Washing gym gear

traco

Whats the best detergent / method / old wives tale or whatever way you've found to wash gym gear.

I train 4/5 times a week and gear does be soaking in sweat at the end of each session. By the time I cool down and get back to the house there is a distinctive whiff from the gear and no matter how I wash it, very hot, antibactreial this and that, soak in vinegar and baking soad etc it comes back. BTW its washed each time its worn before anyone gets smart.

Its all technical wicking stuff and wonder if the only solution is to bin it and switch to cotton but as its all in decent nick and not the cheapest I was hoping someone has a solution.

RidleyRider

Do basically you're saying that you sweat when you work out and smell? Then you wash them and the smell goes but comes back after you train again?


Really? Think about it.

rubadub

RidleyRider wrote: »

Then you wash them and the smell goes but comes back after you train again?.

Sounds like its there after being washed.

I was going to recommend the baking soda, it would need to be a strong solution & left to steep in it. I would not add vinegar along with it, as it would neutralise it. Have you tried dilute bleach?

Do you dry them quickly after? in a tumble drier?

Do you mean it comes back disproportionately in the first 5 mins you put it on the next time or whatever? We used to put ours on the 1 hour quick wash but had to do it for the full 3 hours wash to really get rid of it
And use hotter temp for that also
Failing all that I guess you'll just have to put up with it...

LuckyLloyd

"Washing" gym gear?

Yep, I'm that guy.

Duck's hoop

Quick wash works for me.

The tech stuff is mostly plastic and will develop odours rapidly anyway.

You might try merino or merino mix. Doesn't smell, comfortable etc. and natural.

Icebreaker I recommend.

cletus van damme

no point washing it.
get sweaty again.

Alf Veedersane

It'd be cheaper to buy a cheap t-shirt for every workout and bin it after than go putting on a wash after each gym session.

But you could just try airing your gear, preferably outdoors, and not worrying about a bit of a sweaty whiff.

juke

I found that - clothes would stink after washing & drying.

Try and wash with your regular detergent, and add in a few cap fulls of the cheapest vinegar you can buy to the machine. Don't tumble dry.

Works for me.

yawhat!

Good washing powder and some of that detergent liquid stuff to make your clothes smell like a meadow.

JJayoo

Drink more water and your sweat won't be so stink

Alf Veedersane

JJayoo wrote: »

Drink more water and your sweat won't be so stink

Is that 'cause you'll be flushing more of it down the jacks?

JJayoo

It's the same as when your pee is mank when you are dehydrated. More fluids in the body = more diluted sweat = less stink = I base this on zero science.

Alf Veedersane

JJayoo wrote: »

It's the same as when your pee is mank when you are dehydrated. More fluids in the body = more diluted sweat = less stink = I base this on zero science.

From memory, the really strong smell is due to ammonia in the system and it'll come out in yizzer pee mostly but if you're not drinking enough water you'll sweat it out. I think.

The moral of that story is drink lots of water if you're eating asparagus.

traco

Smell comes back towards the end of a session when the gear is all hot and sweaty again. Drying it on the line make a a huge difference as opposed to the dryer but with the weather lately there's not much chance of not using the drier. When it comes out it smell all lovely but I reckon all the detergent is doing is masking the underlying issue and when hot and sweaty again the smell returns.

I rinse the kit when I come home and chuck it in a bucket with some detergent in the shed. same thing with the kit for the rest of the week and on Saturday the whole lot gets rinsed again and soaked overnight in bucket with baking soda and vinegar overnight then into a long hot wash (Google yielded that as a possible solution) and it's definitely improved it.

The issue seems to be that these new technical fibres don't get wet and hence the sweat, fats and oils don't get washed off them properly and build up over time. It's a pain as it's all Nike dri fit, rebok and under armour gear. Very comfy but f all use if you can't was the poxy stuff properly. Might be better off buying cheap stuff in future and binning it every few months.

I was hoping someone might have found some sort of miracle detergent / cleaning acid that might fix the problem.

@ ducks hoop - I've seen icebreaker recommended and some other manufacturers are adding silver to the clothes to kill the bacteria but then other articles are saying that doesn't last and the stuff costs a fortune.

Might just have to return to penny's for cheap cotton t's or lidl/aldi stuff and bin it regularly. So much for all the high end techie stuff?!?!?

Alf Veedersane

How badly are you affected by the smell?

kevpants

Throw gear in shower.

Have shower.

Put gear on radiator.

Wife will remove and burn when smell begins to affect family life.

traco

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

How badly are you affected by the smell?

Maybe I'm over critical of it, just don't want to see anyone pass out cos of it, although I suppose it could have benefits in that nobody wants to be near me so loads of space

Mellor

traco wrote: »

The issue seems to be that these new technical fibres don't get wet and hence the sweat, fats and oils don't get washed off them properly and build up over time.

I'd be surprised is that was it tbh. If they don't get wet, then the sweat, fat isn't going to stay on them.

