Sportswear is our faithful companion during every workout – from running in the park to intensive training in the gym. But after a few uses, we often face an annoying problem: an odor that we cannot completely eliminate even after washing. Sweat, bacteria and dirt stubbornly anchor themselves in fabrics, especially in synthetic materials, which are typical for sportswear. How do I wash smelly sportswear, or rather how can I make sure that our favorite clothes smell fresh and look like new again? We reveal a simple but extremely effective trick!
Before we get to the solution, let's look at why sportswear is so prone to retaining odors. Most sports clothes is made of synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon or elastane. These materials are great for wicking moisture and providing comfort during exercise, but their structure allows sweat, oils and bacteria to become trapped in the fibers. Bacteria that feed on sweat produce unpleasant odors that often persist even after washing. Regular washing in a washing machine is often not enough to completely remove these odors, especially when washed at low temperatures.
The biggest mistake many people make is using fabric softener. Fabric softeners leave a layer on fabrics that clogs the pores of synthetic materials, reduces their ability to wick moisture, and even “locks” odors into the fibers. If you want your sportswear to stay fresh and functional, avoid fabric softeners at all costs! Sweat, bacteria, and dirt become stubbornly entrenched in fabrics, especially in synthetic materials, which are typical of sportswear.
The Ultimate Trick: Vinegar and Baking Soda – How to Wash Smelly Sports Clothes to Make Them Smell Again
To make your sportswear shine and smell like new again, we reveal a simple trick that both fitness enthusiasts and textile care experts swear by: a combination of vinegar and baking sodaThis natural solution is affordable, environmentally friendly, and incredibly effective.
Step 1: Soaking in Vinegar – How to Wash Smelly Sportswear
- What you need: White vinegar, bucket or large basin, cold water.
- Process:
- Pour 1 liter of cold water into a bucket and add 1 cup of white vinegar (about 250 ml).
- Submerge your sportswear in the mixture and let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour.
- The vinegar will break down the oils and bacteria that cause odor, and neutralize existing unpleasant odors.
Step 2: Washing with baking soda
- What you need: Baking soda, a common laundry detergent.
- Process:
- After soaking, wring out the clothes and put them in the washing machine.
- Add the usual amount of detergent to the detergent drawer and sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda into the drum.
- Wash at a temperature suitable for your clothes (usually 30-40°C for synthetic fabrics).
- Baking soda will further neutralize odors and provide deep cleaning.
Step 3: Air Drying – How do I wash smelly sportswear?
- Avoid drying Ascending article continues…
- Advice: If possible, dry clothes in the fresh air or on a low heat in a dryer, as high temperatures can damage the elasticity of fabrics.
Additional tips for perfect sportswear care
- Wash immediately after use.: Sweat and bacteria build up faster if you leave clothes in a laundry basket for several days.
- Choose the right detergent: Use detergents intended for sportswear, as they are specifically designed to remove odors and maintain fabric properties.
- Avoid fabric softener: Fabric softeners can clog the pores of fabrics, reducing their ability to wick away moisture.
- Clean your washing machine regularly: Detergent residue and dirt in the machine can affect the quality of the wash. Run an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar once a month.
Why does this trick work?
Vinegar and baking soda are natural cleaning agents with powerful properties. Vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant and breaks down organic substances that cause odors. Baking soda, on the other hand, is known for its ability to neutralize acids and absorb odors. Together, they form a winning combination that not only cleans clothes, but also extends their lifespan.
An environmentally friendly alternative
To reduce your environmental footprint, use biodegradable detergents and reduce water consumption by using shorter wash cycles. Soaking in vinegar is an environmentally friendly solution in itself, as it reduces the need for harsh chemicals.
Your clothes, like new!
With this simple trick, your sportswear will smell fresh again, look like new and be ready for your next workout. Plus, you'll save money by not having to buy new clothes or expensive specialized detergents. Testsbury article continues…
