How to 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬 from Your Workout Clothes

If your favorite leggings or gym top still smell sweaty no matter how many times you’ve washed them, you’re not alone. That stubborn “perma-stink” is a common issue for fitness enthusiasts. The good news? You don’t have to toss your favorite gear just yet. This guide will show you exactly how to remove sweat smell from workout clothes—once and for all.

• From quick fixes and deep-cleaning methods to expert laundry habits and prevention tips, we’ve gathered the most effective solutions backed by science and trusted by cleaning professionals. Get ready to reclaim that fresh-out-the-laundry scent!

Why Do My Workout Clothes Still Smell After Washing?

Here’s the science: sweat itself doesn’t smell. The odor comes from bacteria that thrive on your skin—and get trapped in your clothes. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon (common in activewear) are particularly prone to holding onto those body oils and bacteria. Standard detergent often doesn’t cut it, especially if you let sweaty clothes sit in a hamper or gym bag for too long.

“Freshly washed workout clothes can still smell because they’re not truly clean. Body oils and bacteria trapped in the fibers get reactivated when warmed up by your body,” explains Mary Marlowe Leverette, cleaning expert and laundry consultant.

Quick Fixes for Sweaty Smells (When You’re in a Rush)

Need a fast solution before hitting your next gym session?

• Air them out: Never stuff sweaty clothes into a laundry basket. Hang them up to dry in a well-ventilated space.
• Fabric spray: Use an odor-neutralizing fabric spray to freshen them temporarily.
• Baking soda blast: Sprinkle baking soda on trouble spots, let sit for 30 minutes, and shake off before washing.

How to Remove Sweat Odor From Clothes: Step-by-Step Deep Clean

If you’re dealing with persistent odor, here’s a deep-clean routine that works wonders:

1. Pre-Soak With Vinegar

• Mix 1 part distilled white vinegar with 4 parts cold water.
• Soak your activewear for 30 minutes.
• This breaks down bacteria and neutralizes odor.

2. Turn Clothes Inside Out

Sweat and bacteria are mostly on the inside of your garments. Flip them before washing to clean where it matters most.

3. Use a Gentle Detergent (Less Is More)

• Choose an enzyme-based detergent designed for odor removal.
• Add 1–2 teaspoons for a small load.
• Avoid overloading your machine—give clothes space to move.

4. Wash With Cold Water, Gentle Cycle

Hot water can damage synthetic fabrics and lock in odor. Stick to cold water to protect your gear and remove smells effectively.

5. Add Baking Soda or Vinegar to the Cycle

• ½ cup of baking soda with detergent for odor control.
• 1 cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle to eliminate buildup.

6. Skip the Dryer, Air-Dry Instead

Heat can bake odors into fabric. Hang your clothes to dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources to preserve their structure and smell.

Pro Tips: How To Prevent Workout Clothes From Smelling

1. Don’t Delay Washing

The longer sweat-soaked clothes sit, the harder the stink is to remove. Wash them ASAP or at least air-dry first.

2. Avoid Fabric Softeners

Softener coats fibers and traps bacteria. It also degrades the elastic in performance fabrics.

3. Use Laundry Sanitizer Monthly

Add a phenol-based laundry sanitizer (not bleach!) to your wash monthly to kill odor-causing bacteria before they set in.

4. Choose the Right Activewear

Opt for moisture-wicking, antimicrobial-treated fabrics. They help sweat evaporate quickly and reduce bacterial buildup.

5. Rotate Your Gear

Give your clothes a break between workouts to fully dry and breathe. Never wear damp workout clothes twice in a row.

6. Try a Glycolic Acid Pre-Treatment

Swipe glycolic acid underarms before your antiperspirant. This skincare favorite lowers your skin’s pH and reduces odor-causing bacteria.

Bonus: Enzyme Cleaners & Sunshine – Your Secret Weapons

For garments that still smell after deep cleaning:

• Use a protease + lipase enzyme cleaner (designed for sweat and oils).
• Let clothes soak in the solution for 30–60 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly and hang outside in the sunlight—UV rays naturally kill bacteria and freshen fibers.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t overload your washing machine. Clothes need space to rinse thoroughly.
• Don’t use too much detergent. Excess soap traps dirt and odor inside fibers.
• Don’t store damp clothes. Ever. Always air-dry first, even if you can’t wash them immediately.

The Takeaway

Stinky gym clothes don’t have to be a fact of life. By changing how you wash and treat your activewear, you can say goodbye to sweaty smells for good. Pre-soaking in vinegar, using enzyme detergents, skipping the dryer, and preventing bacterial buildup are your best bets for keeping gear fresh and long-lasting.

Whether you're a fitness newbie or a seasoned athlete, the secret to odor-free workout clothes is consistency and the right strategy.

Looking for New Workout Gear?

If your clothes still smell no matter what you do, it might be time for an upgrade. Browse our latest collection of moisture-wicking activewear—designed to stay fresh, dry, and ready for anything.