Why washed gym clothes smell & 4 easy steps to fix them
If you've ever noticed that your gym clothes smell once you get warm, even after washing, you're not alone.
Synthetic fabrics, often used in workout and compression wear, is usually the culprit of stinkiness in the clothing or apparel you sweat in, no matter how many times you wash it. Trying to get rid of that lingering odour can be especially frustrating.
But fear not—with the proper care routine, you can keep your gym gear fresh, clean, and ready for your next big session.
In this article
Why do my gym clothes smell, even after washing?
Humans produce two types of sweat: eccrine and apocrine.
- Eccrine sweat is mostly water and salt, secreted to cool your body.
- Apocrine sweat, on the other hand, is richer in proteins and lipids and is broken down by skin bacteria. The byproducts of this breakdown are the odour-causing compounds that make your gym clothes smell.
Gym clothes are typically made from synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, or spandex. These materials are chosen for their sweat-wicking and quick-drying properties, but they come with a downside: their structure makes them odour magnets. Synthetic fabrics repel water, which means odour-causing compounds bind to them more easily than to natural fibres like cotton. The sweat and bacteria then gets trapped in their fibres, creating a perfect environment for odour to develop.
Popular Science wrote a great article going into the details of why gym clothes still stink, which is well worth a read.
How come regular detergents and sanitisers don't remove that gym clothes smell?
Regular detergents are primarily designed to lift dirt and visible stains. These detergents can't break down those oils which bacteria leave behind that cause odours. Without the right enzymes, they often leave your gear with some nasty surprises deep inside.
Sanitisers kill bacteria, but they don't target the odour-causing compounds bacteria have already left behind. They disinfect but don't remove the sweat-based oils embedded in the fabric, which can leave behind lingering smells. A deeper clean that eliminates the odour-causing compounds is essential for keeping your favourite workout gear smelling like the day you bought it.
How to wash your gym gear
Step 1: Prepare the load
Turn your gear inside out. This little hack can protect logos or graphics printed on the outside your apparel.
Step 2: Add your detergent.
Using a mild detergent is best. You might think you need to deep clean with bleach or a harsh cleaner. These ingredients can damage the fabric. They can also ruin its moisture-wicking abilities and any graphics.
Avoid using fabric softeners in your washing cycle. These trap the residues that bacteria leave behind in the fibres, making them even harder to remove!
Step 3: Bacterial and Odour-control additives.
It's at this point that you can add your preferred remedies for extra bacterial reduction, or odour control. These may be vinegar, borax, or sports sanitisers, amongst others. Be aware, these may not fully eliminate the causes of recurring odours, which is where our additive Gear Guard comes in.
Step 4: Wash on a cold, gentle cycle.
Hot water can shrink or warp synthetic fabrics, reducing their elasticity and performance. Use cold water and a gentle cycle to preserve your gears moisture-wicking properties.
How to dry your gym and activewear
Air drying is ideal for synthetic activewear, as it prevents the high heat from dryers from setting any odours into the fabric, shrinking materials or damaging the printed logos or graphics. Hang your gear in a well-ventilated area to dry, which also helps maintain its shape and performance properties. If you have no choice and need to use a dryer, opt for a no-heat or low-heat setting.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping washes: Always wash your gear after every training session. It prevents bacteria and sweat residues from setting in.
- Using fabric softeners: These coat fibres, trapping odours and reducing breathability.
- Leaving it in a bag: Damp, sweaty conditions are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
- Exposure to high heat: Heat can damage synthetic fabrics in the dryer as well as any logos or prints on the gear.
- Usage of harsh chemicals: Never use bleach or harsh chemicals to remove odours or stains.
Odour removal made easy with Gear Guard
Even with regular washing your gym or workout gear, or other things you sweat in, develop stubborn odours that won’t wash away. It may even get to the point where you need to throw the item away! Gear Guard tackles this problem of returning smells by breaking down the sweat residues that cause the odours, allowing them to be washed away easily and eliminating the source.
