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"Before you try anything, flip your garment inside out and always follow the garment care label first. "
We've all pulled a favourite training tee or pair of tights out of the wash only to catch that lingering, not-so-fresh smell. Sweat, bacteria and technical fabrics don't always play nicely together – and the wrong washing routine can leave odours behind, or worse, damage the performance features that make your activewear worth wearing in the first place.
Sweating is normal, but the good news is keeping your gym gear fresh is easier than you think. Here's how to get sweat smells out of workout clothes gently, effectively, and in a way that helps your favourite pieces last longer.
In short: To get sweat smells out of workout clothes, rinse or soak them soon after training, wash them inside out in cool water with a small amount of gentle detergent, skip fabric softener and air dry where possible. For stubborn odours, a short white vinegar soak can help break down trapped bacteria and body oils before washing.
Why Do Workout Clothes Smell Even After Washing?
Most modern activewear is made from performance fabrics like polyester, nylon, elastane (spandex) and blends designed to help wick moisture, stretch and dry fast.
But those same synthetic fibres can be prone to trapping body oils and odour-causing bacteria deep in the weave, which is why gym clothes often smell worse than a cotton tee, even after a wash.
Natural fibres like merino wool and cotton blends breathe differently and tend to resist odour better, but they still need the right care to stay fresh.
What Should You Check Before Washing Activewear?
Before you try anything, flip your garment inside out and always follow the garment care label first. Activewear is often delicate – think mesh panels, bonded seams, printed logos, silicone grips and moisture-wicking coatings – and the wrong wash cycle or heat setting can undo all that clever engineering.
Care labels are likely to guide you on:
- Recommended wash temperature
- Whether tumble drying is safe
- If the fabric can be ironed or steamed
- Special instructions for compression, sports bras or waterproof pieces
Tip: When in doubt, cold water and a gentle cycle are almost always your safest bet.
7 Tips to Get Sweat Smells Out of Workout Clothes
Step 1. Don't Let Sweaty Clothes Sit
We've all done it. Gone to pack our gym bag only to find some sweaty damp gear sitting in there from the last workout.
Unfortunately, bacteria can multiply real fast in warm, damp environments, and that's when smells really set in.
Instead, toss sweaty gear straight into a breathable laundry basket to dry if you can't rinse them straight away.
Step 2. Rinse or Soak Soon After Training
Who would've thought that the pantry staple, white vinegar, could also be the secret weapon against stubborn workout gear smells?
Giving your activewear a quick rinse or soak soon after training can help wash away sweat, salt and odour-causing bacteria before they have a chance to settle deep into the fabric fibres. And when it comes to tackling lingering smells, white vinegar tends to punch well above its weight.
How to do it:
- Mix: 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts cool water
- Soak: 30 minutes
- For stubborn odours: Up to 1 hour, but avoid prolonged soaking delicate fabrics or heavily elasticated pieces, as extended exposure to acid can affect elastane over time.
Step 3. Turn Garments Inside Out Before Washing
After soaking your items they can then go into the wash, but before you do turn them inside out. The inside of your activewear is where the sweat, oils and bacteria live. Turning pieces inside out lets the detergent get to work exactly where it needs to.
Step 4. Wash in Cool Water on a Gentle Cycle
Hot water can break down elastane and warp technical fabrics. Use cool water to help protect stretch and moisture-wicking finishes.
Step 5. Use a Small Amount of Gentle Detergent
More detergent isn't better. Excess residue can trap odour. Use a mild, activewear-friendly detergent and stick to the recommended dose.
Step 6. Skip the Fabric Softener
Fabric softener coats fibres and clogs the tiny channels that wick moisture, which can actually make gear smell worse over time.
Step 7. Air Dry Where Possible
Line-drying in fresh air (out of harsh direct sunlight for coloured pieces) is the gentlest option and helps neutralise lingering odours naturally from the sun.
How to Care for Different Activewear Fabrics
Synthetic Performance Blends (Polyester, Nylon & Elastane)
The workhorses of modern gym gear. Most activewear is made from one or a mix of synthetic fibres designed to stretch, wick sweat and dry quickly. These fabrics are great for training, but they can also hold onto body oils and odour if they're not washed properly.
Wash in cool water, use a gentle cycle, skip fabric softener and air dry where possible to help protect stretch, shape and moisture-wicking performance.
Merino Wool
Naturally odour-resistant and doesn't need washing as often. Follow the label as many merino pieces prefer a cool, gentle wool cycle.
Cotton Blends
More forgiving, but these pieces will still benefit from cooler washes to prevent shrinkage and preserve print details.
When Should You Replace Smelly Activewear?
Even with the best care, activewear has a lifespan. If your favourite tights have lost their compression, your sports bra no longer supports, or a tee still smells after a proper wash, it might be time to refresh your rotation.
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FAQs
Why do my workout clothes still smell after washing?
Usually it's a mix of trapped bacteria, too much detergent, or washing on a cycle that's too gentle to fully rinse fibres. Try turning garments inside out, using less detergent, and washing soon after each session.
Can vinegar damage activewear?
White vinegar can be useful for helping remove sweat smells from activewear, but it's best used carefully. Stick to a diluted mix, avoid soaking for too long, and always check the care label first. Prolonged soaking may affect delicate fabrics or elastane-heavy pieces over time, so a short 30-minute soak is usually enough.
What temperature should I wash workout clothes in?
Cool water is usually best for workout clothes. Hot water can damage elastane, weaken stretch and affect moisture-wicking finishes, especially in technical fabrics. Always follow the care label, but when in doubt, choose a cool wash and gentle cycle.
Why shouldn't you use fabric softener on activewear?
Fabric softener can coat the fibres of activewear and clog the tiny channels that help wick sweat away from the body. Over time, this can trap odours, reduce breathability and make gym clothes feel less fresh after washing.
How do you stop gym clothes smelling in a bag?
Try not to leave sweaty workout clothes sitting in your gym bag for too long. Damp, warm environments encourage bacteria to build up, which is what causes lingering odours. If you can't wash them straight away, take them out of your bag, let them air out, or place them in a breathable laundry basket until wash time.
Is it safe to tumble dry gym clothes?
Generally no. High heat can damage elastane and technical coatings. Air drying is best for keeping shape, stretch and performance features intact.
How often should I wash my activewear?
After every sweaty session. Even if it looks clean, bacteria will build up quickly on performance fabrics.
Do sports bras need special care?
Yes. Hand washing or a gentle cycle in a mesh washing bag, cool water and air drying will help preserve shape and support. You can find more information on how to care for sports bras in our guide .