Smelly Sports gear

HuntingDrog

sorry to repeat a topic if it came up before (i can't find it on the search) but all my running gear is stink! Its the simple stink of hard earned sweat. Socks/shorts/tops its all the same. Although i put them on a quick low heat wash after every use - the hum is still there. I don't want to "boil" them in the washing machine as I don't think its too good for the technical gear.
Mrs H is starting to notice now and isn't too pleased these days...

Anyway, how do the folks around here get rid of this odour?

ThisRegard

I use non-bio on a 40 degree wash and my tech stuff is fine, in fact Helly Hansen gear is to be washed at 40 according to their labels.

petermijackson

No quick washes for me - I let it mount and then do a full wash at 30. Yes I do have a small mountain of smelly gear hidden in the house but then it all comes good when washed

HuntingDrog

am i the only one with smelly "washed & clean" gear around here???

Woundedknee.

Is it an Ammonia type smell? This can be caused by the body using protein as fuel and may mean you're not consuming enough carbs. I get it occasionally but after a wash the smell gone (I think).

hunnymonster

The technical fabrics eventually break down enough to store odours permanently. The fabric will look fine and function but there is enough deterioration to allow smells. The older Helly Hanson kit is particularly prone to this. Time to ask the kit fairies for some new gear?

Jacky08

Woundedknee. wrote: »

Is it an Ammonia type smell? This can be caused by the body using protein as fuel and may mean you're not consuming enough carbs. I get it occasionally but after a wash the smell gone (I think).

That's very scientific - I'd just say 'i'm stinkin'

HuntingDrog

Jacky08 wrote: »

That's very scientific - I'd just say 'i'm stinkin'

:)ya my feelings (and smellings) exactly.
No WK, its not like ammonia. Its just sweat

HuntingDrog

i remember reading someplace about using white vinegar or baking soda in the wash....anyone use or know anything about this?

BeepBeep67

Don't worry the smellier you are on the starting line the more respect you will earn from your fellow competitors.

spaceylou

I wouldn't say my gear is smelly exactly but there is a faint odour and general sense of not-freshness about a lot it - despite it all being freshly washed and dried on a regular basis! Think it just gets old

Oryx

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Don't worry the smellier you are on the starting line the more respect you will earn from your fellow competitors.

*not true*

Dont have this problem, I use softener, even on technical stuff (youre not supposed to but I always forget). So that might help, if youre not using it already? Also avoid budget wash powder maybe?

BeepBeep67

Aspire, Perspire, Acquire.

I see you speak from experience - tongue in cheek of course

HuntingDrog

Oryx wrote: »

Also avoid budget wash powder maybe?

i use Ariel

ah sure maybe i'm just being paranoid about the whiff.

Rebelrunner

Things you may have considered but I think alot depends on the way they are dried. Best on a external clothes line for as long as possible, worst if in tumble dryer and then on radiator.

Also when washed and dried are they in contact with other gear thats not freshly washed.

Oryx

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

I see you speak from experience - tongue in cheek of course

I dont sweat much for a big lass.

BeepBeep67

HuntingDrog wrote: »

i use Ariel

ah sure maybe i'm just being paranoid about the whiff.

Not everyone has a little mermaid in the bath!

RodSteel

When this happens, I use milton tablets (the stuff for sterilising babys bottles) to soak the running gear before I put them in the machine. All smells are eradicated after this and it will be quite a while before I have to sterilise them again.
I presume it kills off the bacteria that causes odour to linger even after the wash if it is not hot enough.