Whether your closet looks like you were just visited by Marie Kondo or a Dothraki Horde, we could all do with a couple organization tips to keep our closet manageable and our clothes in optimal condition.

It’s okay, these organization tips will still be helpful long after the references above ;)

So read on! It’s time to clean up your closet and create a polished and personalized space that you can enjoy each time you get dressed.
 

Keep your daily essentials in the front row

You've heard the phrase "out of sight, out of mind"—while that usually applies to former flames, the same rule also works for closet organization.

Store your least-worn items at the back so you can dedicate prime closet real estate to your most beloved pieces. This will make getting dressed a lot more convenient, and you'll avoid the all-too-familiar situation of rummaging through the closet and ending up with a pile of discarded clothes on the floor or bed. 

Style tip: Organize your go-to accessories, like a classic watch or simple jewelry, on a small tray next to your closet. Having them visible will encourage you to wear them and give you a more complete and polished look.

Think like a pro: know when to fold 'em

It might seem basic, but improper storage can cause a garment to lose its shape. Make sure you properly note which items to fold and which items to hang.

Clothes you should fold:

Gently fold delicate items such as cashmere sweaters and heavy knits. For extra care you can add a layer of acid-free tissue between garments.

Denim should also be folded, as hanging can cause it to stretch out in the wrong areas. Casual items such as T-shirts and tops can work both ways, based on personal preference.

Clothes you should hang:

Keep your outerwear fresh by hanging them for storage. Your vintage leather jacket, silk blouse or suit would appreciate the extra TLC.

Invest in some flocked hangers with velvet lining to keep your choice garments in mint condition. As always, any cocktail attire is best stored in a garment bag.

Out of season items don’t need prime real estate

Before putting anything in the closet at the end of each season, make sure your clothes are prepped for storage.

Launder items as needed, or send your clothes to a trusted dry cleaner for professional service—especially important for winter coats. This removes any scents or stains, as moths are attracted to undetectable smells.

Don't forget to clean your closet at least once per season (it can get dusty). It's also a good idea to go through and remove any items you don't wear on a regular basis. Consider selling or donating the pieces that are in good condition—doing so will help keep your closet organized as well as help those in need.

The elements of style: invest in the right storage

The essentials: Storage bins are your best friend. Instead of unsightly plastic bins, consider linen storage organizers. Fabric organizers help your clothing stay fresh by allowing air to circulate. Try borrowing elements from Scandinavian decor, such as a set of wooden or copper hangers, to help your closet achieve a minimalist and uniformed aesthetic.

The extras: Personalizing your space does not always require an involved process. Switching out little things can make a huge difference, such as adding some decorative items or art in or around your wardrobe. You can also paint or wallpaper the inside of your closet to inject a little more color and personal style.

Fill some sachets with dried lavender buds and place them in your closet to keep your clothes smelling great and repel any moths that might be creeping around your wardrobe—it's a pleasantly scented alternative to using moth balls.

Cedar chests are also a smart choice for woolens, as Red Cedar has natural oils that kill moth larvae (it's a good idea to first put the clothing in a resealable plastic bag for more protection).

While closet maintenance might seem like a chore, keeping these tips in mind will help you streamline the process and stay organized. Just like a morning workout or healthy breakfast, a well organized closet and easy to access closet helps set the right tone for the day -- the great one that you deserve!

Photos: WorldWide / Shutterstock.com, Chelsea Francis, Milada Vigerova, Crew, Mary Whitney

As cliche as it sounds, the new year is a time for new year resolutions and goal setting. But in order to accomplish your goals, you have to start slow and focus on the little thing to get where you want to be.

One important detail that most likely relates to all of your goals this new year is - organization! In honor of National Clean Off Your Desk Day, here are some ways you can get organized to start 2018 off refreshed and adequately prepare to accomplish your goals this new year!

Rid Yourself of Clutter

One given with the holiday season is you’ll be receiving gifts and new household items. You may have upgraded your wardrobe or received replacement electronics. For every new item you received this holiday season say goodbye to three old items.

