Are you struggling with smelly workout clothes? If so, you’re not alone! Sweating is a natural part of leading an active lifestyle. But it doesn’t have to lead to unpleasant odors – especially when you opt for the right fabric.
Discover how to get the smell out of workout clothes with these tried and tested methods. Get ready to experience comfort, confidence and long-lasting freshness with every workout!
Table of Contents
- How to Get the Smell Out of Workout Clothes: Key Takeaways
- The Gym Clothes Dilemma: Why Synthetic Fabrics Fall Short
- How to Prevent Your Workout Clothes From Smelling
- Why Do My Gym Clothes Still Smell After Washing?
- Struggling with “Perma-Stink?” Follow These Natural Deep Cleaning Tips!
- How to Get the Smell Out of Workout Clothes FAQ
- Unlocking Odor-Free Workouts: The Bottom Line
How to Get the Smell Out of Workout Clothes: Key Takeaways
- If you love staying active, high-performing workout clothes are essential to any fitness routine. They’re your trusty companions, helping you push through those final reps, long runs, and challenging yoga poses.
- One pesky problem many exercisers face is the unpleasant odor that lingers on workout clothes. This is often exacerbated by synthetic fabrics which can easily trap odors and bacteria, making them difficult to eliminate
- Smelly sportswear can be a huge drawback. It makes you feel distracted, unmotivated and self-conscious. Not to mention the endless washing you have to do after every session.
- But don’t worry! There are plenty of gentle and effective ways to tackle these odors. One of the best solutions we’ve found is embracing the power of natural fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell.
- By choosing low-maintenance natural materials, enjoy worry-free workouts without stubborn smells holding you back. Embrace optimal freshness and get ready to feel your best every day!
MOVE WITH NATURE, LIBERATED FROM PLASTIC.
The Gym Clothes Dilemma: Why Synthetic Fabrics Fall Short
Most workout clothes are made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon. Synthetic activewear is popular among exercisers because it's lightweight, durable and moisture-wicking. Sounds like the perfect combination for breaking a sweat, right?
But here’s the catch! Synthetic fabrics are not breathable. Unlike natural fabrics, synthetics don’t allow the air to flow. They often trap sweat and bacteria against the skin, causing persistent odors that are hard to remove even after washing.
Research by Ghent University studied microbial growth and body odor development in synthetic and cotton fabrics. Workout t-shirts were collected from 26 healthy individuals after a sweaty spinning class. They found the synthetic shirts smelt “significantly less pleasant and more intense” compared to cotton shirts. Plus, the odor-causing bacteria Micrococcus was abundant in all synthetic shirts.
You might have noticed that some synthetic activewear is advertised as having "anti-odor" properties. However, since synthetic fabrics aren't naturally breathable, this effect is often artificially achieved by adding substances like phthalates. Unfortunately, phthalates are toxic and have been linked to endocrine disruption and even considered carcinogenic.
How to Prevent Your Workout Clothes From Smelling
So, you lead an active lifestyle. You wear your workout clothes regularly and enjoy moving your body. But how can you get those endorphins flowing while avoiding that lingering sweat smell?
Here are some simple and effective techniques you can try at home to keep your gear fresh.
Air Dry After Your Workout
It’s tempting to leave activewear in a gym bag after a workout, but if left too long, you'll end up with a smelly situation!
Allowing your gym clothes to air dry after exercise can help prevent odors from setting in. Hang them to dry in a well ventilated area and preferably outdoors in direct sunlight. Sunlight has natural antibacterial properties that help eliminate odors and keep fabric fresh.
Consider air drying before and after you wash your workout clothes. Avoid using a dryer, as high heat can lock in smells and degrade the fabric over time.
Pro tip: Many of our customers have discovered the benefits of air-drying their TENCEL™ activewear after every use. Simply hang your gear overnight, and it'll be fresh and ready to go the next day!
Optimize Your Washing Routine for Fresh Activewear
When it comes to banishing those unpleasant odors, it’s unfortunately not as easy as tossing them in for a quick wash and hoping for the best.
But don’t worry! Following these simple washing tips can make all the difference:
- Don’t Overload: Give your workout clothes room to breathe! Overloading can prevent proper cleaning and rinsing, leaving odors behind.
