How to wash workout clothes (and keep them smelling good!)
Do your workout clothes come out of the washing machine still smelling just as bad as before? Sweaty activewear tends to trap unpleasant odors, but with the right habits, you can keep your workout clothes smelling fresh for much longer. And if that's not enough, it might be time for a deep cleaning. Let us show you how!
5 tips to keep your workout clothes fresh
Hang them up
It's not always possible to wash your activewear right away, but make it a habit to hang your sweaty clothes to air dry as soon as possible. Damp environments can quickly lead to bad-smelling bacteria and mold. We've all had that moment when we forgot about our sweaty gym clothes and left them sitting in the bag for too long. It’s not great.
So, to keep your gear fresh, let it air dry after use if you can't wash it right away, and always wash it after every wear.
Wash separately and inside out
Always wash your workout clothes separately from your other laundry. This helps protect the specialized fabrics and prevents odors from transferring. Avoid overcrowding the washing machine and turn your workout clothes inside out. This allows the detergent to reach all the areas that have been close to your skin, where sweat-induced bacteria are more likely to build up.
Do NOT use fabric softener
Never use fabric softener when washing your workout clothes! While we generally don't recommend fabric softener, it's especially harmful for activewear. Fabric softener can clog the pores in moisture-wicking fabrics, reducing their effectiveness and trapping more sweat and bacteria. This can affect the performance of your clothes and make them smell worse over time.
Do not wash in hot water
Always wash your workout clothes in colder water (not higher than 40℃) to preserve the specialized fabrics and maintain their moisture-wicking properties. Hot water can sometimes set in odors rather than remove them. Colder water, especially when used with a detergent designed for colder temperatures and activewear, can effectively wash away sweat and bacteria while preserving your clothes, maintaining their colors, and being more energy efficient.
Let them air-dry
Skip the dryer and let your workout clothes air dry instead. The heat from the dryer can damage the technical fabrics in activewear and affect their moisture-wicking properties. Fortunately, most workout clothes are made from quick-drying fabrics, so air drying usually doesn't take too much time.
How to get the smell our of stinky workout clothes?
If your workout clothes have developed stubborn odors, a deep cleaning can help eliminate them. Start by pre-soaking your clothes in a mixture of water and white vinegar or baking soda. One part vinegar or baking soda to four parts water is recommended. Let the clothes soak for about 30 minutes to help break down the bacteria and neutralize odors.
After soaking, wash your clothes in cold water using a detergent designed for activewear, which contains enzymes that target sweat and bacteria. Adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle can further help remove lingering smells. Finally, air-dry your clothes in a well-ventilated area until completely dry before storing them away.
