How to Remove Odor From Workout Clothes: Easy and Effective Tips

If you regularly engage in workout sessions, you might find that your fitness gears often get dirty and develop an unpleasant odour due to excessive sweat. And sometimes, the odour is too strong to be washed away. It's a common problem faced by almost every athlete that they struggle to keep their workout clothes fresh and free from odour. Our bodies sweat excessively during workouts and this is the reason why fitness outfits retain the unpleasant smell even after multiple washes. However, there’s no need to worry, for we are here to help you sort this odour issue with some easy tips and hacks. 

Top Tips for Removing Odor from Workout Clothes

Here are some easy tips that you can follow for removing odour from your workout gear:

• Don't let the sweat sit on workout clothes. It'll lead to bacteria build-up and odour.

• Wash your fitness outfits regularly after the workout sessions. 

• Don’t keep your used gears in a damp place, rather let them air dry before washing.

• Consider hand washing the clothes with a mild detergent.

• If you sweat excessively or have an issue with body odour, try pre-soaking the gears in a solution of soda and vinegar before washing. It will fight the odour.

• You can keep some fragrance boosters or naphthalene balls in your wardrobe, that will keep your gears smelling fresh and away from bacteria and insects.

How to Effectively Wash Clothes to Prevent Odor

Washing your workout clothes similarly to how you clean other garments may not be effective, especially if your fitness gears develop an unpleasant smell. Here's how you may wash them to prevent odour:

• Generally, the odour in clothing is the result of bacteria which thrive in moisture. To beat odor-causing bacteria, wash your workout clothes in hot water and rinse them at least 2 to 3 times with fresh water.

• Try pre-soaking the gears in baking soda which is a great odour absorbent. 

• Using a harsh detergent won’t necessarily solve the odour problem, but it'll definitely damage your fabric quality, so opt for a mild detergent.

• Use a fabric softener.

• After washing, dry your workout clothes in sunlight to kill the odor-causing bacteria.

Natural Solutions to Eliminate Sweat Smell from Gym Gear

• Dry your workout gear thoroughly.

• If you have to reuse a gym outfit without washing it, let the sweat completely dry in sunlight as soon as you take it off. 

• Always choose a moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric for gear like workout leggings for women.

• Don't stay in your sweat-soaked workout outfit for long, consider changing right after your training session and at least giving it a rough wash immediately.

• If you, like many athletes, prefer keeping your gym bag ready with your workout outfits, wash the bag at least twice a month and keep multiple naphthalene balls in it.

Why Workout Clothes Retain Odor and How to Fix It

Unlike other garments, your workout clothes get dirtier with excessive sweat and moisture and when you let the sweat sit on the clothing, it attracts bacteria. Often, washing alone can't kill the odor-causing bacteria and they even thrive more when the clothes aren't dried properly, therefore leading to an unpleasant odor. 
If you wash your workout clothes like stretchable leggings and tops thoroughly and regularly after exercise and dry them in sunlight, your fitness outfits will remain odour-free. You can also use a fabric softener with a nice fragrance.

Best Laundry Practices for Fresh Smelling Activewear 

• Don’t store your active pieces in a moist place. Keep them in a dry place instead.

• Machine washing may save you time, but handwashing would be better for your active clothes. 

• If you can't wash your workout clothes immediately, that's fine, just let them be soaked in a mild detergent water for some time.

• Consider having multiple workout pieces like high-waisted fitness leggings, leggings with pockets and a few sports bras and active tops, so that you never have to wear an unwashed outfit or one that's not properly dried yet. It may give a boost to the odour-causing bacteria.

Conclusion

Feeling fresh can boost your performance, whether in the gym or office. And, if putting your workout gears on doesn't offer a refreshing feeling, it's time to revisit your laundry and storage practices. We hope that following these tips will help you get rid of odour from your active gear so that you can stay and feel fresh while rocking the fitness runway.

FAQs

• Why do workout clothes retain odor even after washing?
  Workout clothes often trap bacteria and sweat in their fabric, which can lead to unpleasant odors if not washed and dried properly. Using mild detergent and drying them in sunlight can help eliminate the smell.

• What is the best way to remove sweat smell from activewear?
  Pre-soak the clothes in a solution of baking soda and vinegar before washing, use hot water, and rinse thoroughly. Drying in sunlight can also kill odor-causing bacteria effectively.

• Can I use fabric softener on workout clothes?
  Yes, but ensure you use a fabric softener specifically designed for activewear to maintain the fabric's quality while eliminating odor and adding a fresh scent.

• How often should I wash my gym clothes?
  It’s best to wash your gym clothes after every workout session to prevent sweat and bacteria build-up, which can lead to odor.

• What fabrics are best for odor-free workout clothes?
  Moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics like polyester or nylon blends are ideal, as they help reduce sweat retention and keep you feeling fresh.