Sweaty clothes can ruin a fresh outfit fast. Even after washing, that stubborn odor sometimes lingers, especially in workout gear or synthetic fabrics.
You can get sweat smell out of clothes by pre-treating problem areas with baking soda or vinegar before washing and using the right detergent for your fabric type.
Simple changes in how you wash and care for your clothes can make a big difference.
Sweat smells stick around because bacteria and residue build up in fabrics. Some fabrics trap odor more easily, and certain laundry habits can help prevent the problem.
You’ll discover practical ways to keep your clothes smelling clean and fresh, from choosing the best detergents to using natural odor removers. You’ll also learn how to care for everyday shirts and workout gear with confidence.
Understanding Sweat Smell in Clothes
Sweat itself has little to no smell. When it mixes with bacteria on your skin and fabrics, it can create strong body odor.
The type of fabric, how long clothes stay damp, and where sweat collects all affect how bad the smell becomes.
Why Sweat Causes Odor
Your sweat is mostly water, but it also contains salts, proteins, and fatty acids. These substances feed bacteria that live on your skin.
When bacteria break them down, they release compounds that create unpleasant smells.
Areas like the armpits and back produce more sweat because of higher sweat gland activity. That’s why armpit odor is often stronger than other body odors.
Tight clothing, synthetic fabrics, and not washing sweaty clothes right away all allow bacteria to multiply. Martha Stewart explains that bacteria thrive in warm, moist conditions, which is why sweaty clothes can smell even after washing.
How Body Odor Transfers to Fabrics
When you sweat, moisture and bacteria move from your skin onto your clothes. Bacteria cling to fibers, especially in materials like polyester and nylon.
These fabrics trap moisture and limit airflow, making it easier for odor-causing microbes to grow.
Natural fibers like cotton breathe better, but they can still hold onto smells if left damp. Over time, detergent and fabric softener residue can trap bacteria deep in the fibers.
This buildup makes sweat smell harder to remove even with regular washing.
To reduce odor transfer, wash sweaty clothes soon after wearing them. If you can’t wash them right away, air them out first to stop bacteria from multiplying.
Common Problem Areas for Odors
Odors often build up in areas where your body sweats the most. These include:
| Body Area | Reason for Odor | Fabric Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Armpits | High sweat and bacteria levels | Strong armpit odor trapped in fabric |
| Back and Chest | Large sweat glands | Odor spreads across larger areas |
| Neckline and Collar | Contact with skin oils | Stains and lingering body odor |
Workout clothes, socks, and undershirts are especially prone to sweat smells because they stay close to your skin and absorb moisture. Regular washing and quick drying help stop these odors from setting in.
Best Practices for Preventing Sweat Odors
How you handle clothes right after sweating affects how fresh they stay. Quick drying, proper storage, and timely washing all help prevent odors from setting into the fabric.
Air Out Clothes Immediately
After exercise, hang your sweaty clothes in a well-ventilated area instead of tossing them in a pile. This helps moisture evaporate and limits the growth of bacteria that cause odor.
Warm, damp fabric—especially synthetic fabrics like polyester—creates the perfect place for bacteria to multiply.
If you can’t wash right away, turn your clothes inside out and hang them on a drying rack or near a fan. This simple step helps prevent that musty, trapped clothes smell that builds up in gym wear.
You can place moisture-absorbing packets or baking soda near your drying area to reduce humidity. Martha Stewart recommends airing out sweaty garments before washing to stop odor from setting deep into the fibers.
Avoid Overfilling the Hamper
Stuffing too many damp clothes into your hamper traps moisture and limits airflow. That dark, closed space lets bacteria thrive and makes odors stronger over time.
Keep your hamper loosely filled, and avoid mixing sweaty items with dry ones.
If you often wear workout clothes, use a separate mesh bag or open basket for them. This allows air to circulate and keeps odors from spreading to other laundry.
Sprinkle a little baking soda in the hamper to absorb extra moisture and odor. Regularly wipe or rinse your hamper to remove any residue that might hold bacteria.
Wash Clothes Promptly
Odor-causing bacteria grow quickly, so wash your clothes soon after wearing them. The longer sweat sits in the fibers, the harder it becomes to remove.
Use a detergent made for synthetic fabrics or activewear to break down body oils and bacteria. WebMD notes that prompt washing prevents lingering smells that even strong detergents can’t fix later.
