The science of odour: Why your training gear stinks

You take out your favourite rashie and gi, getting ready for training. You give them a quick smell. Yep, all good. But, you know what's going to happen.

Getting to the gym, you do some stretches and move around. Maybe a flow roll to kick things off. Oh, there it is. That familiar spice wafting up from your body. You don't want to throw that Shoyoroll rashie out; you've had it for years and it cost a bomb! But...it reeks! Welcome to permastink.

Key details

Home remedies can be tried to combat odour, with plenty of advocates found in r/bjj and most jiujitsu related Facebook groups; vinegar, borax, bicarbonate of soda, or tea tree oil. Isn't it bacteria causing the malodour, though? Research indicates probably not, especially with the synthetic material in most training gear now-a-days. However, the landscape of gear cleaning is evolving, with Gear Guard introducing us to advanced cleaning agents and innovative practices that offer a fresh perspective.

Home remedies: vinegar, borax, bicarbonate of soda, and Tea tree oil

These natural solutions are renowned for their cleaning prowess. Vinegar disinfects, borax tackles stains, bicarbonate of soda neutralises odours, and tea tree oil boasts antibacterial properties. However, their success varies and may not actually be solving the root cause.

Common confusion

Home remedies vs. cutting-edge methods: While home remedies have proven their worth, they may not provide answers to particular challenges. Cutting-edge cleaning methods offer specialised solutions that can rethink your gear care routine.

Innovative Sanitisation

Cutting-edge methods may involve ultraviolet (UV) light sanitisation, effectively eliminating bacteria and odours. If you've got space in your gear bag for one of these, you do you! 

High-Performance additives

Products like the Garame Cleaning Co odour removal concentrate are formulated with powerful enzymes that go beyond traditional home remedies to provide a deeper clean. They target the leftovers of bacteria that cause odour and other hygiene issues.

Why it matters

In today's BJJ community, where gear hygiene is paramount, understanding the full spectrum of cleaning options is vital. The significance of gear cleanliness can't be understated in making sure you're keeping yourself and your team mates as safe as can be.

Hot tips

• Stay informed: Explore the evolving landscape of gear cleaning methods to make informed choices.
• Balance tradition and innovation: While home remedies have their place, consider incorporating advanced cleaning techniques for enhanced results.
• Wash your belt. Grub.

As the buzzer sounds:

Venturing into the realm of advanced cleaning methods for Jiujitsu gear allows us to appreciate the synergy between traditional wisdom and modern science. While home remedies have merits, cutting-edge techniques offer specialised solutions that effectively address specific challenges. Embrace this fusion of tradition and innovation, and your BJJ journey will be marked by gear that's not just clean but also impeccably fresh and hygienic.