Trainers and cleaning pros explain how to remove stubborn sweat odor from workout clothes. (Getty Images)
Sweat-proof, odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, oh my! Whether you meticulously research high-tech workout fabrics or you’re still rocking the same gym shorts you’ve had since college, chances are you’ve experienced this: You pull on clean workout clothes … and they already smell like you just finished a HIIT class. If you’ve ever wondered why your clothes stink even after they’ve already taken a trip through the washing machine, you’re definitely not alone. But here’s the good news — learning how to get sweat smell out of clothes isn’t some closely-held secret of industry experts. It’s easier than you might think with a little know-how.
“It’s a common belief that you need the best brands or the most technical materials to avoid odor,” says Anwen Davies, certified personal trainer at The Lady Lab and gym product developer at Net World Sports. “While those fabrics can enhance performance, they’re not perfect odor shields. Even the most advanced materials will eventually start to smell because clothes can’t stop us from perspiring.”
In other words: It’s not just the fabrics you’re wearing. It’s how you’re washing them. “A lot of people clean their activewear in a way that actually locks in the smell. Fortunately, fixing that doesn’t require expensive detergents or specialty products,” says Davies.
To break down exactly how to get sweat smell out of clothes — even ones that have already been washed — we spoke with two certified personal trainers and a laundry professional. Ahead, they share how to wash workout clothes the right way, how to prevent odor from setting in and the best products for keeping your activewear smelling fresh.
How to get the sweat smell out of your gym clothes
If your workout gear smells less-than-fresh, think of this as your one-two punch to knock the stink out of your leggings and tanks. First, you need to loosen up the baked-in bacteria, then you wash your clothes the right way.
Step 1: Tackle built-up odor with a vinegar soak
“Soaking [workout clothes] in cold water and white vinegar for about 30 minutes before washing is probably the most effective fix most people never try,” says certified personal trainer Denise Chakoian, owner of Core Cycle Fitness LaGree.
Davies agrees. “Mix one part white distilled vinegar with four parts cold water,” she says. “The acetic acid helps break down the bond between body oils and synthetic fibers so your detergent can actually reach the bacteria.”
This isn’t necessary for every load — just when you’re dealing with stubborn buildup. “You definitely don’t need to do it every single wash,” Chakoian says. “It’s more of a reset treatment for when regular washing isn’t touching the smell.”
Step 2: Wash in cold or cool water
Once you’ve tackled buildup, your regular wash routine matters.
First, turn your clothes inside out. “That way the water hits the sweatiest parts directly,” says Chakoian. Next, load your clothes into the machine, making sure not to overload it. “You need to give stinky clothes room to agitate,” says Stacee Parker, an independent laundry pro at Poplin, a nationwide laundry service. Finally, set your machine to cold or cool, as heat can set odor into fabric and damage stretchy synthetic materials over time, warns Chakoian.
A few more important tips from our experts:
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Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets — they coat fibers and can trap odors.
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Use the recommended amount of detergent (too much leaves residue).
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Air-dry when possible or tumble dry on low. “High heat is what makes that funky smell stick around for good,” says Chakoian. Plus, it’s not great for the longevity of your clothes.
Short on time?
If you don’t have time for a soak, you can add white vinegar directly to the wash — about three tablespoons in the drum for a top-loader or in the detergent tray for a front-loader, Parker says.
Another option: baking soda. “When washing smelly garments, add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum,” says Davies. “It neutralizes acidic odors and helps lift oils out of moisture-wicking fabric.”
When to call it
If you’ve tried soaking, pretreating and rewashing, and the smell still lingers, the fabric may simply be worn out.
“Synthetic clothes do have a lifespan,” says Chakoian. “Sometimes the odor becomes permanently embedded.”
How to get ahead of the stink
When it comes to how to get sweat smell out of clothes, prevention makes a world of difference.
