We’ve all been there. You toss your sweaty clothes in the hamper after a hard workout, and a few days later they come out of the wash smelling… well, not so fresh.
You try different detergents, you wash them on hot, you even add in extra fabric softener. But nothing seems to work. So why does sportswear smell after washing?
As it turns out, there’s a scientific reason behind this phenomenon. When we sweat, our bodies release a mixture of water, salt, and oils. These substances can interact with the fabrics of our clothing in such a way that they’re not completely removed during the washing process.
This leaves the clothes with a bad smell, which is only intensified when they’re worn again and more sweat is produced.
What are the most common mistakes that cause sportswear to smell after washing?
There are a number of common mistakes that people make when it comes to washing their sportswear.
It is taken for granted that the washing machine will completely remove the dirt when this is not always the case. Even before washing our sportswear we make mistakes unconsciously.
These mistakes can compromise the comfort either by unpleasant odors or any skin problems that we may have because of them.
Leaving sweaty sportswear in the hamper for a long time
Leaving sweaty sports clothes in the hamper for a long time can lead to bacteria growth. This not only leaves your clothes with an unpleasant smell, but can also be dangerous to your health. So make sure you wash your sportswear as soon as possible after it’s been worn.
Use fabric softeners in sportswear
Fabric softener is often added to laundry detergent to make clothes softer, but it can actually worsen the smell of sweat in sportswear. This is because fabric softener leaves a coating on fabrics that traps sweat and bacteria.
This can create an ideal environment for bacteria growth, which will only lead to a stronger smell. So if you’re having trouble getting your sportswear to smell fresh, try skipping the fabric softener next time.
Add more detergent than necessary
Another reason why sportswear might smell bad after washing is if it’s not being washed properly. Many people make the mistake of using too much detergent, which can not only be ineffective at removing dirt and sweat, but can also leave a bad smell behind.
How can you make your sportswear smell good after washing without using fabric softener?
There are a few ways that you can make your sportswear smell good after washing without using fabric softener. One way is to add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your wash cycle. This will help to absorb any odors and leave your clothes smelling fresh.
Another way is to use a vinegar rinse. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to your rinse cycle and your clothes will smell clean and fresh.
Specialized detergent for sportswear
If you are looking for a more long-term solution, you can also try using a sport detergent. Sport detergents are specifically designed to remove sweat and bacteria from sportswear, so they are a great option if you have trouble getting the smell out of your clothes.
Swet Athletix offers WearFresh, a special detergent for sportswear. Its presentation in super-concentrated detergent sheets makes it light, easy to use and t is biodegradable.
Using WearFresh can also help to keep your clothes smelling good for longer. Whatever method you choose, make sure to always follow the instructions on the package and be careful not to over-soak your clothes. Excessive washing can cause your clothes to lose their color and shape.
Hopefully these tips will help to keep your sportswear smelling fresh, even after a tough workout. Just remember to be patient – it may take a few washes before the smell is completely gone.
Bad smells are never fun, but hopefully this information will help to make the process a little bit easier.