How to Easily Remove Odors and Sweat from Workout Clothes

If you love breaking a sweat during workouts or have sporty teens living at home like me,  you know how tough it can be to keep athletic gear fresh and odor-free.

The combination of sweat, bacteria, and synthetic fabrics can create lingering smells that seem almost impossible to remove.

But don’t worry—with the proper techniques, you can keep your workout clothes smelling clean and lasting longer.

With trial and error, I figured out a way to remove all odors from workout clothes, and I am sharing all my tips with you.

Workout clothes, especially those made from synthetic materials like polyester and spandex, are designed to wick moisture away from your skin. However, these fabrics can trap sweat, body oils, and bacteria deep in their fibers. Over time, this buildup leads to stubborn odors that regular laundry cycles can’t always eliminate. Even after multiple cycle washes.

STEP 1 

1. Rinse Immediately After Use
   • As soon as you’re done with your workout, rinse your clothes in cold water. This helps wash away sweat and bacteria before they set into the fabric. Do this with your kid’s clothes as well, when they come home from soccer, hockey, etc.
2. Don’t Let Them Sit in a Gym Bag
   • Storing sweaty clothes in a closed bag creates the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply. Instead, hang them to dry or place them in a mesh bag until you can wash them.
3. Pre-Soak with Vinegar
   • Mix one cup of white vinegar with cold water in a bucket or sink. Soak your workout clothes for 30 minutes before washing them. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and helps break down bacteria.

STEP 2

1. Turn Clothes Inside Out
   • Odors and bacteria often stick to the inside of your clothes, where sweat accumulates. Turning them inside out ensures the detergent targets those areas.
2. Use an Enzyme Detergent Designed for Activewear
   • Use an Enzyme Booster Detergent formulated to break down oils and odors in synthetic fabrics. This is my go-to brand! 
3. Don’t Use Fabric Softeners
   • Fabric softeners can coat the fibers of your clothes, trapping odors instead of removing them. Skip them entirely to keep your gear breathable and odor-free.
4. Wash in Cold Water
   • Hot water can damage synthetic fabrics and make odors worse. Stick to cold water for better results.
5. Add Baking Soda or Vinegar
   • Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the wash cycle for extra odor-fighting power. Alternatively, add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for a natural deodorizing boost.

STEP 3

1. Air-Dry When Possible
   • High heat from dryers can damage elastic fibers and lock in odors. Instead, air-dry your clothes on a drying rack or clothesline.
2. Use the Lowest Heat Setting
   • If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting to preserve your clothes and minimize odor retention.

1. Wash Workout Clothes Separately
   • Keep your activewear separate from regular laundry to avoid transferring sweat and odors.
2. Don’t Overuse Detergent
   • Too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes, trapping odors. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.

• Lemon Juice: Add half a cup of lemon juice to your wash cycle to naturally combat odors.
• Tea Tree Oil: For an antibacterial effect, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and spray it onto your clothes before washing.
• Sunlight: Hang your clothes in direct sunlight. The UV rays kill bacteria and neutralize odors naturally. I love doing this during the summer! 

Keeping your family’s workout clothes fresh doesn’t have to be a struggle. By following our simple tips, you can effectively remove sweat and odors while extending the life of your athletic gear.

Check out our other posts for more cleaning tips and living a healthier lifestyle.

Don’t forget to share this article with your fitness-loving friends!

xo