By doing so you will be on your way to decluttering your life and creating an organized environment to come home to each day. Happiness at home will translate into happiness at work and into all around positive energy that will help you stay focused in the new year and beyond.

Create Lists and Labels

There is an old saying “it’s only a dream until you write down, and then it becomes a goal.” This still holds true today. Write down your goals and stick to them! More importantly, get organized by making lists for your to do’s or label items and boxes in and around your home.

By labeling items that are in storage or items that are in your closet you are able to hide them from plain sight but at the same time maintain easy accessibility.

Making lists and labels create accountability and order and the actual act of writing something down can relieve stress and help you feel productive!

Clean Up Regularly

Now that you started to declutter your home, outlined your goals, and labeled your home cleaning should be easy! Start a house cleaning schedule and hold yourself to it. We suggest trying dedicating one day a week to your entire home or one room per day. Don’t let all your hard work go to waste either. Get into the habit of putting things away immediately to avoid making your home cluttered and dirty again.

Remember that we can take care of your dry cleaning and laundry! One less thing you have to worry about this year!

Don’t forget about cleaning and organizing your closet so you have room to store your freshly cleaned clothes. Head over to our blog post here to read more about how you can make the most out of your closet space.

And lastly, cleaning up doesn’t just mean your home anymore. Clean out your personal and work inboxes by unsubscribing to unwanted email lists, organizing your desktop and files, and making sure all your important information is backed-up properly.

Find Time For Yourself

We can’t go to the gym for you but we can take care of your dry cleaning and laundry. And by taking that off your list of to do’s we hope you are able to find more time for yourself and more time to focus on your health. It’s important to not only get your environment organized but your body as well. Getting into a healthy routine will maintain order and provide energy so that you can take on any challenge this new year!

Introduction

Walk through your neighborhood grocery store, and the laundry aisle likely contains a dizzying array of laundry detergents. There are detergents for dark clothes, light clothes, delicates, and even some made specifically for athletic gear.

With so many options available, it begs whether these specific detergents are worth it. Would it be beneficial to add another step to your laundry routine to wash your gym clothes separately with a special detergent?

The answer depends mostly on your personal preference and what type of athletic gear you have, as well as additional factors such as skin sensitivities to scents and dyes contained in many sports detergents.

In general, the more effort you put into protecting your activewear, the better shape your favorite yoga or gym clothes will be. Fear not, the following sections will walk through some best practices when cleaning your smelly workout clothes.

What to Look for in Laundry Detergents for Workout Clothes

Here are some essential qualities to seek in detergents designed to clean workout gear:

• Ingredients: Ideally, the best laundry detergents for your prized Lululemon yoga leggings will use enzymes that break down protein-based stains (read: sweat and body oils), surfactants (to fight oils), oxygen-based bleaching agents (hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate act as brighteners for whites), baking soda (a proven odor eliminator), and citric acid (particularly effective if you use hard water).

• Scent: This one is up to you, if you have a specific aroma or fresh scent that you want your clothes to have, pick that one. You can also go for an unscented detergent and see the same results.

Best Detergents for Sweaty Workout Clothes

Next, we will go over 5 specific detergents that are renowned for their ability to effectively clean sweaty gym clothes, paying particular attention to their efficiency against sweat and smelly odors.

Gain Original Liquid Detergent + Aroma Boost

This liquid detergent has a delightful floral scent, leaving clothes smelling great for weeks. It is gentle on fabrics and comes at an affordable price. The only downside is that there is no unscented version available.

It is effective in cold water and works with all types of washers. It can also be paired with Gain fabric softeners (optional) and dryer sheets to have a matching scent.

Tide PODS Laundry Detergent Original Scent

The ultimate convenience is found in these little detergent pouches. They also contain stain remover and color protection for your activewear. While Tide has a large line of pods, the Original Scent ones are priced affordably, with even better deals found if you buy in bulk (such as at Costco). They work very well in cold water, further protecting your workout clothing from bleeding (and keeping your utility bill lower).

