[The advice provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional guidance. Washing techniques may vary depending on the specific materials and care instructions of each garment. Always refer to the care label on your clothing and, if in doubt, consult a professional for advice.]
We’ve all been there. You walk into the gym, feeling fresh in your newly washed activewear that has spent the last two days air-drying. But as you start your warm-up, it hits you – the unmistakable, lingering smell of sweat coming from your clothes.
Why does this keep happening? And why does it happen so often?
We explore why those sweaty smells can be so stubborn, and, more importantly, show you how to keep your workout clothes smelling fresh wash after wash to help your garms bounce back even your most intense workouts.
Why Do My Workout Clothes Smell Even After Washing Them?
We sweat, there’s no avoiding that, but don’t worry, there are a few reasons why workout clothes might hold onto odors even after a good wash:
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Synthetic fabrics trap sweat: Simply put, performance fabrics do a pretty good job of trapping sweat. This is because the moisture-wicking garment’s job is to draw moisture away from the skin onto the surface of the fabric, helping to keep you cool and dry as you work. But the downside of this is that this same feature also means that sweat and body oils are drawn into the fabric fibers of your workout clothes, making it tricky to fully remove those bad odors.
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Bacteria and sweat: There’s no nice way around it, when you use workout clothes for their function, over time, bacteria from sweat accumulates on the garments… particularly if they’re not washed properly. Bacteria and oils can cling to the fibres, and if not washed correctly, this trapped bacteria will become noticeable as it will release a bad odour into the air when your body begins to warm up.
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Washing them incorrectly: The above issues can be exacerbated by washing your workout clothes incorrectly. Using washing detergent that’s not strong enough to remove odors, using the wrong wash cycle (e.g., cotton instead of synthetics), or adding fabric softeners can create a residue on your clothes that actually traps in unwanted smells.
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You’re wearing the wrong workout clothes: Not all workout clothes are built for the same purpose! Not all activewear is enhanced with sweat-wicking technology, nor do all performance garments feature lightweight designs. Wearing activewear that’s not lightweight, breathable or moisture-wicking for your
high-intensity workouts can result in smelly workout clothes.
The Best Way To Wash Sweaty Workout Clothes
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Create a cleaning mixture by combining one part distilled white vinegar with four parts cold water in a sink.
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Immerse your activewear and allow it to soak for 15–30 minutes to loosen sweat and grime.
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Once soaked, sort your activewear by color (dark or light) and wash them separately. Avoid mixing in different fabric garments like towels or jeans, and ensure all zippers are closed to prevent snagging.
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Since most bacteria and grime accumulate on the interior of garments, turn your workout clothes inside out before placing them in the washing machine.
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Follow instructions if you have a sport-specific detergent, otherwise, use approximately two teaspoons of detergent for a full load or less for smaller loads to prevent residue buildup.
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Select a cold water setting and the gentle cycle as hot water and vigorous spin can agitate your workout clothing, damaging the fibres and shortening their lifespan.
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If you have the option, choose a synthetic cycle with a low spin, which is ideal for washing activewear without causing unnecessary wear.
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Hang your workout clothes to air-dry on a drying rack and optimally in a well-ventilated area. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting possible to avoid fabric damage.
Deep Cleaning Advice:
How To Get The Sweat Smell Out Of Your Clothes
If the smell is still there, it’s time to deep clean your workout gear, and who would’ve guessed that the humble white vinegar bottle in the back of your cupboard would be the key to getting the sweat smell out of your clothes? Follow the below steps to deep clean your workout clothes and eliminate stubborn sweat odors:
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Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing one part distilled white vinegar with three parts water in a sink.
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Submerge your workout garments (limit to a few items at a time) and let them soak for at least one hour to break down the odor-causing bacteria.
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Wash your clothes according to the care label instructions, or opt for a cold, gentle cycle as previously mentioned to preserve the fabric’s integrity.
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Incorporate a laundry sanitizer into the final rinse cycle. Avoid using chlorine bleach; instead, choose an antibacterial sanitizer that won’t harm the fibers of your activewear.
Washing Tips To Remember
Remember these four important tips to make sure your activewear is washed correctly, every time. If you follow these steps you can ensure your workout clothes will be kept in good shape, and free from sweaty smells.
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Avoid leaving workout clothes in the laundry basket.
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Use the correct amount of detergent; more isn’t better and can leave residues that trap odors.
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Incorporate a laundry sanitizer to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.
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Steer clear of fabric softeners, as they can coat fibers and trap unwanted smells.
1. Avoid leaving workout clothes in the laundry basket.
Workout clothes tend to trap sweat and bacteria more than regular clothes and tossing them straight into the hamper without airing them out is a quick way to increase the bacteria in your clothes, making odors even harder to eliminate later. If you can, hang your clothes up immediately after a workout to allow them to air dry. Open your window or leave the clothes somewhere well-ventilated to help sweat evaporate, minimizing the smell. If you’re in a rush, even laying them out flat rather than stuffing them in the laundry basket can make a big difference in reducing odor buildup.
2. Use the correct amount of detergent; more isn’t better and can leave residues that trap odors.
It might seem like the logical move to add more detergent to tackle strong smells, but using too much can actually make the problem worse. The issue with too much detergent is that it doesn’t always rinse out properly which can cause a residue to form over the fibres which trap bacteria and sweat inside, leading to persisting odors. Don’t add more washing detergent than the instructions call for, and for extra odour-fighting power, look for detergents specifically formulated for activewear that help break down oils and bacteria without leaving residue.
3. Incorporate a laundry sanitizer to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.
Regular detergent alone isn’t always enough to kill all bacteria, especially in cold water, which is often recommended for washing workout clothes. Adding a laundry sanitizer to the rinse cycle is an easy way to eliminate bacteria without using harsh chemicals like bleach, which can weaken synthetic fibres. Look for sport-specific anti-bacterial sanitizers, and check that they’re safe for non-cotton fabrics. You can use these sanitizers every few washes for a deep clean of your workout clothes to prevent bacteria buildup, meaning fresher-smelling clothes after every workout.
4. Steer clear of fabric softeners, as they can coat fibers and trap unwanted smells.
Fabric softeners are often added to laundry to make clothes feel soft and smell fresh, but they’re a no-go for workout gear. Softener products coat fibers with a thin layer of waxy residue that can trap sweat, oils, and bacteria in synthetic fabrics. Over time, this buildup can make odors worse and may also reduce the moisture-wicking properties that keep you cool during workouts. Instead, skip the softener altogether.
Tips For Preventing Sweaty-Smelling Workout Clothes In The Future
Maintaining fresh-smelling activewear goes beyond proper washing techniques, in fact, it can all start from the type of deodorant you’re putting on! Here are some future-proof strategies to keep your workout clothes odor-free:
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Choose the right anti-perspirant: Opt for an anti-perspirant rather than just deodorant (that only masks smell) as this will help to reduce sweat production, minimizing the moisture that creates odor.
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Select appropriate workout attire: When choosing moisture-wicking athletic wear, consider the specific demands of your activity. For high-intensity workouts or hot-weather runs, choose lightweight polyester blends with breathable designs over thicker performance fabric, to help keep you cool and dry.
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Skip the laundry basket: Always air dry your activewear first to maintain fabric integrity and prevent odor retention.
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Choose your workout clothes wisely: Invest in high-quality, breathable fabrics with sweat-wicking technologies that facilitate proper ventilation, reducing the buildup of sweat and odor.
