How to give your gym clothes a proper good clean

Ever pulled a workout top from your drawer only to be hit with that unmistakable stale sweat smell? We've all been there! Even if you wash them regularly, gym clothes have a knack for holding onto those smells that a usual wash just can't shift.

The culprit? Those technical fabrics designed to wick away sweat are also brilliant at trapping bacteria that cause the pong. But don't worry, with a few clever tweaks to your washing routine, you can keep your activewear fresh, make it last longer, and say goodbye to workout odours for good.

Here, we'll cover how to wash gym clothes and how to get the smell out of gym clothes in an easy-peasy-lemon-fresh-squeezy way so you can keep your gear clean, and ready for your next workout…aka: How to give ‘em a proper reet good clean!

How do you get the sweat smell out of workout clothes?

If you're wondering, "How do you get the sweat smell out of workout clothes?" you're not alone. Let's explore how you can tackle those funky odours once and for all…

1. Post-workout care

Rule number one: never, ever leave damp clothes scrunched up in your gym bag. Think of it like leaving wet laundry in a pile in the corner of your room - it's not just going to stay wet and smell bad, it's also going to attract all sorts of unwanted guests (bacteria, in this case). That forgotten sports bra or lost pair of running shorts can quickly become a perfect little breeding ground for stinky microbes.

As soon as you're done, get your gear out of the bag and hang it to dry. Or even better, give it a quick rinse in cold water. This simple step removes much of the sweat and bacteria before they have a chance to settle in.

2. Pre-soak your clothes for freshness

For particularly whiffy items (we're looking at you, cycling shorts), pre-soaking works wonders:

• Fill your sink with cold water and toss in half a cup of white vinegar

• Let your kit soak for 15-30 minutes

• For extra smelly pieces, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the mix

This vinegar soak hack helps break down the bacteria causing the smell without ruining your fabrics. It's simple, effective, and won't break the bank!

3. Spot treatment for stubborn stains

Got a stain that's refusing to budge? Try this:

• Apply a small amount of washing liquid directly to the stain

• Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth

• Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with cold water

This handy little trick can help tackle those tricky spots without ruining your gear!

The right way to wash your gym clothes

Gym gear deserves a bit of extra TLC when it comes to washing, and knowing how to wash workout clothes properly can make all the difference. Follow these simple steps, and you'll soon be smelling as sweet as a summer day:

1. Turn them inside out - Most of the odorous grime and bacteria build up on the inside of your clothing, where your sweat hits the fabric.

2. Cold water only - Hot water weakens the fabric and locks in odours. Stick to cold to keep your gear in shape and odour-free.

3. Don't overload the machine - Your gear needs room to breathe and rinse properly.

4. Wash like with like - Avoid mixing gym gear with linty items like towels. The materials used in activewear attract fluff and can get damaged by heavier clothes.

5. Skip the fabric conditioner -  It can leave a coating that traps odours and reduces the moisture-wicking abilities of your activewear.

6. Pick the right washing liquid -  If you feel like your clothes are still pongy after washing them, it might be time to bring in the big guns - sports-specific washing liquid designed to target the bacteria causing the smell.
   
   

How to properly dry your gym clothes

Learning how to get the smell out of gym clothes isn't just about washing them - drying is also an important step if you don't want your clothes to smell foisty.

Air-drying is always your best bet - tumble dryers can be brutal on technical fabrics, wearing them down and locking in odours. Hang everything up separately so air can circulate, and avoid hanging things over radiators.

What many people don't realise is that the heat can break down the elastic and fabrics in your kit, causing them to lose shape and even setting in any remaining odours. Plus, if you hang multiple items over one radiator, moisture can get trapped between them, which isn't great for a thorough dry.

Also, it goes without saying, but don't just leave them in a damp pile. That's a one-way ticket to stink.

If you're drying your gear outside, keep it out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can actually break down elastic over time. And if you're in a rush and have to use the tumble dryer, stick to the lowest heat setting to keep your gear in top shape for longer.

TOG24’S “Odour-busting hacks”

For particularly stubborn smells, try these nifty techniques:

• The freezer trick

Stick clean but still stinky gear in a plastic bag and shove it in the freezer overnight. The cold kills off those pesky bacteria causing the stink.

• Lemon freshness

Chuck a bit of lemon juice into your pre-soak mixture to naturally freshen up your kit.

• Baking soda magic

Sprinkle a little baking soda inside stinky shoes or trainers and leave them overnight. The baking soda neutralises odours and absorbs moisture, leaving your trainers smelling fresh.

These tricks are perfect when you need to know how to get the smell out of gym clothes that just won't shift.

At TOG24, we know our technical fabrics inside and out. From our tech t-shirts, made with breathable and quick-wicking materials, to our range of water-repelling, quick-wicking leggings designed for the gym, we've got you covered.

Oh, and while you’re on the cleaning streak, here’s some handy advice on how to keep your jackets clean, too. Your next train ride seat buddy will thank you for it!

Ready to refresh your workout wardrobe? Our range of quality activewear for men and women is designed to perform workout after workout - and with the right care, they'll stay looking and smelling great. Explore our full range today, or pop down to one of our stores.