I wear those tops a lot, and because they are designed to be wicking materials, I think they simply hold more sweat. I trained this morning from 6-7. It's 11 now and I bet my gear is stinking.

Next time you wash a few and leave one or two for a while for the detergent smell to go. Does it smell musty now?
Take one of them and dampen with tap water. Use the steam from the kettle if you want it to be hot and wet. Does it smell now.

If the answers to the above is no, and the smell only comes back when you wear them in the gym. It probably means washing them properly isn't the issue.

irelandspurs

wash the gym bag your putting the clean clothes back into.

sawdoubters

use cotton

Gummy Panda

Eh... I remember when this forum gave useful advice. OP these guys just like to troll. The answer is to train naked.

link_2007

Gummy Panda wrote: »

Eh... I remember when this forum gave useful advice. OP these guys just like to troll. The answer is to train naked.

Now we just wait for the follow up, "Can someone recommend me a new gym" thread.

I use nike dri fit as well and I am not having that problem
Wash out the bag and drink more water too that sounds reasonable

SpaceCowb0y

I wash my gym gear which consists of one pair of shorts and two t-shirts maybe once a week. it smells by the end of the week but i don't really care. Im only going to sweat again once i go training again so usually do a wash on a Saturday as i rarely train Sunday and its good to go for another week.

Airing and alternating the t-shirts seems to be fine but then again maybe i am just used to the stink:pac:

Stench Blossoms

Ah lads that's rotten.

I wash my gym clothes after every session and I don't even sweat that much.

endacl

Gummy Panda wrote: »

Eh... I remember when this forum gave useful advice. OP these guys just like to troll. The answer is to train naked.

Smelliness is an unavoidable consequence of the introduction of clothing to exercise.
From wiki:
"The gymnasium in Ancient Greece functioned as a training facility for competitors in public games. It was also a place for socializing and engaging in intellectual pursuits. The name comes from the Ancient Greek term gymnós meaning "naked". Athletes competed nude, a practice said to encourage aesthetic appreciation of the male body and a tribute to the gods."

I find tumble-drying better than hanging on the line. Whether I've worn them to the gym or not is irrelevant, if my clothes stay damp for a good while after a wash they end up a bit musty.

Essien

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Ah lads that's rotten.

I wash my gym clothes after every session and I don't even sweat that much.

^^this this this^^

How would you wear gym gear again after training but not washing it...stinking!

Alf Veedersane

Essien wrote: »

How would you wear gym gear again after training but not washing it...stinking!

I'm lazy and I've a terrible sense of smell

endacl

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

I'm lazy and I've a terrible sense of smell

I have a great sense of smell, and I might use the same gym as you. Wash yer gear, ye manky git?

:P

rubadub

Deleted User wrote: »

I find tumble-drying better than hanging on the line.

This is why I was asking earlier, I reckon the heat kills the bacteria. Fresh sweat does not really smell, its the bacteria thats meant to give off smell later.

I remember now I was given some lidl sport shirt which was meant to have silver in it to kill germs.

I'm surprised I was the only 1 to mention bleach, a very cheap thing to use and very powerful even when diluted a lot.

RidleyRider

Just dedicate clothes to the gym if that's the way you wanna go about it but obviously have more than one pair of everything you need. Common sense really.

traco

irelandspurs wrote: »

wash the gym bag your putting the clean clothes back into.

The gym bag is clean - no smells at all in it and 95% of the time I wear the workout gear home and shower there. I have a plastic seat cover so car is always clean :rolleyes:

RidleyRider wrote: »

Just dedicate clothes to the gym if that's the way you wanna go about it but obviously have more than one pair of everything you need. Common sense really.

I do that - 5 shorts and 5 T's all just for gym use.

Here's a piece from menshealth re the Techie fibres:
http://www.menshealth.com/best-life/gym-shirt-smells#.

and another one about washing them using vinegar and baking soda which definitely improves them but is a pain in the a$$
http://jezebel.com/what-to-do-when-your-gym-clothes-reek-1141402734

The dryer definitely makes it worse, and its only eveident at the end of a session when cooling down, stretching and tidying up, Thing is that it is usually then that I can be chatting to people and I pick up on it- so maybe I'm just being too aware of it.

I drink loads of water 2-3l per day, someone mentioned earlier about wetting / steaming them and seeing what happens. Might try that and report back.

Its not the end of world, was hoping somebody might have found a simple solution like a powerful detergent that would hav done the trick but doesn't seem like it so I'll keep searching.

Gummy Panda

endacl wrote: »

Smelliness is an unavoidable consequence of the introduction of clothing to exercise.
From wiki:
"The gymnasium in Ancient Greece functioned as a training facility for competitors in public games. It was also a place for socializing and engaging in intellectual pursuits. The name comes from the Ancient Greek term gymnós meaning "naked". Athletes competed nude, a practice said to encourage aesthetic appreciation of the male body and a tribute to the gods."

