to with sports socks or running socks?
Everyone has different preferences for socks. Some people never throw away their socks, some always wear the same pair in competitions as a lucky charm, and others treat all their socks as disposable items.
If you feel hot, develop blisters, experience strong friction, or notice holes in your toes, it's best to replace them. To extend the lifespan of socks, wash them carefully like other high-tech fabrics.