Buzz
There are few things more frustrating than spending hours doing laundry, only to realize your clothes still don't have that fresh-out-of-the-dryer smell. For those active (or just perspiring) individuals, removing that stubborn body odor from clothes is essential. To help solve this laundry dilemma, The Spruce's laundry expert Mary Marlowe Leverette is here to lend a hand. Since athletic wear can be particularly challenging to clean, Leverette shares tips on how to manage your post-workout wardrobe.
Required Items
Materials Needed
- White vinegar
- Oxygen bleach
- Cold water
- Heavy-duty detergent
- Mold remover (optional)
Instructions
How to Clean Odorous Activewear
Eliminate unpleasant odors with these easy steps.
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Immediately soak your workout gear in a mixture of one part distilled white vinegar to four parts cold water for several hours—typically four to five hours will do. Alternatively, use powdered oxygen bleach as per the package instructions, ensuring you use warm water to activate it (neither cold nor hot water).
If you can't wash your clothes the same day you work out, it's okay to wait up to a week, but avoid wearing them again as that can cause body soil (sweat, dead skin cells, and body oils) to settle in and bacteria to thrive. Make sure to hang your sweaty clothes to dry before throwing them in the hamper to prevent mildew buildup.
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Once soaked, wring out excess water and load the clothes into the washing machine with a heavy-duty detergent that contains enough enzymes to break down the oily body soil. According to Leverette, Tide and Persil are top recommendations. Follow the packaging's dosage instructions, but generally, use no more than two tablespoons of liquid detergent for a full load. Using too much detergent can lead to a buildup, which will cause even more unpleasant odors!
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While you may opt for the "sanitary" (hot water) setting to kill odor-causing bacteria, be mindful that it may damage synthetic fabrics like spandex, so always check the care label on your leggings. Alternatively, use a mold remover like OxiClean Laundry & Home Sanitizer to disinfect and prevent mold growth.
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After washing, it's best to air-dry your activewear. This will prevent any shrinkage or damage to the elastics. If you must use the dryer, choose the low-heat setting to preserve your clothes.
Tips for Preventing Odor
Leverette advises against using fabric softener and dryer sheets, as they leave behind residue that interferes with the fabric's sweat-wicking capabilities. Also, to prevent mildew, avoid tossing damp, sweaty clothes straight into the hamper. If you're not washing immediately, hang them to dry first. You can target particularly smelly areas, such as the crotch or armpits, with a stain and odor remover while they hang to eliminate odors and prevent buildup until laundry day arrives.
