It’s Mid-January and you are holding strong to your resolutions, feeling fit, sexy and…sweaty. Whether you are new to the workout scene or have well-used gear that you have loved since college, those Zella leggings and Nike tanks suffer from your hard work…they stink! Even after washing, they continue to have a musty smell that is hard to tackle! Until now :) I have detailed your solution below and believe me, it works! Clothes came out smelling fresh and clean, with zero resemblance of that gross smell even after a 60 minute spin class (I only write about methods I actually try!).
First of all, it is IDEAL to wash your clothes immediately after you wear them…but let’s face it, you typically stuff them into your gym bag or wear them for the next 4-6 hours and then eventually get to it when it’s time to run a load of laundry. Here’s the problem with that – your super cute workout clothes produce mold and mildew spores when piled into a ball of hot mess.
So…I know you are busy, but I highly recommend if at all possible to either hang your clothes in the sun to dry – UV rays are awesome for killing bacteria – (this option is more difficult for me as the PNW can be kind of cloudy or rainy this time of year-surprise I know) or soaking for 30 minutes in a solution of ONE PART White Distilled Vinegar & 4 PARTS Water. I chose the soaking method (see below), throwing all of my recent workout clothes in the bathtub.
*WARNING: Do NOT mix vinegar with bleach as this creates a toxic chlorine gas.
After the 30 minute soak, I wrung out the clothes in the bathtub and transported to my HE Washing Machine. For additional cleaning power, replace half of your laundry detergent with the ever so amazing baking soda. Wash on the hottest setting that your fabrics allow. I used the “Sanitize” option for my washer.
Theoretically, the next step would be to throw your clothes in the dryer in the hottest setting that your fabrics allow. I, however, hang dry almost ALL of my clothes (they last longer!) and the clothes still came out smelling FRESH! Another tip if you decide to put your dryer to use: Decrease or eliminate fabric softener, this can accumulate residue (not to mention has unnecessary chemicals). When I do dry some of my clothes, I always use Eco Nuts Wool Dryer Balls scented with essential oils like lavender or lemon.
Definitely try this method and let me know what you think or if you have any questions! Now I must know…what item in your workout wear can you absolutely not live without?! I would have to say I am OBSESSED with C9 by Champion Sports Bras from Target…I’ve tried the fancy ones but always come back to these inexpensive faves :)
XOXO Portia