Nothing quite gives you the incentive to streamline and organize your life like moving. As my husband and I prepared to move from Georgia to Florida, we spent countless hours packing, organizing, decluttering, throwing things out and giving things away. I’ve become an expert box taper, bubble wrapper and debater about all things that should go or stay.

One thing that became utterly clear during this painful process I never want to do again productive exercise: It was time to consider how many running outfits and shoes had seen one too many sweaty long runs.

When it was all said and done, I hauled 3 garbage bags of stuff to Goodwill: old race T-shirts, running shorts I haven’t worn in a year, tank tops and sports bras that barely have any elasticity left and shoes that have covered some of my greatest miles.

I feel lighter.

We get attached to shoes and clothes that remind us of unforgettable runs and races. But we can’t keep worn out shoes and sad, sagging sports bras around forever. Moving can’t be the impetus for me to clean out and declutter my running gear. I turned to the experts at Brooks Running (where else?) to help us understand how to care for our running gear and when it’s time to spring clean our running life.

Sports Bras

When it comes to sports bras, I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve had most of mine for upwards of 5 to 10 years. Maybe longer. Rebecca duRivage-Jacobs, the associate product line manager for Moving Comfort, shared these tips to steer us all in the right direction:

How long does a sports bra last?
On average, you should replace your sports bras every 6 to 12 months.

(Ok, so I guess 10 years is too long. Gulp!)

How can you tell when it’s time to replace a sports bra?
Pay attention to key signals such as a stretched bottom band and straps, faded tags, possible chafing spots and a less-than-fresh scent. Appreciate what it has done for you, say your goodbyes and get fitted for a new style to keep you moving without skipping a beat.

How many sports bras do we need if we run a lot?
At a minimum, women should have three sports bras in their wardrobe at a time. Not only will this give you options for different outfits and workouts, but rotating them can extend the life of each sports bra.

How often should you wash your sports bras?
It’s really a personal preference, but 2 to 3 wears is OK in between washes.

(Wow, I never considered not washing mine after every workout! For once, being unladylike is right!)

How should you wash/clean your sports bras?
Hand washing is ideal, but not always possible. If you plan to machine wash your sports bras, it’s best to use the gentle or delicate cycle and be sure to fasten any hooks or straps to avoid snags. Even better, place your sports bras into a lingerie wash bag. After washing, reshape the cups and hang to air dry. Dryer heat can really take a toll on the fabric. If you must, tumble dry on a low temperature. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets can clog up the fabric and shorten the life of your bra by limiting its ability to wick sweat and resist odors. For best results, use a gentle, lingerie-friendly detergent.

Running Shoes

Shoes can be hard to part with, but Jena Winger, associate footwear product line manager for Brooks Running, gives us the 411 on spring cleaning our running shoe collection.

How should you clean your running shoes?
Avoid washing your shoes in a washing machine as it breaks down important components in the shoe (such as DNA, which is the cushioning technology) that help you run safely and comfortably. If you’re looking to remove mud or dirt, we suggest doing so with a toothbrush and some soap. If smell is your enemy, check out these tips for reducing the stench.

Approximately how long do running shoes last before you need to throw them out?
We recommend replacing your running shoes every 300 to 400 miles.

How can you tell when it’s time to replace running shoes?
Unusual aches and pains which can’t be attributed to a change in your training are a sign that you may need to replace your shoes. The key aches and pains to look out for are knee pain as well as shin splints.

Apparel

Running clothes are expensive, and the thought of throwing them out or recycling them can be painful. Lauren Hallworth, apparel product line manager at Brooks Running, tells us how to lengthen the life of our running clothes and when it’s time to let them go.

How should you wash/clean sweat-wicking apparel? How often?
It’s best to machine wash your running clothes in cold water, and tumble them dry on low, unless otherwise marked on the garment. Using a sport or tech wash will also help prolong the lifespan of the garment. Stay away from fabric softeners and dryer sheets which can clog up the fabric and shorten the life of your apparel by limiting its ability to wick sweat and resist odors.

How long should each item last before you need to throw it out?
A well cared for garment should still be running strong after 50 home launderings.

In general, if the tag says hand wash, do you really need to do that? Why or why not?
If a tag states hand wash, it’s because of the delicate nature of the fabric or the type of treatment that has been applied to the fabric. It’s always best to follow marked care instructions.

How can you tell when it’s time to replace an item?
Similar to sports bras, it’s important to pay attention to the signals – stretched bands and straps, faded tags, possible chafing spots, a less-than-fresh scent, etc. are all signs it might be time to upgrade your running apparel.

Do you follow these tips to care for and clean out your running gear? Do you do it as you go along, or wait and do it all at once? Were there any tips that surprised you?