9 Tips to Get Rid of Body Odor Smell from Workout Clothes
IIf you’ve ever struggled with stubborn body odor lingering in your workout clothes, you’re not alone. Sweat and bacteria can cling to moisture-wicking fabrics, creating unpleasant odors. Thankfully, with the right care, you can restore freshness to your gear. Here are seven tips to banish the stink for good.
1 Wash Immediately After Use
Although not always possible, one of the easiest ways to prevent odor buildup is to wash your workout clothes right after wearing them. Allowing sweaty clothes to sit in a gym bag or laundry pile can cause bacteria to multiply, embedding odors into the fabric.
If you can’t wash them immediately, hang the clothes up to air-dry in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup, which makes the odor worse. Acting fast can save you the trouble of deep cleaning later.
Another option if you can't wash right away is to freeze your workout clothes !
2 Freeze your workout clothes
Indeed, place your workout clothes in a plastic bag and store them in the freezer until laundry day. The freezing temperatures halt bacterial growth and neutralize odors, keeping your clothes fresh until you can wash them. If it's winter time in Canada, you can put your plastic bag on your balcony.
3. Use a Pre-Soak Solution
Before tossing your workout gear in the washing machine, pre-soak them to break down sweat and bacteria. Mix warm water with white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio and soak your clothes for at least 30 minutes. The acidity of vinegar not only helps dissolve bacteria but also neutralizes odor-causing compounds. For stronger smells, you can let the clothes soak overnight. This step is especially helpful for high-performance fabrics that trap odors.
4. Don’t Overdo the Detergent
Using too much detergent can do more harm than good when washing workout clothes. Excess suds can trap dirt and bacteria in the fabric instead of washing them away. To avoid this, stick to a small amount of detergent and wash fuller loads. This creates a higher water-to-clothing ratio, allowing clothes to agitate properly and come out cleaner with fewer trapped odors.
5 Wash your workout clothes inside out
Turn your workout clothes inside out before washing. Flipping them inside out allows the detergent to target the areas where odors are most concentrated, like the underarms and inner layers. This is especially important since the inside of clothing tends to collect more dirt and sweat than the outside. Don’t let odors linger—always turn your clothes inside out to ensure a thorough clean.
6. Avoid Fabric Softeners
While fabric softeners make clothes feel softer, they’re a no-go for workout gear. Softener leaves a waxy coating on the fabric, which traps sweat, bacteria, and odors over time. This coating can also interfere with moisture-wicking properties, making your gear less effective during workouts. Instead, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It softens fabric naturally while keeping odors at bay and protecting your clothes’ performance properties.
7. Wash in Cold Water
Hot water might seem like the best way to kill bacteria, but it can actually set sweat and odors deeper into synthetic fabrics. Always wash your workout clothes in cold water to protect their fibers and eliminate smells effectively. Cold water is gentler on moisture-wicking materials, helping them last longer. Additionally, pair cold water with the right detergent for optimal cleaning power. This approach preserves both the look and functionality of your gear.
8. Dry Clothes Completely
Proper drying is just as important as washing when it comes to odor removal. Damp fabrics create an ideal environment for bacteria, leading to recurring odors. After washing, air-dry your workout clothes on a rack in a breezy spot or tumble dry them on low heat, if the care label permits. For an extra antibacterial boost, hang them in direct sunlight—the UV rays help kill bacteria naturally. Never store damp clothes to avoid unwanted smells.
9. Try Baking Soda, vinegar or Lemon Juice
For those particularly stubborn odors, natural deodorizers like baking soda or lemon juice can work wonders. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto damp clothes before washing or dissolve it in water for a soak. Alternatively, add a splash of lemon juice to your wash cycle—the citric acid breaks down odor-causing bacteria and leaves your clothes smelling fresh. These inexpensive, eco-friendly solutions are a great addition to your laundry routine.
By following these tips, you can keep your workout clothes smelling fresh and ready for your next session. And remember, the body odor is what you smell when your sweat comes in contact with the bacteria on your skin. Sweat itself doesn’t smell.
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