How To Remove Smell From Sports Clothes
Few things feel as satisfying as a great workout—until you catch a whiff of your sports clothes. Whether it’s sweat, bacteria buildup, or that lingering damp smell from leaving your gear in the gym bag too long, the odors in athletic wear can be downright stubborn. But fear not. If you’ve been wondering how to remove smell from sports clothes, there are proven solutions to restore freshness to your workout gear.
From professional laundry services to at-home techniques, let’s break down everything you need to know about keeping your sportswear odor-free.
Why Do Sports Clothes Smell So Bad?
Unlike everyday clothing, sportswear is made from synthetic, moisture-wicking fabrics designed to keep you dry during workouts. While these materials are great for performance, they also trap sweat, bacteria, and oils, making odors more persistent.
Regular washing may not be enough because bacteria cling to synthetic fibers, leading to long-lasting smells. And if you’re using traditional laundry detergents, chances are they’re not breaking down the bacteria properly.
This is where professional laundry cleaning comes in. Specialized cleaning techniques, like those used in eco-friendly laundry services, can remove deep-seated bacteria without damaging the fabric.
Learn more about professional laundry cleaning here
How To Remove Smell From Sports Clothes Effectively
If your gym clothes still smell after washing, you’re not alone. Here are some foolproof ways to eliminate odors and keep your activewear fresh.
One of the best ways to remove odors from sportswear is to pre-treat your clothes before washing. Instead of tossing your gym wear straight into the washer, soak them in a solution of water and white vinegar for 30 minutes. This helps break down sweat and bacteria buildup.
Using the right detergent is another crucial step. Regular detergents often leave behind residue, trapping odors inside fabrics. Opting for a sports-specific detergent or an enzyme-based detergent ensures deep cleaning and bacteria removal.
Another common mistake is using too much detergent. While it may seem logical to add extra soap for extra cleanliness, excessive detergent can leave a residue that traps odors rather than removing them. Stick to the recommended amount, and consider adding baking soda to the wash for extra deodorizing power.
Does Fabric Softener Make Sports Clothes Smell Worse?
Many people assume that fabric softener is the key to keeping gym clothes fresh, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Fabric softeners leave a coating on synthetic fibers, preventing proper moisture wicking and trapping odors instead of removing them.
A study by the found that using fabric softener on synthetic athletic wear reduces its ability to wick moisture by up to 40%, leading to more bacteria buildup and stronger odors.
To keep sportswear fresh and breathable, skip the fabric softener and opt for vinegar or a sports-friendly detergent instead.
Should You Wash Sports Clothes in Hot or Cold Water?
The temperature of your wash cycle matters. Many people assume that hot water kills bacteria in sportswear, but for synthetic fabrics, cold water is the better choice.
High heat can weaken the elasticity in performance fabrics, leading to stretched-out clothing that loses its shape. Instead, cold water washing effectively removes bacteria without damaging the fibers.
For heavily soiled gym clothes, consider a pre-soak with an antibacterial solution before washing. Many laundry services use advanced antibacterial cleaning techniques to ensure your activewear is odor-free.
Can Professional Laundry Services Remove Odors from Sportswear?
If you’ve tried every DIY method and your sports clothes still stink, it’s time to bring in the professionals.
A laundry pickup and delivery service can handle deep-cleaning gym clothes using specialized odor-eliminating treatments. Unlike home washing machines, which may not always reach deep-set bacteria, professional laundry cleaning services use high-powered machines and enzyme-based detergents to fully break down sweat, bacteria, and body oils.
Eco-friendly dry cleaning services also provide gentle, toxin-free treatments that preserve synthetic fabrics while eliminating trapped odors. This is especially helpful for sports uniforms, compression gear, and delicate performance fabrics that need extra care.
How to Prevent Odors in Sports Clothes Before They Start
Prevention is always better than cure. Instead of battling sweat smells after they set in, here’s how you can stop the odors before they start.
Air out your gym clothes immediately after use. Don’t leave sweaty activewear in a gym bag or laundry hamper for days. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
Consider rinsing your sports clothes in cold water immediately after working out. Even a quick rinse can remove some sweat and reduce odor buildup.
Using moisture-wicking undergarments can also help minimize bacteria buildup in workout wear. Since bacteria thrive on sweat and body oils, wearing an extra moisture-absorbing layer underneath helps keep gym clothes fresher for longer.
Scheduling a regular professional laundry service can also ensure your activewear stays fresh, clean, and odor-free without you having to do the heavy lifting.
Final Thoughts
So, how to remove smell from sports clothes? It comes down to using the right cleaning techniques, avoiding fabric softeners, and sometimes turning to professional laundry services for deep-cleaning solutions.
By following these simple yet effective strategies, you can say goodbye to stubborn gym odors and enjoy fresh, long-lasting sportswear.
For expert sportswear cleaning and professional laundry services, visit For the Love of Laundry today and let the professionals handle the sweat while you focus on your workout!
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