Rite Dry Cleaners Reveals Five Habits Ruining Your Leggings

Summary: Rite Dry Cleaners warns against five common laundry mistakes that stretch out leggings and offers professional care solutions to protect fabric elasticity, texture, and shape.

Rite Dry Cleaners Educates Consumers on How to Preserve Their Favorite Leggings

Stretchy, flattering, and comfortable – leggings have become a wardrobe essential for everything from workouts to lounging. However, according to Rite Dry Cleaners, improper washing and drying habits can cause these garments to lose their signature fit and compression over time. When leggings begin sagging at the knees, feel looser around the waistband, or lose their shape, the culprit is often strain placed on the fabric’s delicate stretch fibers.

These fibers, typically made from spandex or elastane, give leggings their supportive feel. When repeatedly exposed to heat, friction, or harsh detergents, they gradually lose elasticity. Rite Dry Cleaners emphasizes that most of this damage is preventable through small, mindful changes in laundry routines that protect activewear longevity.

1 of 5 | Mixing Leggings with Heavy Fabrics

Rite Dry Cleaners highlights that washing leggings with heavier items like jeans or towels is one of the most damaging habits. Because leggings are lightweight and flexible, the twisting and friction caused by heavier fabrics can stretch and weaken their fibers, especially around the waistband and knees.

How to Prevent Damage

The company recommends separating laundry loads by fabric type. Leggings, sports bras, and other activewear items should be washed together in a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction. Smaller loads and cold-water cycles also help prevent stretching and ensure a thorough, gentle rinse.

2 of 5 | Using Hot Water Instead of Cold

While hot water is effective for sanitizing, Rite Dry Cleaners cautions that it’s too harsh for elastic fabrics. High heat can permanently relax spandex fibers, leaving leggings stretched out and rough to the touch.

Proper Washing Method

Cold or cool water cycles are best for preserving elasticity. Rite Dry Cleaners recommends using gentle sportswear detergents designed for cold water to effectively remove sweat and odors. Stains can be pre-treated with mild cleaners instead of relying on heat.

3 of 5 | Ignoring the Delicate Cycle

Many consumers skip the delicate cycle to save time, but Rite Dry Cleaners advises that doing so shortens a legging’s lifespan. The aggressive agitation of standard cycles puts unnecessary strain on the fine elastic threads that provide compression and shape retention.

Rite Dry Cleaners’ Washing Tips

Select a “delicate” or “gentle” setting with a shorter wash time. Turning leggings inside out before washing minimizes friction on printed or textured surfaces. These adjustments help maintain the smooth, snug fit that makes leggings so comfortable.

4 of 5 | Overusing Fabric Softeners and Heavy Detergents

According to Rite Dry Cleaners, fabric softeners and strong detergents can do more harm than good. The coating left behind by softeners breaks down stretch fibers over time, while heavy detergents can create residue that leaves sportswear feeling sticky or stiff.

Smarter Laundry Alternatives

Instead of softeners, Rite Dry Cleaners suggests adding a half cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to naturally soften fabric and remove odors. Lightweight, dye-free detergents made for athletic wear provide a deeper clean without damaging the material. Using the right amount of detergent prevents buildup and prolongs fabric performance.

5 of 5 | Machine Drying on High Heat

Rite Dry Cleaners warns that frequent exposure to high dryer heat can permanently weaken spandex fibers, leading to sagging waistbands and warped shapes.

Best Drying Practices

Air drying is the safest method. Leggings should be laid flat on a towel or drying rack, away from direct sunlight, to avoid fiber damage and fading. If machine drying is unavoidable, use a tumble or air-fluff setting with minimal heat to preserve shape and elasticity.

Rite Dry Cleaners’ Professional Care Keeps Clothes Looking New

Rite Dry Cleaners emphasizes that every detail in the washing process—from water temperature to load composition—affects a fabric’s longevity. Their Wash and Fold Laundry Service is designed to protect elasticity, texture, and color, ensuring clothes retain their shape wash after wash.

Since 1968, Rite Dry Cleaners has served Shaker Heights and the greater Warren, Ohio area with top-quality cleaning services. Using non-toxic methods, including professional wet cleaning and SystemK4™ dry cleaning, the company provides eco-friendly solutions that keep garments fresh and durable.

In addition to expert fabric care, Rite Dry Cleaners offers FREE Pickup and Delivery Service throughout Warren, Solon, Chagrin Falls, Bainbridge, Russell, and surrounding communities.

Consumers interested in extending the life of their favorite leggings or other activewear can contact Rite Dry Cleaners at (855) 695-6392 or email [email protected] to schedule a Free Pickup and Delivery Service.

Rite Dry Cleaners invites customers to experience professional garment care that combines convenience, quality, and decades of trusted expertise.