How to Get Sweat Odor Out of Sportswear? 

Starting a fitness journey is a rewarding experience for both the body and the mind. It helps push your limits and achieve new goals. And the best companion for fitness is sportswear, which is designed to help you perform at your best. 

However, it can acquire an unpleasant sweat smell that persists after a few vigorous workouts. If you are also the one who is facing the same problem and searching for the answer about how to get rid of the smell in workout clothes, then this guide will help you. Follow these tips to keep your sportswear smelling as good as new.

Why Does Sportswear Smell After Laundering

Everyone considers that the smell from the smartwear comes from sweat but it’s not so. In reality, sweat is odorless, and the reason behind that foul smell is the presence of bacteria on the body. These bacteria take growth in a moist environment and when we sweat, these bacteria breed, which, as a byproduct, results in odor. 

Scientifically, body odor is represented by the term bromhidrosis, and thus, this odor gets trapped in the sportswear jerseys and does not go away even after washing. So, what’s the solution? Yes, you can go with custom sports and running clothing that is good at keeping you dry and comfortable during your workout. 

5 Expert Tips to Remove Odor from Sportswear

Dry them Before Washing

If you want to enjoy the same freshness on your sportswear jersey, then always dry it before giving it to the laundry. Odor-causing bacteria can proliferate in damp clothing when it is left to sit. Hang your workout clothes in a well-ventilated area after exercising. 

Let them dry completely before throwing them in the laundry basket. So when you dry them, bacteria will not get the dried environment to grow, and it becomes easier to remove odor from sportswear when washing sportswear. 

Consider Soaking in Vinegar and Baking Soda

Another powerful way to remove odor from sportswear is to soak these clothes in a solution of vinegar and baking soda. You have to fill the container with cold water, add one cup of white vinegar, and then soak your sportswear for about 30 minutes. 

This soak will help loosen the grime and prepare the clothes for a more effective wash. Vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer and antibacterial, efficiently breaking down the trapped sweat in the cloth. You can also add half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine when cleaning the fitness attire. 

Reduce the Use of Laundry Detergent

While you might be thinking, is it the solution or a problem? But overuse of laundry detergent does not give a better result. It will even contribute to lingering odors in your sportswear. We are saying this because excess detergent can build up on the fabric, trapping sweat and bacteria and making it harder to rinse out completely. 

This residue can also cause the fabric to break down more quickly, reducing the lifespan of your workout gear. Thus, to protect your sportswear from odor, use it in control. You can prefer a specific detergent that is good for athletic wear and contains enzymes that target sweat and oils. 

Avoid Using Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners are suitable for your other clothes, but skipping them for your workout clothes will help you remove the trapped smell. The chemicals in fabric softeners add a coat to your workout clothes, trapping sweat, bacteria, and detergent residue. 

This buildup can cause odors to become more pronounced over time and diminish the fabric’s moisture-wicking and breathable properties. You can try vinegar rinse as an alternative to softener, which helps to maintain the fabric’s integrity and performance.

Turn Workout Clothing Inside Out Before Washing

Simply turning the fitness clothes inside out before washing helps remove the combat odor. Sweat, body oils, and bacteria tend to accumulate on the inside of your sportswear, where they come into direct contact with your skin. 

Thus, when you wash your clothes inside out, you expose these areas directly to the water and detergent, which allows for a more thorough cleaning. Taking this extra step will extend the life of your workout gear while ensuring that it stays fresh and odor-free, wash after wash.

The Bottom Line — Remove Sportswear Odors in a Breeze

Regular exercise helps people enjoy a healthy lifestyle, but it often results in sweaty and smelly sportswear. Proper care and upkeep help you keep your custom sportswear odor-free. You can easily try our suggested techniques to remove sportswear odors and keep your athletic gear in top condition.

Also, for high-quality sportswear that stands up to the rigors of your most intense workouts, you can trust TD Sportswear. Designed with advanced fabrics, our range of custom sportswear is designed to keep you comfortable and performing at your best.