How to Keep Your Gym Clothes Smelling Fresh and Clean

Have you ever thought about how rigorous conditions your workout clothes undergo every day? You break a sweat while wearing them; the clothes get all sweaty and dirty again and again to the point where it doesn’t feel fresh even after multiple washes. If you can relate to this, that's okay because this is a common struggle of every fitness enthusiast. Let us share some secret tips that will keep your workout clothes always fresh and clean like it’s new. 

Proper Washing Techniques 

After an intense workout session or a pronged run or hike, your activewear gets smelly and soaked with sweat and what most people do is just throw it in the laundry bag or washing machine to wash it later. This allows the sweat and dirt to sit on the clothes, rather consider washing your activewear as soon as the workout is over. 

Wearing the same sweaty and dirty workout clothes without washing them is a big NO. Your fitness gear will turn into the home for bacteria in no time and using those without cleaning properly is not just unhygienic but similar to signing up for bacterial and fungal infection. Try to wash your gym clothes every time after use to keep them fresh and clean. And if everyday washing isn't possible for you, at least dry the active pieces like sports bra, workout shorts and leggings in natural air, preferably under indirect sunlight, that will reduce the risk of bacteria and fungal buildup to some extent.

Pre-Treatment for Stains and Odors 

Sometimes, washing alone isn’t enough for annoying stains and odours, especially if you sweat excessively and have body odour. Here is an incredible hack to get rid of unpleasant odours from your active clothes. 

For Odors 

You just need two household staples, soda and vinegar. Mix them equally and you have a strong deodorizer ready to deal with the baddie. For 10 litres of water, one cup of this mixture will work fine. Let the clothes get soaked in the water for around 30 minutes and handwash it properly. There won’t be any hint of bad smell.

For Stains

Making a homemade stain remover with hand wash, oxygen bleach and vinegar can remove all types of stains from your clothes. Using any random stain remover will also do the job but at the expense of damaging the fabric, but this homemade stain remover kit will drive the stains away without putting a scratch on the fabric. Spray the stain remover on the specific area before the patch sits on the clothes, 30 minutes or an hour later wash it off with a gentle detergent. 

Drying and Storage Tips

• Avoid using heat for drying. Let your favourite Hunnit fitness gear dry naturally in the air. It will keep the colour and softness of the fabric intact.
• Avoid putting your clothes like trousers for the gym and sports crop top in direct sunlight, as this can damage the stretchability and colour of your workout pieces. 
• Always store your activewear in a dry and hygienic place. 
• To keep your clothes fabric soft and new-like, avoid using fabric softener. They do more harm than good.

Preventive Measures 

While all these tips can help you keep your gym clothes free from stains, odours and bacteria, prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few tips for keeping your activewear in the best condition. 

• Always try to wash your workout clothes right after every fitness training session. 
• To preserve its original quality, handwash your active pieces instead of machine wash.
• Don’t wear your fitness gear a second time without proper washing and cleaning.
• Make sure that the gym clothes are well-dried and free from moisture before wearing them.

Conclusion 

Wearing fresh-smelling, clean clothes sets the mood for the day and it shapes how you feel inside. That's why we feel happy and confident when wearing a new dress. Speaking of activewear, they are treated so roughly during workouts, that proper washing and care become essential to keep their quality fine. Follow these hacks for the maintenance of your favourite Hunnit active pieces and offer your workout gears a lease of freshness. Stay active, stay safe. 

FAQs

 

How do I remove sweat smell from gym clothes?

• To remove sweat smell, soak your gym clothes in a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda for 30 minutes before washing. Use a gentle detergent and avoid using fabric softeners.

Why do my workout clothes still smell after washing?

• Sweat and bacteria trapped in synthetic fabrics can persist even after washing. Use odor-removing laundry detergents, avoid overloading the washer, and consider pre-soaking in a vinegar solution.

Can I machine wash my workout clothes?

• Yes, but use a gentle cycle with cold water to preserve the elasticity and color of the fabric. Avoid high heat and harsh detergents.

Should I air dry or machine dry my gym clothes?

• Air drying is best for workout clothes as it helps maintain their stretch and color. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent damage to the fabric.

How often should I wash my workout clothes?

• Wash your workout clothes after every use to prevent bacteria buildup and odor.

Can I use fabric softener on activewear?

• No, fabric softeners can coat the synthetic fibers in activewear, reducing their moisture-wicking properties.

How do I prevent stains on workout clothes?

• Treat stains immediately by spraying a homemade stain remover made with handwash, vinegar, and oxygen bleach. Avoid letting sweat or dirt set into the fabric.

What’s the best detergent for gym clothes?

• Use detergents specifically designed for activewear or those with odor-eliminating properties. Look for products labeled as “sport detergent.”

How do I store workout clothes to keep them fresh?

• Store workout clothes in a cool, dry place. Ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew or odor.

Can I reuse workout clothes without washing them?

• Reusing sweaty clothes without washing can lead to bacterial and fungal infections. If washing is not possible immediately, at least air-dry them to reduce bacteria growth.