Many of the same laundry tips for getting the stink out also apply to keeping it at bay:
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Don’t let sweaty clothes marinate. Hang damp clothes to air-dry, or quickly rinse them in cold water instead of tossing them straight into a hamper. “Don’t leave sweaty clothes sitting in a gym bag for days,” Chakoian says. “The longer bacteria sit in damp fabric, the deeper the smell gets baked in.”
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Pre-treat at the first whiff. Treat minor odor early before it sets in.
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Measure your detergent. Using too much leaves residue that bacteria feed on.
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Air-dry or use low heat. High heat can damage elastic fibers and lock in odors.
Chakoian adds that running a washing machine cleaning cycle once a month — especially for front-loaders — can prevent mold and mildew from transferring onto clothes.
Last tip? Use sport-specific laundry detergent. “[These detergents] make a real difference because they’re actually formulated to break down sweat and body oils,” Chakoian says.
Choose your fabrics wisely
Some materials are more prone to trapping odor than others. “Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are basically smell traps,” says Chakoian. “They hold onto bacteria and oils in a way that cotton just doesn’t.”
For sweaty workouts, our experts suggest wearing cotton blends or merino wool, which is naturally antimicrobial. If merino isn’t in your budget, nylon tends to retain less odor than polyester — though no synthetic is completely immune.
Best laundry products for washing sweaty clothes
HEX Performance
HEX Performance Laundry Detergent is one of Chakoian’s top picks thanks to its formula designed specifically for tight-knit performance fabrics — like those used in yoga pants and compression shorts. It’s available in four scents plus an unscented option, as well as convenient liquid pods. The formula is paraben-free, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-free and vegan-friendly.
HEX also makes a stain and stink remover for pretreating activewear.
WIN Detergent
WIN Activewear Detergent is another of Chakoian’s recommendations. One of the original sports-specific formulas, it has long been a go-to for cleaning performance apparel and other synthetic fabrics. The detergent is septic-safe, certified by the EPA’s Safer Choice Program and designated cruelty-free by the Leaping Bunny Program. It’s available in either an Active Fresh scent or an unscented version.
Tide
For non-activewear, Parker recommends Tide Ultra Oxi Boost for tackling tough odors. Thanks to the added Oxi formula, it’s especially effective at breaking down stubborn stains and lingering smells. Just keep in mind: A little goes a long way.
Lysol
For extra odor protection, Chakoian suggests occasionally adding a laundry sanitizer to the rinse cycle to help kill bacteria without using bleach. One option she recommends is Lysol Laundry Sanitizer. “It’s a popular pick because it kills bacteria without bleach, so it’s safe for stretchy performance fabrics,” she says.
The sanitizer comes in a Free & Clear formula made without fragrances or dyes, as well as Crisp Linen and Lavender Fusion scents.
FAQs
Why do clothes smell sweaty even after they’ve been washed?
Despite what you might think, it’s not sweat itself that smells — it’s the bacteria that sticks around after your workout. Chakoian says there are factors that can make things worse: “Using too much detergent leaves residue that bacteria feed on. Washing in hot water or over-drying can trap odor compounds in the fibers. And sometimes the washing machine itself is the problem.” Ultimately, it’s usually a buildup issue — not just one bad wash.
Should you wash workout clothes in hot or cold water?
Cold water is best. “Sweat contains proteins, and hot water essentially cooks those proteins into the fabric fibers, making the smell much harder to remove,” says Chakoian. Cold water helps remove bacteria without bonding odor deeper into the material — and it protects stretchy synthetic fabrics from breaking down over time.
Is it OK to use fabric softener on athletic wear?
No, it’s generally not recommended. “Fabric softener is one of the worst things you can put on activewear,” says Chakoian. “It coats the fibers, clogs moisture-wicking technology and traps bacteria inside the fabric.”
It can also damage stretch and performance over time. If you want extra softness, experts recommend using white vinegar in the rinse cycle instead.
Meet our experts
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Anwen Davies, certified personal trainer at The Lady Lab and gym product developer at Net World Sports
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Stacee Parker, independent laundry pro at Poplin
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Denise Chakoian, certified personal trainer and owner of Core Cycle Fitness LaGree
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.