Four Ways to Keep Sporting Gear Clean and Odor Free

Your New Year’s resolution to work out more may make “laundry day” a bit dirtier and stinkier…but that isn’t an excuse to break it! Here are a few tips that will keep your sporting gear fresh and clean while you get healthy in the New Year.

1. Fight sweat stains.
The classic, low-tech cotton tees may be the comfiest workout shirts. But they do tend to absorb sweat and may well show sweat stains. To combat this, turn your shirt inside out and pretreat the underarm areas with liquid detergent. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash in the hottest water that’s safe for the fabric with one use of detergent. Air-dry, and repeat the process if necessary.

2. Use special detergent.
Try using a detergent that’s specifically formulated to handle sportswear. Look for one that fights tough sport stains like grass, dirt, clay, and blood while also eliminating odor.

3. Don’t wait to wash.
Don’t leave your sportswear in a duffel bag after a workout or game. Since bacteria love to grow in moist places, you should make sure that your sportswear dries as quickly and efficiently as possible, even if you’re planning to wash it later. If it’s a sunny day, move equipment outside so that it dries faster.

4. Refresh your gym bag with dryer sheets.
Your gym bag can start to retain the odors of the workout gear you tote inside it. Stick a couple of dryer sheets in your bag for a quick and easy fix that will keep it smelling fresh.