Spartan women would train naked outdoors and jump, drumming their buttock with their heels.

I know... I seen it in a porno.

SpaceCowb0y

Gummy Panda wrote: »

Spartan women would train naked outdoors and jump, drumming their buttock with their heels.

I know... I seen it in a porno.

eh... have you got that name of that *cough* movie??

Triangla

Make sure to buy cheap plain T's that you dedicate just to working out.

I refreshed my gym gear recently. I bought 10 poly tees in penny's for €4 each. All black and plain. Bought black shoe liners there too (lower than ankle socks) 5 pairs for €6.

I get black shorts whenever I see them reduced in TK Maxx or sports shop.

I wear this stuff in the gym and nowhere else. You wouldn't I've notice theyre cheap as f*ck. I see people wear expensive clothes to the gym and just do not get it as to why.

Just rotate your T's so you're not wearing the same one or two over and over again. There will always be a bit of a faint whiff but within 10 mins of working out you'll be stinking of sweat anyway.

maguic24

traco wrote: »

Whats the best detergent / method / old wives tale or whatever way you've found to wash gym gear.

I train 4/5 times a week and gear does be soaking in sweat at the end of each session. By the time I cool down and get back to the house there is a distinctive whiff from the gear and no matter how I wash it, very hot, antibactreial this and that, soak in vinegar and baking soad etc it comes back. BTW its washed each time its worn before anyone gets smart.

Its all technical wicking stuff and wonder if the only solution is to bin it and switch to cotton but as its all in decent nick and not the cheapest I was hoping someone has a solution.

I run a good bit, 3 or 4 times a week and there is fair whiff of my clothes when I come back but I only EVER wash them once a week. I always shower after a run, so what's the biggie?

Call me nasty, but I don't see the point in washing my clothes after every run.

rubadub

rubadub wrote: »

This is why I was asking earlier, I reckon the heat kills the bacteria. Fresh sweat does not really smell, its the bacteria thats meant to give off smell later.

I dunno tbh, it's more of a "damp" smell that gets into them. Not just gym gear either.


Really don't know how anyone can put on sweaty gym gear the next day or whatever.

Stench Blossoms

maguic24 wrote: »

I run a good bit, 3 or 4 times a week and there is fair whiff of my clothes when I come back but I only EVER wash them once a week. I always shower after a run, so what's the biggie?

Call me nasty, but I don't see the point in washing my clothes after every run.

Nasty.

maguic24

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

Nasty.

I expected you to stand in sweat solidarity with me, Stench Blossoms. You're not true to your name.

Teyla Emmagan

endacl wrote: »

I have a great sense of smell, and I might use the same gym as you. Wash yer gear, ye manky git?

:P

I swore I'd get into a bit of weightlifting this year, but have been 5 times so far. I pack up and head in with the best of intentions, but once I smell the stench out of the gym I just veer off to the pool.

I have a great sense of smell and the smell of dirty clothes once they heat up again just makes it difficult for me to breathe!

Wash 'em! Boil wash 'em! Be considerate!

Phill Ewinn

Not enough water in the machine maybe?. Pet hate of mine. New washing machines, eco friendly, complete rubbish. Add another ten litres of water to the wash. Use non bio formula.

Holsten

Wash them as fast as possible.

And don't leave them in the washer/dryer after their done, take them out as soon as you can.

thegreatiam

If its the Nike dri fit type clothes then just wash it with water. Detergents clog up the wicking materials and stop the effect. So they will hold the stink more. Water just flushes it out better.

Or just get cheap cotton tshirts and wash as usual.

And if you're lifting weights cotton is better . Dri fit type material, Man made synthetics are slippery that's the last thing you want with heavy weights. Leave the synthetics for your cardio drudgery. The bright colours help keep you entertained on the treadmill

SpaceCowb0y

Never wash your gym gear.. just let it fester away until things start growing on it and eventually you might grow yourself a spotter!

traco

thegreatiam wrote: »

If its the Nike dri fit type clothes then just wash it with water. Detergents clog up the wicking materials and stop the effect. So they will hold the stink more. Water just flushes it out better.

Or just get cheap cotton tshirts and wash as usual.

I'll ditch the detergents, do the vinegar baking soda soak to break down the oils and see if that helps.

Brilliant on the grow your own spotter

Failing that it'll be Pennys best from here on in and I won't get sucked in by marketing rubbish again.

endacl

Completely off topic, but what's the craic with the floppy woolly hats in the gym? I'm seeing them more and more. Just how much do people need to sweat?!?

Celly Smunt

endacl wrote: »

Completely off topic, but what's the craic with the floppy woolly hats in the gym? I'm seeing them more and more. Just how much do people need to sweat?!?

These are usually the chaps who shave their legs and pluck their eyebrows in my gym.

kingshankly

Getting it out of the gym bag early instead of it lying and festering in it is the key
Fresh sweat doesn't smell it's the stale stuff that stinks
Somebody wearing unwashed gear in a gym shouldn't be let train