- Separate Activewear from Your Normal Laundry: Keep your activewear separate from regular laundry. This avoids cross-contamination of bacteria and helps maintain freshness.
- Wash on a Cold Cycle: Cold water preserves your activewear’s elasticity. It also prevents color fading and safely lifts away sweat and bacteria.
- Take Extra Care With Natural Fabrics: If you prefer exercising in natural fabrics, follow the washing instructions carefully. They typically need a little more TLC than synthetic options. For instance, if you invest in TENCEL™ activewear, ideally hand wash, always wash inside out and never use chlorine bleach.
Discover simple ways to extend the life of your activewear!
Wash Your (Synthetic) Workout Clothes Straight Away
As mentioned, odor-causing bacteria thrive in the tightly woven fibers of synthetic activewear. With this in mind, it's best to wash your synthetic gear straight after your workout.
Fun fact: Natural fabrics need less washing than synthetics! Our customers shared their experiences wearing synthetic activewear vs. Tripulse TENCEL™ activewear. They reported frequent washing for synthetics, while TENCEL™ needed significantly fewer washes. Some customers wear their TENCEL™ activewear several times before washing, even during their most intense workouts!
Avoid Fabric Softener
Fabric softener can make your clothes smell lovely and fresh, but it may not be the best choice for your workout gear.
Norwegian consumer surveyFabric softeners often create a residue that traps odors. This then reduces the fabric's ability to wick away moisture. A found even using fragrance-free softeners increased the odor of polyester activewear.
So, why not skip the fabric softener and explore natural alternatives instead? For example, we like adding a few drops of essential oils to our laundry. Lavender is one of our favorites and it’s an effective natural deodorizer!
Use the Right Amount of Detergent
While it’s tempting to add lots of laundry detergent to your washing machine, you could be amplifying those unwanted workout clothes smells. The excess of suds traps dirt and bacteria in the fabric which can result in odors just as pungent.
When trying to get the smell out of workout clothes, less is certainly more in this instance!
Pro tip: Choose eco-friendly detergent over conventional options. Many conventional detergents contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. Evidence shows standard detergents often contain toxic substances linked to various health risks, from fertility issues to carcinogenic effects. Using natural and eco-friendly alternatives can effectively clean your workout clothes while reducing toxin exposure.
Learn how to reduce toxin exposure in our guide to toxins in clothing.
Choose Natural Fabrics
Have you ever tried moving with nature rather than pungent plastic?
Switching to natural fabrics is one of the best ways to prevent smelly workout clothes. Here’s why:- High Breathability: Natural fabrics like merino wool and TENCEL™ allow better air circulation. This increased breathability means sweat can dry more quickly, preventing the build-up of moisture where odor-causing bacteria can thrive.
- Odor-Resistant and Antimicrobial: Some natural fibers have inherent antimicrobial properties which help reduce bacterial growth. A Lenzing study tested moisture management and bacterial growth by comparing TENCEL™, polyester, and cotton. TENCEL™ created the most unfavorable environment for odor-causing bacteria to grow by efficiently absorbing moisture. This makes TENCEL™ the perfect fabric for breaking a sweat!
- Thermoregulation: Some natural fabrics help regulate body temperature, keeping you cooler and reducing the amount of sweat produced during workouts. Less sweat means fewer opportunities for bacteria to grow and unpleasant odors.
Why Do My Gym Clothes Still Smell After Washing?
You’ve followed the above steps to tackle those persistent odors. But when you take your gym clothes out of the washing machine, those stubborn smells are still hanging around. So, what now?
Sometimes, odors become so deeply embedded that a regular wash simply won’t do the trick. When this happens, it might be time for a deep clean.
Note: Deep cleaning methods should only be used in exceptional cases. In our experience, these are typically only necessary for synthetic activewear where odor and bacteria have become ingrained in the fabric. While these methods can be powerful, they should be approached with caution when applied to natural fabrics.
Fortunately, our customers have found TENCEL™ activewear requires far less maintenance compared to their synthetic counterparts. Preventative measures—such as air-drying and hand washing on a cool cycle—are effective in keeping TENCEL™ workout gear fresh without the need for deep cleaning
Opt for activewear made with eco-friendly TENCEL™ and enjoy a comfortable and odor-free workout experience.
