How to Make Your Workout Clothes Smell Fresh

The high-performance fabrics that keep your sweat wicking away from the skin are great for keeping you comfortable and cool, but they can also hold onto dirt, body oil, and odors. To get your workout clothes smelling fresh, give them a soak before washing. This process removes the most stubborn odors, and it’s gentle on your gym gear and won’t damage the stretchy fibers used in activewear.

The best time to wash workout gear is immediately after you wear it, but that’s not always possible. When you do wash them, it’s important to follow the care instructions on the label. For example, the warmest wash temperature allowed by the care label is ideal for removing the bacteria and oil that contribute to bad smells.

Don’t use fabric softener, which puts a layer of residue on your sweat-absorbing clothes that can trap the odors and make them stick. Also, if your clothes have any spandex or Lycra in them, don’t use chlorine bleach, which can stretch those materials and make them harder to fit.

A quick rinse with cold water helps to reduce the odors caused by perspiration, and vinegar is another effective odor-eliminating agent. For a workout clothes soak, you can fill your sink or basin with cool water and add three to four capfuls of white vinegar. Let the clothing soak for about 15 to 30 minutes before you wash them. Hand washing is the most gentle option, but you can also wash your sweaty workout clothes in the machine. Just be sure to place them in a mesh bag to protect them from snags and tearing.

You can also try using an ozone laundry system, which uses a special generator to destroy odors and bacteria. This is a great option for those with allergies or other health issues that prevent them from using traditional detergents.

It’s always a good idea to turn your sweat-soaked clothes inside out before you put them in the wash. This allows the washer to reach deeper into the fibers and eliminate odors at the source. Turning your workout clothes inside out will also help them retain their shape and moisture-wicking properties longer.

Baking soda is another easy, natural way to freshen your workout clothes and rid them of odors. You can sprinkle baking soda on your clothes before you put them in the washer, or you can add a bit of it to the wash cycle.

It’s also a good idea to remove your socks before you wash them. This will help prevent stinky foot odor from developing in your socks. You can also use a little baking soda and vinegar in the dryer to help prevent static cling.