How to get the sweat smell out of clothes 

Step 1: Dry them out first

Yep, you read that right; the first step is ensuring your clothes are completely dry. So, the next time you come home from the gym, be sure you dig your gym clothes out of your gym bag and allow them to dry out properly. Everyone’s guilty of leaving their sweaty workout clothes in their gym bag or at the bottom of their laundry basket from time to time. But, this really does cause them to smell. Moisture and bacteria are a recipe for smelly clothes, so if clothes are left damp with sweat, it will become harder to get the smell out. Instead, dry them out and then follow these easy steps for fresh workout clothes. 

Step 2: Pre-soak your gym gear

When your workout clothes have air dried, it’s time to pre-soak them. To do this, simply put your gym gear in a basin with one cup of white vinegar and one cup of baking soda. We recommend leaving your clothes in this solution for a minimum of one hour. However, if you think your clothes are in need of very deep cleaning, you can leave them to soak a little longer. The combination of white vinegar and baking soda works to deodourise clothes. It’s a great natural home remedy that really gets results. The good news is that you’ve probably already got these items in your cupboard. 

Step 3: Flip your workout clothes inside out

After pre-soaking your workout clothes, they are ready to go through a regular wash cycle. For best results, we recommend that you flip your clothes inside out before you put them through the wash. Why? Because it is the inside of the clothes absorb the most sweat when you’re exercising. Flipping your gym clothes inside out allows you to target the smelliest areas, like the underarms. So, turn those clothes inside out and pop them in your washing machine. 

Step 4: Put in the washing machine with your detergent

Now you’re ready to start the wash cycle, simply add your detergent of choice. But, before you start, be sure to read the care label of your workout clothes in case there are any special instructions. However, most workout gear will be able to be put through a cold wash cycle. When you’re adding detergent to your wash, use the same amount you would usually use. People tend to think more is more when adding laundry detergent. Particularly if you are washing dirty clothes, but, the reality is a little goes a long way and using too much detergent can make your clothes smell even worse. Once you’ve added your detergent, start the wash cycle and wait for it to come to an end. 

Step 5: Air dry your clothes outside

Once your wash cycle has ended, it’s time to take your clothes out of the machine and hang them to dry. If you can, try drying the garments outside in the fresh air. The sun is a natural bacteria killer, so take advantage of this and let the sun work its magic. Drying your clothes outside also prevents your clothes from selling damp, which is the last thing you want after you’ve washed them. Nothing beats air drying your clothes in the sun and fresh air!