How to Get Bad Smells Out of Gym Clothes

Removing these unpleasant smells is necessary for your comfort and helps you prolong the life of your activewear. So, how to get the stink out of workout clothes?

Proper maintenance ensures that your gym clothes remain effective, comfortable, and free from lingering odors. Here’s a comprehensive guide that showcases how to get the smell out of gym clothes.

Understanding the Challenge

Gym clothes are designed to wick moisture away from your skin and keep you comfortable during intense workouts. However, this same moisture-wicking technology can also trap sweat and bacteria within the fabric.

Over time, these odors can become deeply embedded, making them difficult to remove with regular washing. The combination of sweat, bacteria, and sometimes even the remnants of laundry detergent creates an unpleasant smell. So, how to get the odor out of workout clothes? Understanding these factors and treating your clothes wisely can maintain your gym wear.

Pre-Treatment Steps

Pre-treating your gym clothes before washing can significantly improve odor removal. One effective method is to soak your clothes in a mixture of water and either white vinegar or baking soda. These natural ingredients are popular for their ability to neutralize odors and break down residue without affecting fabrics.

White Vinegar Soak

White vinegar is a powerful odor neutralizer and can help dissolve sweat residues. Follow the steps below:

• Mix one cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water
• Submerge your gym clothes in this solution
• Let them soak for at least 30 minutes
• After soaking, proceed to wash your clothes as usual

Vinegar's acidic properties break down the build-up of sweat and bacteria, making it easier for the washing machine to remove stubborn odors.

Baking Soda Soak

• Alternatively, baking soda is another excellent option for pre-treating smelly gym clothes
• Mix a half cup of baking soda with a gallon of water
• Soak your clothes in this solution for 30 minutes

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that helps lift odors from fabric and breaks down any remaining residues that may contribute to unpleasant smells.

Washing Process

When it comes to figuring out how to get and keep the smell out of gym clothes, after pre-treatment, the washing process is necessary for removing any lingering odors and residues. Here are some key steps to ensure your gym clothes come out fresh and clean:

Cold Water Wash

Use cold water when washing gym clothes. Hot water can set odors into the fabric and may cause colors to fade or fabrics to shrink. Cold water is gentler on the materials and helps maintain the elasticity of your activewear. It also helps prevent any potential damage that high temperatures might cause to technical fabrics.

Sports Detergent

If you have access to a sports detergent specifically formulated for athletic wear, you must use it. Sports detergents can tackle the unique challenges posed by sweat and bacteria. They contain ingredients that break down and remove stubborn residues, which regular detergents might miss.

If a sports detergent isn’t available, opt for a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. These are less likely to leave residues that can irritate sensitive skin or contribute to further odor problems.

Baking Soda Boost

For an added boost, add a half cup of baking soda to your wash cycle. It works in conjunction with your detergent to lift and eliminate odors from fabrics. It also helps to balance the water's pH levels, making it easier to remove residues that can cause unpleasant smells.

Drying Techniques

Proper drying can maintain the freshness of your gym clothes. Here’s how to do it right:

Air Drying

Whenever possible, air drying is the best option for gym clothes. Hang your clothes in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors if the weather permits. Air drying can prevent shrinkage and preserve the integrity of the fabric. It also allows for natural airflow and sunlight, which can help kill lingering bacteria and further neutralize lingering odors.

Low Heat Drying

If you need to use a dryer, choose a low-heat setting. High heat can damage the fabric and set any remaining odors. Avoid over-drying, as this can lead to stiffness and potentially damage the fibers of your activewear.

Thorough Drying

Whatever method you choose, ensure that your clothes are completely dry before storing them. Damp or partially dried clothes can develop musty smells and become breeding grounds for mold and mildew. If you notice any lingering dampness, give the clothes additional time to dry fully before putting them away.

Gym Bag Maintenance

Preventing odors from transferring back to clean clothes starts with proper gym bag maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your gym bag fresh and free of unpleasant smells:

Separate Compartments

Many gym bags come with separate compartments for dirty and clean items. Using these compartments can keep dirty clothes contained and prevent their odors from mingling with your clean gear.

If your bag doesn’t have separate sections, consider using zippered pouches or bags to separate dirty clothes from clean ones.

Regular Cleaning

Regularly clean your gym bag to eliminate odors. Depending on the material of your bag, you might be able to machine wash it or wipe it down with a disinfecting solution. Pay special attention to the interior lining, where odors and bacteria can accumulate.

For non-machine washable bags, a mixture of water and mild detergent can be used to scrub the interior and remove any lingering smells.