Why Do My Gym Clothes Smell So Bad? And How to Fix It

Struggling with gym clothes that retain unpleasant odors even after washing? Don’t fret—it’s not your fault! Neither your sweat levels nor the quality of your washing machine is to blame.

The culprit behind the persistent smell in activewear is the common use of synthetic and cotton fabrics. While these materials are ideal for workouts, they can also trap bacteria, making it challenging to achieve a thorough clean.

Now that you understand why your gym clothes smell so bad, here’s how to remedy the situation.

How to Make Gym Clothes Smell Better: a Step-by-Step Laundry Guide

What to do before washing

To eliminate stubborn odors from activewear, the cleaning process begins before you even hit the washing machine. Here’s how to start:

1. Fill a sink or bucket with one part distilled white vinegar and four parts cold water.
2. Soak your gym clothes in this mixture for 15 minutes to an hour.
3. After soaking, sort your activewear into lights and darks.

Now you’re ready to toss them in the washing machine!

Did you know that the type of detergent you use can also affect how well your clothes smell after washing? Choosing the right detergent can make a significant difference in odor removal!

The right machine settings for gym clothes

No need to stress—you can continue using your regular washing machine and detergent for your workout clothes. Just remember to choose cold water and a gentle cycle, and avoid washing them alongside towels or items with zippers.

If you’re still concerned about lingering odors, consider running a second rinse cycle with a laundry sanitizer. While chlorine bleach isn’t safe for activewear, phenolic disinfectants, such as Lysol’s Laundry Sanitizer, are a safer alternative.

After washing, allow your workout clothes to air dry. Heat from dryers can harm the synthetic materials, causing them to deteriorate quickly.

Extra tips for washing activewear

A vinegar pre-soak followed by an extra rinse with sanitizer should work wonders, but if you need more assistance, consider these additional tips:

• If you can’t do laundry right after your workout, make sure to air out your gym clothes as soon as you can.
• If time is tight and you can’t soak your clothes beforehand, simply add a cup of vinegar directly to your washing machine.
• Avoid using fabric softener on workout gear, as it can damage the elasticity of your activewear.
• Try to limit your use of deodorant; it may contribute to lingering odors.
• Be cautious not to overload your washing machine with detergent. Sweat-wicking fabrics can trap excess detergent, leading to more bacteria buildup.

Congratulations—you’re on your way to fresher, cleaner gym clothes!

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Short on time for laundry? We offer convenient pick-up and drop-off wash-and-fold services.