Table of content:
How Often You Should Clean Your Workout clothes
Consequences of Skipping Workout clothes Cleaning
DIY Methods to Clean Your Workout clothes
Keeping your workout clothes clean is essential for maintaining their performance, longevity, and your own comfort and health. While it might be tempting to skip a wash after a light session, sweat, oils, and bacteria can quickly accumulate, leading to persistent odors, fabric breakdown, and even skin irritation. Regular cleaning not only helps prevent these issues but also ensures your gear stays fresh and functional, supporting you through every workout. Understanding when and how often to wash your activewear can make a big difference in both your fitness routine and the lifespan of your favorite pieces.
Reviewed by Zac Kieffer
President at E-Cloth
Updated July, 26
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How Often You Should Clean Your Workout clothes
Workout Clothes: Why Clean After Every Session?
- Accumulated Sweat and Oils: Every time you work out, your clothes absorb sweat and natural skin oils that, even if not immediately noticeable, build up over time and can affect fabric performance.
- Fabric Integrity: Workout apparel is often made of synthetic fibers designed to wick moisture. However, repeated exposure to sweat can degrade these fibers, leading to loss of elasticity and a diminished fit.
- Odor Prevention: The mix of moisture and body residues in a warm environment can lead to odors developing. Cleaning your gear after each session helps keep those unwelcome smells at bay.
- Skin Health: Even if you don’t see visible grime, lingering residues in moist fabrics can contribute to skin irritation or breakouts, especially in areas like the underarms and back.
When You Might Stretch the Schedule
- Light or Short Sessions: If you have a very light session that doesn’t involve much sweating, you might choose to simply air out your workout clothes. However, remember that even minimal sweat can start a slow buildup over time.
- Immediate Reuse: Some athletes utilize techniques like quick-wear or layering systems. In these cases, you may feel comfortable wearing the same set twice if they’re well aired out. Still, a proper wash as soon as possible is best practice for maintaining both performance and comfort.
Expert Verdict
- Clean After Every Use: For most workouts, the ideal approach is to clean your workout clothes after every session. This habit not only keeps your gear in peak condition but also helps you avoid the cumulative effects of body residues.
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Consequences of Skipping Workout clothes Cleaning
Consequences of Skipping Workout Clothes Cleaning
- Odor That Won’t Quit: Sweat-soaked fabrics are a five-star hotel for odor-causing bacteria. If you skip cleaning, those smells don’t just “air out”—they settle in and get stronger with every wear. Even if you can’t smell it, trust me, someone else can.
- Fabric Breakdown: Sweat contains salt and oils that, when left on your workout gear, can break down fibers over time. This means your favorite leggings or sports bra might lose their stretch, fade, or even develop holes much faster than you’d like.
- Skin Irritation and Breakouts: Dirty workout clothes can trap sweat, oil, and dead skin cells against your body. This creates a perfect storm for clogged pores, leading to breakouts, rashes, or even fungal infections like athlete’s foot. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re getting “mystery” pimples on your back or chest, your unwashed gear could be the culprit.
- Lingering Moisture = Mold and Mildew: Tossing sweaty clothes in a gym bag or laundry basket and letting them sit is an open invitation for mold and mildew. These fungi love damp, dark places and can leave your clothes with a musty smell that’s tough to remove. Plus, mold spores can trigger allergies and other respiratory issues.
- Reduced Performance: High-performance fabrics are designed to wick away moisture and keep you comfortable. When they’re clogged with sweat and grime, they can’t do their job. You’ll feel hotter, stickier, and less comfortable during your next workout.
- Unwanted Stains: Sweat, deodorant, and body oils can leave behind yellow or white stains, especially in the armpit and collar areas. The longer these sit, the harder they are to remove—sometimes, they’re permanent.
- Unpleasant Surprises for Others: If you’re working out in a group or sharing equipment, wearing unwashed clothes can transfer odors and bacteria to benches, mats, and even your workout buddies. Not exactly the legacy you want to leave behind.
DIY Methods to Clean Your Workout clothes
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White Vinegar and Cold Water
Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a basin. Soak workout clothes for 30 minutes, then wash as usual. This method helps eliminate odors and break down sweat residue naturally.
Baking Soda and Warm Water
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 cup of warm water. Soak your workout clothes in the solution for 30 minutes, then wash as usual. This method helps neutralize odors and remove sweat stains naturally.
Lemon Juice and Warm Water
Mix equal parts lemon juice and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray onto workout clothes, let sit for 10–15 minutes, then wash as usual. This natural solution helps eliminate odors and freshen fabrics.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Cold Water
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts cold water in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto workout clothes, focusing on sweaty or stained areas. Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then wash as usual. This method helps eliminate odors and break down tough stains naturally.
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Odor Removal Inefficiency
White vinegar and cold water may not fully eliminate strong odors from workout clothes because cold water doesn’t break down sweat and bacteria as effectively, and vinegar alone may not penetrate deep enough to neutralize persistent smells.
Residue Build-Up Risk
Using baking soda and warm water can leave residue on workout clothes if not rinsed thoroughly, leading to fabric stiffness, reduced breathability, and potential odor retention over time. Proper rinsing is essential to avoid build-up.
Bacteria Survival Concern
Lemon juice and warm water may not effectively kill all bacteria on workout clothes, leading to lingering odors and potential skin irritation due to bacterial survival after washing.
Stain Penetration Limitations
Hydrogen peroxide and cold water may not fully remove deep or set-in stains from workout clothes, as the solution can struggle to penetrate fabric fibers, leaving visible marks or odors behind.
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