If you can’t run a full load, rinse the sweaty clothes in cold water and hang them to dry until you can wash them properly. This small step helps reduce odor buildup and keeps your clothes smelling cleaner after every wash.
Choosing the Right Laundry Products
Using products that break down bacteria and neutralize smells helps get rid of sweat odor. The right detergent and additives make your clothes smell fresher and last longer, especially if you wear activewear often.
Odor-Fighting Detergents
Choose odor-fighting detergents that target bacteria and body oils. These formulas often contain enzymes that break down sweat residue trapped in fabric fibers.
Products like Persil ProClean Odor Fighter and Zero Odor Laundry remove deep smells without harsh chemicals.
Pick a detergent labeled enzyme-based or odor-eliminating. These work better than regular soaps on workout gear and synthetic fabrics.
For strong smells, pre-soak clothes in water mixed with a small amount of detergent or white vinegar before washing.
If you have sensitive skin, pick a fragrance-free version. It’s gentler but still effective when you use it with warm water and a full rinse cycle.
Washing smaller loads lets the detergent reach all areas of the fabric.
Sports Detergents vs. Regular Detergents
Sports detergents clean technical fabrics like spandex, polyester, and nylon. These materials hold sweat and bacteria, which regular detergents often can’t remove.
A product like Sweat X Sport Detergent or 2Toms StinkFree Sport Laundry cleans deep into fibers and restores the fabric’s stretch and breathability.
Regular detergents work well for cotton or everyday clothing but may leave residue in performance wear. That residue can trap odor and reduce moisture-wicking ability.
Sports detergents rinse cleaner and keep your gear performing as intended.
If you mix workout clothes with regular laundry, use a sports detergent for the entire load. It’s safe for most fabrics and helps prevent odor buildup in your washing machine.
Scent Boosters and Additives
Scent boosters and laundry additives help freshen clothes between washes or add a lasting clean smell. Options include baking soda, white vinegar, or commercial odor removers like Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters.
These work alongside your detergent rather than replacing it.
Use about half a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle to neutralize odors naturally. Baking soda can also balance pH levels and soften fabrics.
If you prefer a light fragrance, try in-wash scent beads or drops. Avoid overuse, as too much fragrance can mask odor instead of removing it.
For persistent smells, pair additives with an enzyme-based sports detergent for the best results.
Effective Washing Techniques
Small details in your laundry routine can help remove sweat odors more effectively and keep your clothes in good shape. Turning garments inside out, choosing the right wash cycle, and sorting by fabric type all make a difference.
Turning Clothes Inside Out
Turn your clothes inside out before washing to help detergents reach the areas that hold the most sweat and bacteria. Odor-causing residues often collect on the inner side of shirts, especially under the arms and around the neckline.
For workout clothes made from synthetic fabrics, this step is especially helpful. These materials trap sweat in the fibers, making smells harder to remove.
Exposing the inner layer lets water and detergent clean more deeply.
You can also reduce fabric wear by washing inside out. This helps prevent fading and pilling on the outer surface.
When drying, keep garments inside out if you line dry them in the sun to avoid discoloration.
Selecting Proper Wash Cycles
Choose the correct wash cycle on your washing machine to help odors come out. A regular cycle works for lightly worn clothes, but heavy-duty or deep-clean cycles are better for sweaty gym gear.
These longer cycles use more water and stronger agitation to remove buildup.
For synthetic fabrics, use cold water to protect elastic fibers and prevent odors from setting. Martha Stewart’s guide on removing sweat smells explains that warm water can damage some performance materials.
If you wash cotton or linen, warm water helps lift body oils and bacteria more effectively. Always check care labels before adjusting temperature or cycle settings.
Adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle can also help neutralize odors naturally.
Sorting by Fabric Type
Sort your laundry by fabric type to wash each item under the right conditions. Separate synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon from natural fibers such as cotton.
These materials absorb and release odors differently, so they need different water temperatures and detergents.
For workout clothes, use a detergent made for activewear that targets bacteria and sweat buildup. Avoid fabric softeners because they can trap odors in synthetic fibers.
If you mix fabrics, lighter synthetics may not get cleaned properly, and heavier cottons can hold onto moisture longer. Sorting helps each load dry evenly and smell fresher after washing.
Natural and DIY Odor Removal Methods
You can remove sweat smells from clothes with simple household ingredients that fight bacteria and neutralize odors. These methods use common items like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to clean fabrics safely without harsh chemicals.
