How to Wash Spandex Without Destroying the Stretch

You pull on your favorite pair of spandex leggings—they fit like a glove, feel amazing, and make you look like you’ve got your life together. But then after a few washes… they’re baggy, faded, and somehow still smell faintly like yesterday’s workout.

If you’ve ever wondered how to wash spandex without ruining its elasticity or comfort, you’re not alone. Spandex is stretchy magic—but it’s also fragile when it comes to heat, detergent, and rough laundry routines.

This guide breaks down how to wash spandex leggings the right way—so they stay sculpting, supportive, and stink-free.

First, What Is Spandex—and Why Is It So Picky?

Spandex (also known as elastane or Lycra) is a synthetic fiber that can stretch up to 5x its original length. It’s what gives leggings their snap-back feel and compressive fit.

But that power comes with a downside:

Spandex is sensitive to heat
It breaks down with harsh detergents
It loses elasticity if overstretched or overwashed

So if you’re treating your leggings like regular cotton sweats, they won’t last long.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Spandex (Without Killing It)

Step 1: Turn Your Leggings Inside Out

Before anything goes into the wash, turn it inside out.

This helps:

Protect the exterior from pilling
Focus cleaning where the sweat actually is
Prevent snags from other items

Pro tip: Wash spandex leggings in a mesh laundry bag to protect them further.

Step 2: Use Cold Water

This one’s non-negotiable. Spandex hates heat.

Hot water can:

Break down the elastic fibers
Set in odors
Cause warping or shrinkage

Stick to cold water and a gentle cycle. If your machine has a "delicates" or "activewear" setting—use that.

Step 3: Use a Detergent Made for Synthetics

Spandex is often blended with other synthetic materials (like polyester or nylon). Using a cotton-based detergent on synthetics is like using dish soap on your face—wrong formula.

Use a liquid detergent made for activewear:

No softeners
No heavy fragrance
Cold-water optimized
Free from residue-causing fillers

Need help picking one? Head over to: The Ultimate Activewear Laundry Guide for a full breakdown of do’s and don’ts for technical fabrics.

Step 4: Wash Spandex Separately

Don’t throw your leggings in with towels, jeans, or anything with zippers. These heavy items cause:

Friction that weakens the stretch
Lint transfer
Fabric pilling

Wash your spandex leggings with other lightweight, synthetic items—ideally only other activewear.

Step 5: Skip the Fabric Softener

We’ll keep it simple: fabric softener = death to spandex.

It coats the fibers, blocks breathability, and locks in odor. If you’ve ever washed your leggings and thought they smelled worse afterward, softener might be the reason.

Step 6: Don’t Wring Them Out

When your leggings come out of the wash, resist the urge to twist or wring them out. This stretches the fibers and can permanently damage the shape.

Instead:

Press them gently between towels to remove water
Reshape while damp
Lay flat to dry, or hang dry if there’s no weight on the waistband

Step 7: Never Put Spandex in the Dryer

Dryer heat is the #1 reason leggings lose their stretch. Even low heat can wear down elasticity over time.

Always air dry.
And never, ever toss them in with hot, bulky items like towels or sweatshirts.

Bonus Tips for Long-Lasting Spandex

Wash less frequently: Only wash after workouts or 1–2 wears. Overwashing weakens fibers.
Steam, don’t iron: If you need to remove wrinkles, use a handheld steamer instead of an iron.
Spot clean stains: Instead of washing the whole garment, use a small amount of detergent and cold water to gently dab the stain out.
Rotate your favorites: Wearing the same pair too often? Give them a break so the spandex can recover its shape.

Why This Matters

Spandex leggings aren’t just gym gear—they’re your go-to for running errands, lounging, stretching, and let’s be honest, pretending you’re going to work out.

And when they start to smell, stretch out, or lose their color, it’s not just annoying—it’s disappointing. Learning how to wash spandex properly is one of the easiest ways to protect the pieces you love most.

Final Thoughts

If you want your leggings to hug—not sag—and smell fresh instead of funky, you need a spandex-specific wash routine. Don’t let heat, softeners, or the wrong detergent destroy the clothes you rely on most.

To recap: