Introduction
Walk through your neighborhood grocery store, and the laundry aisle likely contains a dizzying array of laundry detergents. There are detergents for dark clothes, light clothes, delicates, and even some made specifically for athletic gear.
With so many options available, it begs whether these specific detergents are worth it. Would it be beneficial to add another step to your laundry routine to wash your gym clothes separately with a special detergent?
The answer depends mostly on your personal preference and what type of athletic gear you have, as well as additional factors such as skin sensitivities to scents and dyes contained in many sports detergents.
In general, the more effort you put into protecting your activewear, the better shape your favorite yoga or gym clothes will be. Fear not, the following sections will walk through some best practices when cleaning your smelly workout clothes.
What to Look for in Laundry Detergents for Workout Clothes
Here are some essential qualities to seek in detergents designed to clean workout gear:
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Ingredients: Ideally, the best laundry detergents for your prized Lululemon yoga leggings will use enzymes that break down protein-based stains (read: sweat and body oils), surfactants (to fight oils), oxygen-based bleaching agents (hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate act as brighteners for whites), baking soda (a proven odor eliminator), and citric acid (particularly effective if you use hard water).
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Scent: This one is up to you, if you have a specific aroma or fresh scent that you want your clothes to have, pick that one. You can also go for an unscented detergent and see the same results.
Best Detergents for Sweaty Workout Clothes
Next, we will go over 5 specific detergents that are renowned for their ability to effectively clean sweaty gym clothes, paying particular attention to their efficiency against sweat and smelly odors.
Gain Original Liquid Detergent + Aroma Boost
This liquid detergent has a delightful floral scent, leaving clothes smelling great for weeks. It is gentle on fabrics and comes at an affordable price. The only downside is that there is no unscented version available.
It is effective in cold water and works with all types of washers. It can also be paired with Gain fabric softeners (optional) and dryer sheets to have a matching scent.
Tide PODS Laundry Detergent Original Scent
The ultimate convenience is found in these little detergent pouches. They also contain stain remover and color protection for your activewear. While Tide has a large line of pods, the Original Scent ones are priced affordably, with even better deals found if you buy in bulk (such as at Costco). They work very well in cold water, further protecting your workout clothing from bleeding (and keeping your utility bill lower).
Simply throw in one or two pods in your washer and do not worry about the rest.
Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear
The ultimate laundry solution for sensitive skin (eczema or psoriasis), this liquid laundry detergent contains the right ingredients to be an effective sweat, odor, and stain remover, while being a hypoallergenic cleaner. It also comes at a great price and works effectively in cold or hot water.
The formula is also certified by SkinSAFE, further demonstrating its compatibility with sensitive skin.
Sports Suds Laundry Detergent
Designed for performance fabrics like those found in athleisure gear, this laundry detergent does not contain dyes, fragrances, or brighteners. It works great on both synthetic and natural materials and does not leave a scent.
The formula is designed with all-natural materials, works in hot or cold water, and even removes residue buildup left by other detergents.
Nathan Sports Power Wash
Unless you're doing yoga or Pilates, chances are your workout gear also includes shoes. These also get smelly and require a good odor eliminator. This is where Nathan Sports Power Wash comes in clutch. It is great at removing both stink and also stains from clothes and shoes alike. Not only that, but it is free of toxic chemicals and is biodegradable.
The formula is proven to restore some performance fabric qualities, such as water-repellency, breathability, and moisture-wicking.
Tips for Cleaning Your Workout Clothes
Athletic Gear Needs Extra-Strength Cleaning
Good athletic gear stands up to whatever we throw at it, so it's no surprise it can take some extra effort to clean. One of the reasons is that sweat changes the pH of your clothing and makes it more acidic. While sport detergents are formulated with this in mind, some regular detergents might also be tough enough to get your athletic gear clean the first time around.
If you choose to use regular detergents for athletic gear, the best ones are those that don't include additives like whiteners and color enhancers. When you’re cleaning your athletic gear, turn your garments inside out before washing, and consider adding one cup of white vinegar if you have extra stubborn odors.
If possible, athletic gear should be hung to dry or dried on the lowest heat setting in the dryer. Avoid placing garments in the dryer that still have residue of odors as this can set the odors permanently.
Don't Allow Stains and Odors to Set In
Preventing stains and odors from setting in is even more important than what type of detergent you use. Once stains and odors set in, it can be impossible to get them out no matter what type of detergent you use.
To prevent stains and odors from embedding in the fibers, allow the garments to dry before placing them in the hamper and wash them promptly – preferably within a couple of days. Avoid using fabric softeners on your athletic gear, as they leave a coating on the fabric that interferes with the stretchiness and moisture-wicking properties of the material. Be aware that some detergents include softeners, so read the labels carefully.
Follow the Instructions on Clothing and Product Labels
The final authority on what kind of detergent to use and how to launder should come from the care label on your particular garment. No matter what kind of detergent you use, read and follow the directions on the product label. It can be tempting to add extra detergent to a load of extra-smelly workout clothes, but that can prevent the clothes from getting as clean as they would normally.
The best advice about athletic-specific detergents is to give them a try and see if they work for you. On the other hand, it is worth noting that a regular, mild detergent might work just as well. Trial and error is the best way to determine if an athletic-specific detergent is right for you.
Take the Best Care of Your Workout Clothes with Rinse
Great, so now you have a few detergent options for the next time you place your activewear in the washing machine. But what if you just don't have the time to do your laundry? Alternatively, what if you want expert care for your prized workout gear?
We have just the solution for you – Rinse. We have years of experience laundering activewear – from removing oil and sweat stains to keeping garments smelling fresh and clean. What's even better is that we offer pickup and delivery services straight to your door, all 7 days a week.
Your workout clothes help keep you in top shape. Shouldn't you return the favor too?
Contact us at Rinse today to see our skill in action.
Image Source: The Procter & Gamble Company, Church & Dwight Co., Inc., Sports Suds, United Sports Brands
