The post-workout glow, characterized by buckets of perspiration and body odor, is a common occurrence after a good exercise session. While your body can easily freshen up with a shower, the lingering smell in your workout clothes can be harder to eliminate, even after washing them. According to Sarah Clemence, the founder of Busy Blooming Joy, a website focusing on cleaning and home organization, the smell on your workout clothes is more about the bacteria than the sweat. Bacteria thrive in the moisture and heat created when we sweat, especially in high-performance synthetic gear. As they feast on our sweat, they produce waste that causes the notorious ‘gym clothes’ smell.
If you’ve been struggling to get rid of the stench in your workout clothes, here are some expert tips to prevent bacteria from thriving in them:
1. Try a vinegar soak before washing your clothes. Vinegar is a natural and effective way to break down oils and neutralize bacteria. Submerge your clothes in white distilled vinegar for 10 to 30 minutes before washing them.
2. Wash your clothes immediately after your workout. Leaving dirty gym clothes trapped in your bag can cause mold and worsen the smell. If you can’t wash them right away, hang them out to dry.
3. Use a laundry detergent specifically designed for activewear. Regular detergents may not effectively remove sweat and oils from your gym clothes. Look for activewear-specific detergents from big brands like Tide, Gain, OxiClean, and Lysol.
4. Harness the power of the sun. Sunlight is a natural bacteria killer. Lay your clothes out in the sun for an hour or two to freshen them up. Ensure the clothes are completely dry before storing them away.
5. Consider clothing materials. Synthetic fabrics like polyester tend to retain smells because they don’t absorb sweat. Opt for special performance fabrics like Nike’s Dri-Fit or Lululemon’s Anti-Stink shirts, which are designed to wick sweat and keep you fresh. If you prefer natural fibers, choose cotton or bamboo, which do not trap odors but may not offer the same level of performance or comfort during intense workouts.
By following these tips, you can effectively combat the persistent smell in your workout clothes and make them smell fresh again.