Struggling with “Perma-Stink?” Follow These Natural Deep Cleaning Tips!
Here are some all-natural methods, which have been tested by us, to bid farewell to that nagging “perma-stink” once and for all!
Vinegar and Baking Soda
Have you tried using natural deodorizers in your laundry routine?
Vinegar and baking soda are natural and effective at reducing odors. Soaking your gym clothes in a solution of white distilled vinegar or baking soda before washing can help neutralize smells.
You may need to experiment with different measurements and soaking times as every laundry situation is different. The extent of the odors can depend on the fabric type, the age of the garment, and the preventive measures you've already taken.
Vinegar Soak: Fill a washing bowl with one part white distilled vinegar and three parts cool water. Leave to soak for at least a few hours (if not overnight!) before washing as normal. White vinegar’s natural acidity helps break down bacteria and neutralize odors.
Pro tip: White distilled vinger should be used only as needed and not for every wash. Frequent use can damage the elastic in activewear over time. Always dilute and use sparingly to ensure your workout clothes remain in good condition. We also recommend using an eco-friendly option that’s paraben free and sulphate free.
Baking Soda Soak: Fill a washing bowl with cool water and add 6 tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Soak for at least a few hours before washing as normal. Baking soda is an alkaline substance that reacts with acidic odors, effectively neutralizing them.
Pro tip: Avoid mixing white vinegar and baking soda when deodorizing your workout clothing! Combining the two can negate their cleaning properties.
Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) is a natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable alternative to chlorine bleach. It's an effective deep cleaner, gently tackling stains and penetrating odors.
Make sure to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for best results. For instance, eco-friendly store Peace With The Wild advises adding half an egg cup of oxygen bleach to the detergent drawer during your wash cycle. For pre-soaking, use one full egg cup and leave clothes immersed for a few hours.
Note: Oxygen bleach is gentler on fabrics as it doesn’t contain chlorine. However, it should still be used with care – especially when washing natural material. In our experience, it’s best reserved for tackling stubborn odors embedded in synthetic activewear.
How to Get the Smell Out of Workout Clothes FAQ
What is the Best Fabric to Avoid Smell?
When avoiding unwanted smells, naturally odor-resistant fabrics like TENCEL™ Lyocell and merino wool are your best friends.
Both fabrics are incredibly breathable, moisture-wicking, and thermoregulating. The perfect combination to enjoy your workouts without lingering smells holding you back!
Does Vinegar Remove Smell from Gym Clothes?
Yes! Vinegar – specifically white distilled vinegar – is excellent at neutralizing odors in gym clothes. This is a great deep-cleaning option for tackling those persistent, and deeply ingrained, smells. In other words, the dreaded “perma-stink”!
Give it a try for refreshed workout wear and read this guide to discover an effective cleaning method.
What is the Best Deodorizer for Gym Clothes?
When it comes to deodorizing gym clothes, natural options work wonders! Some of the best choices are white distilled vinegar, baking soda and oxygen bleach. All three methods effectively neutralize odors and refresh fabrics. For a fresh scent, consider using essential oils like lemon or lavender. They not only smell delightful but also have antibacterial qualities.
If you're looking to avoid smelly gym clothes, TENCEL™ activewear is naturally odor-resistant, making it a fantastic choice when breaking a sweat. This means you can skip the lengthy deodorizing process and simply focus on preventive measures, like air-drying your clothes before washing.
Unlocking Odor-Free Workouts: The Bottom Line
The message is clear: you don’t have to put up with bad smells, endless washing cycles, and discomfort to lead an active lifestyle.
By understanding the challenges posed by synthetic fabrics, adopting effective cleaning methods, and embracing natural alternatives like TENCEL™, you can maintain long-lasting freshness while achieving your fitness goals.
Ready to be liberated from smelly synthetics? Embrace nature’s superpowers and take control of your workouts with comfort and confidence.
This article was written in collaboration with Christie Johnson (B.A. Hons), an experienced and dedicated sustainability and wellness writer.