Using Vinegar Soaks
White vinegar breaks down the bacteria that cause sweat odors. Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add one cup of white vinegar.
Soak your clothes for about 30 minutes before washing. This loosens buildup and removes trapped smells from fabric fibers.
After soaking, wash the clothes using your regular detergent. You can also add ½ to 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra deodorizing power.
Vinegar works well on both cotton and synthetic fabrics. It’s gentle, inexpensive, and safe for most colors.
Knowing Fabric notes that vinegar soaks work especially well for moisture‑wicking workout clothes that hold odor.
Baking Soda Treatments
Baking soda neutralizes acids and breaks down sweat residue. Sprinkle it directly on damp clothes or add ½ cup to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
This removes lingering smells that detergent alone can’t handle. For stronger odors, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to problem areas like underarms or collars.
Let the paste sit for 15–20 minutes before washing. You can also pre‑soak clothes in a solution of 4 tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water for about 30 minutes.
This method is safe for most fabrics and helps brighten whites while removing odor.
Lemon Juice and Other Home Remedies
Lemon juice offers natural antibacterial and deodorizing benefits. Mix one part lemon juice with two parts water and soak clothes for 15 minutes before washing.
The mild acid breaks down sweat residue and leaves a fresh scent. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus to your wash for extra freshness.
These oils fight bacteria and leave clothes smelling clean. Other gentle options include vodka sprays or sun‑drying clothes outdoors, which help kill bacteria naturally, as noted in The Filtery.
Caring for Special Fabrics and Workout Gear
Different fabrics need different care to stay fresh and last longer. Synthetic materials and performance wear can trap odors, so using the right cleaning methods keeps them smelling clean and helps prevent damage.
Handling Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex often hold onto sweat and bacteria. These materials wick moisture but also trap oils that cause odor.
To keep them clean, wash them in cold water to avoid setting smells. Use a mild detergent without heavy fragrance.
Too much soap leaves residue that locks in odor. Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help break down buildup and neutralize smells, as suggested by Martha Stewart’s cleaning experts.
Avoid fabric softeners, as they coat fibers and block moisture-wicking properties. Instead, air-dry your clothes to preserve elasticity and shape.
If you use a dryer, choose a low-heat setting.
| Step | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wash with cold water | Prevents odor from setting |
| 2 | Skip fabric softener | Keeps fibers breathable |
| 3 | Air-dry | Reduces heat damage |
Washing Athletic and Performance Wear
Workout clothes made from moisture-wicking fabrics need extra care to stay odor-free. Always turn them inside out before washing so detergent reaches the dirtiest areas.
Pre-soak heavily soiled items in a mix of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts cold water for 30 minutes. This loosens sweat and bacteria before washing, according to Women’s Health.
Use a sports detergent or a small amount of regular detergent—too much can trap grime. Wash similar items together and avoid mixing with towels or fleece, which shed lint.
After washing, hang-dry your gear in a well-ventilated space. Heat from dryers can break down elastic fibers and shorten the life of your athletic wear.
Laundry Symbols and Care Instructions
Knowing how to read laundry tags helps you avoid shrinking, fading, or damaging your clothes. Each symbol gives you clear directions for washing, drying, ironing, and bleaching so your clothes last longer and stay fresh.
Understanding Laundry Symbols
Laundry symbols act as a universal guide for garment care. They show how to clean each fabric safely without relying on written instructions.
You can find a full overview of what each icon means in this laundry symbol guide. Here’s a quick look at the most common symbols:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tub | Machine wash |
| Tub with hand | Hand wash only |
| Triangle | Bleach allowed |
| Triangle with X | No bleach |
| Square with circle | Tumble dry |
| Iron | Safe to iron |
| Circle | Dry clean only |
Always check for extra dots or lines inside the symbols. Dots inside the tub or iron show temperature levels—one dot for cold, two for warm, and three for hot.
Reading and Following Care Tags
Care tags show the best cleaning method for each fabric. When you follow them, you prevent color bleeding, stretching, and odor buildup.
Check the washing instructions first. If the tag says “cold wash,” use cold water to protect the fibers and dyes.
Use gentle detergent for delicates. Choose odor-removing detergent for activewear.
Look for drying directions next. Some fabrics need air drying, while others can handle low heat tumble drying.
Avoid high heat on synthetic materials to prevent damage.
Pay attention to ironing and bleaching rules. Many modern fabrics don’t need ironing.
Bleach can weaken fibers if you use it incorrectly.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.