How to Wash and Store Gym Clothes to Prevent Odor

If you’ve ever pulled your gym clothes from the wash and noticed a faint smell that refuses to go away — you’re not alone.
Sweat, body oils, and bacteria can cling to performance fabrics, making them harder to clean than regular cotton clothes.

At First SQUAT, our goal isn’t just to make you look good in the gym — it’s to make your gear last longer, stay fresh, and perform like new every time you wear it.

Here’s how to wash, dry, and store your gymwear the right way to prevent odor buildup and keep your investment in peak condition.

Why Gym Clothes Hold Onto Odor

Performance fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane are designed to wick sweat away from your skin — but the same fibers that keep you dry can trap sweat salts and bacteria deep inside.

This creates odor even after washing.
Without proper care, your premium gymwear may lose freshness, stretch, and color faster.

According to Healthline, odor isn’t caused by sweat itself but by bacteria breaking it down on fabric surfaces.

How to Wash Gym Clothes Properly

1. Wash as Soon as Possible

Don’t let sweat sit for hours. The longer it stays, the more bacteria multiply.
If you can’t wash right away, hang the clothes in open air instead of tossing them in a bag.

Pro Tip:
Keep a mesh laundry bag in your gym bag for separating sweaty clothes from clean items.

2. Turn Inside Out Before Washing

Odor and bacteria accumulate inside the fabric — not on the outside. Turning your clothes inside out ensures detergent reaches the dirtiest layer.

Try this for tanks and compression fits like the MomentumFit Tank or All-Day 27" Leggings.

3. Use Cold Water and Gentle Detergent

Hot water can damage elasticity, while regular detergents can clog sweat-wicking fibers.
Instead, use cold water and a mild sports detergent designed for synthetic fabrics.

Avoid:

• Fabric softeners (they coat fibers and trap odor)

• Bleach (damages stretch fabrics)

Good Housekeeping confirms that fabric softeners reduce the effectiveness of sweat-wicking technology in activewear.

4. Add Vinegar or Baking Soda for Odor Control

If your gymwear smells even after washing, soak it for 30 minutes in a mixture of 1 cup white vinegar and cool water before washing.
Or, sprinkle ½ cup baking soda into your wash cycle to neutralize deep odors naturally.

This works wonders for high-performance gear like the PowerLift Tank or DreamDrip Performance Set.

5. Skip the Dryer

High heat breaks down elastane and spandex fibers, reducing stretch and fit.
Air-dry your clothes flat or hang them in a shaded, ventilated area.

Quick-Dry Champions:

• Breathe Crew Neck Tank

• CoreEase Seamless Bra

• SQUATCORE 5” Shorts

These fabrics are engineered for faster drying without heat damage.

How to Store Gym Clothes to Keep Them Fresh

1. Make Sure They’re 100% Dry

Even slightly damp clothes can breed mildew and bacteria in storage.
Always ensure items are completely dry before folding or hanging.

2. Store in a Cool, Ventilated Area

Avoid sealed drawers or plastic bins. Store gymwear in breathable fabric organizers or hangers to maintain air circulation.

Pro Tip:
Keep silica gel packets or activated charcoal bags in your closet to absorb moisture and odor.

3. Rotate Your Workout Gear

If you train daily, alternate between two or more sets of gymwear. This gives each set time to breathe and prevents overuse strain on the fabric.

4. Refresh Between Washes

For quick freshness after a light workout, spray a mix of water and tea tree oil (a natural antibacterial) on your gymwear, then hang it to air out.

Cleveland Clinic recommends natural antibacterial oils like tea tree or eucalyptus for odor control.

Bonus – How First SQUAT Fabrics Fight Odor Naturally

Every First SQUAT piece is crafted from recycled polyester, nylon, and elastane blends with built-in sweat management and odor resistance.
Our products go through lab testing for:

From the 2-in-1 Men’s Performance Shorts to the CoreFlow Seamless Bra, each product is tested to perform cleanly and confidently — wash after wash.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your gymwear the right way doesn’t just prevent odor — it extends its life, maintains performance, and saves you money.

When you choose First SQUAT, you’re investing in sustainable, lab-tested fabrics designed for real athletes who value freshness, function, and long-lasting quality.

So next time you train hard — know your gymwear can handle it, stay fresh, and be ready for your next session.

Move Fresh. Move Confident. Move First SQUAT.

Keywords:

wash gym clothes, prevent odor in workout clothes, how to clean gymwear, store activewear properly, First SQUAT UAE, gymwear care tips, sustainable activewear

Hashtags:

#FirstSQUAT #ActivewearCare #FreshGymwear #WorkoutTips #SustainableFitness #GymwearUAE #PremiumActivewear