Simply throw in one or two pods in your washer and do not worry about the rest. 

Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear

The ultimate laundry solution for sensitive skin (eczema or psoriasis), this liquid laundry detergent contains the right ingredients to be an effective sweat, odor, and stain remover, while being a hypoallergenic cleaner. It also comes at a great price and works effectively in cold or hot water.

The formula is also certified by SkinSAFE, further demonstrating its compatibility with sensitive skin.

Sports Suds Laundry Detergent

Designed for performance fabrics like those found in athleisure gear, this laundry detergent does not contain dyes, fragrances, or brighteners. It works great on both synthetic and natural materials and does not leave a scent. 

The formula is designed with all-natural materials, works in hot or cold water, and even removes residue buildup left by other detergents.

Nathan Sports Power Wash

Unless you're doing yoga or Pilates, chances are your workout gear also includes shoes. These also get smelly and require a good odor eliminator. This is where Nathan Sports Power Wash comes in clutch. It is great at removing both stink and also stains from clothes and shoes alike. Not only that, but it is free of toxic chemicals and is biodegradable. 

The formula is proven to restore some performance fabric qualities, such as water-repellency, breathability, and moisture-wicking.

Tips for Cleaning Your Workout Clothes

Athletic Gear Needs Extra-Strength Cleaning

Good athletic gear stands up to whatever we throw at it, so it's no surprise it can take some extra effort to clean. One of the reasons is that sweat changes the pH of your clothing and makes it more acidic. While sport detergents are formulated with this in mind, some regular detergents might also be tough enough to get your athletic gear clean the first time around.

If you choose to use regular detergents for athletic gear, the best ones are those that don't include additives like whiteners and color enhancers. When you’re cleaning your athletic gear, turn your garments inside out before washing, and consider adding one cup of white vinegar if you have extra stubborn odors.

If possible, athletic gear should be hung to dry or dried on the lowest heat setting in the dryer. Avoid placing garments in the dryer that still have residue of odors as this can set the odors permanently.

Don't Allow Stains and Odors to Set In 

Preventing stains and odors from setting in is even more important than what type of detergent you use. Once stains and odors set in, it can be impossible to get them out no matter what type of detergent you use.

To prevent stains and odors from embedding in the fibers, allow the garments to dry before placing them in the hamper and wash them promptly – preferably within a couple of days. Avoid using fabric softeners on your athletic gear, as they leave a coating on the fabric that interferes with the stretchiness and moisture-wicking properties of the material. Be aware that some detergents include softeners, so read the labels carefully.

Follow the Instructions on Clothing and Product Labels

The final authority on what kind of detergent to use and how to launder should come from the care label on your particular garment. No matter what kind of detergent you use, read and follow the directions on the product label. It can be tempting to add extra detergent to a load of extra-smelly workout clothes, but that can prevent the clothes from getting as clean as they would normally.

The best advice about athletic-specific detergents is to give them a try and see if they work for you. On the other hand, it is worth noting that a regular, mild detergent might work just as well. Trial and error is the best way to determine if an athletic-specific detergent is right for you.

Take the Best Care of Your Workout Clothes with Rinse

Great, so now you have a few detergent options for the next time you place your activewear in the washing machine. But what if you just don't have the time to do your laundry? Alternatively, what if you want expert care for your prized workout gear?

We have just the solution for you – Rinse. We have years of experience laundering activewear – from removing oil and sweat stains to keeping garments smelling fresh and clean. What's even better is that we offer pickup and delivery services straight to your door, all 7 days a week. 

Your workout clothes help keep you in top shape. Shouldn't you return the favor too?

Contact us at Rinse today to see our skill in action.

Have laundry or dry cleaning to do?

Rinse picks up, cleans and delivers 7 days a week. Amazingly awesome. Ridiculously simple.

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Image Source: The Procter & Gamble Company, Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Sports Suds, United Sports Brands