Ever pull your favorite workout shirt out of the wash, only to have that lingering, funky smell hit you right in the face? You just finished a tough session, you’re clean, but your clothes don’t feel truly clean. That stubborn odor, often called “permastink,” plagues dedicated gym-goers everywhere. We buy special moisture-wicking fabrics, but regular detergents often fail to break down the sweat and bacteria trapped deep inside those synthetic fibers.
Choosing the right soap for your activewear is more complicated than just grabbing the cheapest bottle off the shelf. Strong chemicals can damage expensive technical fabrics, while weak formulas just mask the smell temporarily. You need a detergent that actually attacks the source of the funk without ruining your gear.
This post cuts through the marketing hype. We will explain exactly what ingredients matter, what to avoid, and which specialized detergents truly conquer gym grime. Get ready to say goodbye to embarrassing post-wash odors for good. Let’s dive into finding the perfect detergent to keep your athletic wardrobe fresh and ready for your next PR!
Top Detergent For Gym Clothes Recommendations
- LAUNDRY DETERGENT ADDITIVE: Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to every wash, in the fabric softener drawer, to sanitize and deodorize smelly laundry. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills many bad odors that detergents leave behind.
- COLOR SAFE BLEACH ALTERNATIVE: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a bleach alternative that effectively kills 99.9% of bacteria, without the harshness of bleach. It's gentle on fabrics, effective in cold water, and is safe to use on colors and whites.
- LYSOL LAUNDRY SANITIZER: Better than in-wash scent boosters that just mask bad odors. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills the odor causing bacteria that laundry detergents alone can leave behind, even in cold water Can be used in standard and HE machines.
- ODOR ELIMINATOR FOR STRONG ODOR: Say goodbye to stubborn odors with Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, an advanced formula designed to act as an effective odor eliminator for even the toughest smells, leaving your clothes smelling fresh after every wash.
- HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS and CLEANING SUPPLIES: Lysol is a leader in disinfection. Shop our range of household cleaning supplies including disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaners, air sanitizers, and disinfectant sprays. The best protection is prevention
- One 166.5 fl oz bottle of ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Laundry Detergent, Fresh Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent cleans 128 medium loads when used as directed
- Triple-power HE laundry detergent fights tough odors, blasts away stains and boosts freshness so your clothes look and smell their best
- With trusted ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda plus an odor fighter, this HE laundry detergent is formulated to deeply clean clothes and deliver lasting freshness
- Laundry stain remover forces out stubborn stains and nasty odors using OxiClean Stain Fighters to remove stains like food, grass, grease and more
- Odor Blasters fights tough smells like body odor, sweat and musty towels and leave clothes with a lasting Fresh Burst scent
- LAUNDRY DETERGENT ADDITIVE: Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to every wash, in the fabric softener drawer, to sanitize and deodorize smelly laundry. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills many bad odors that detergents leave behind.
- COLOR SAFE BLEACH ALTERNATIVE: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a bleach alternative that effectively kills 99.9% of bacteria, without the harshness of bleach. It's gentle on fabrics, effective in cold water, and is safe to use on colors and whites.
- LYSOL LAUNDRY SANITIZER: Better than in-wash scent boosters that just mask bad odors. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills the odor causing bacteria that laundry detergents alone can leave behind, even in cold water Can be used in standard and HE machines.
- ODOR ELIMINATOR FOR STRONG ODOR: Say goodbye to stubborn odors with Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, an advanced formula designed to act as an effective odor eliminator for even the toughest smells, leaving your clothes smelling fresh after every wash.
- HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS and CLEANING SUPPLIES: Lysol is a leader in disinfection. Shop our range of household cleaning supplies including disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaners, air sanitizers, and disinfectant sprays. The best protection is prevention
- Made in USA - Our powdered detergent is scientifically formulated with all natural plant-based enzymes that remove and eliminate smells generated from sweat in fitness and gym clothes
- Specialized Formula- The specialized laundry detergent for men's or women's athletic clothing compatible with your favorite brands activewear
- Workout Clothes Detergent - Remove smells from workout shirts, shorts, bras, tank tops, leggings, yoga pants, uniforms, jerseys, compression underwear, jock strap, and socks
- Plant Based - ACTIVE is free from SLS free, phosphate free, gluten-free, septic safe. Made with plant based enzymes
- Save Money - Concentrated formula provides a bulk value of 90 loads per bag! ACTIVE laundry detergent extends your clothes lifespan and protects them for the long run!
- Breaks Down Sweat and Odors - Our activewear laundry detergent uses plant-based enzymes to tackle sweat, body oils, and odor at the source. A powerful laundry odor eliminator that keeps gym clothes, leggings, and workout gear fresh.
- Protects Performance Fabrics - This sports laundry detergent is specially formulated to clean high-tech fabrics and microfibers while helping maintain stretch, breathability, and long-lasting wear so your favorite activewear stays in top condition, wash after wash.
- Free from Harsh Additives - Our unscented laundry detergent is safe for sensitive skin when used as directed. Free from SLS, SLES, dyes, phosphates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, it keeps the clothes closest to your skin soft and comfortable after every wash.
- Concentrated Cleaning Power - One 45 oz bag lasts up to 90 loads. Just 1 scoop of our athletic laundry detergent delivers a deep clean, while an extra scoop boosts odor removal. Works in all washing machines, including HE, making it convenient for both home laundry rooms and gym facilities. Doubles as a pre-soak.
- Formulated with Care - Made with mineral- and plant-based ingredients in a GMP-certified facility, and never tested on animals. A thoughtful active wear laundry detergent designed to care for your clothes and your family.
- ELIMINATES 99.9% OF BACTERIA AND VIRUSES*: Including the Covid-19 virus.** *Use as directed. **Eliminates SARS-COV-2 during pre-soak conditions in 5 minutes. EPA Reg No.777-128
- ELIMINATES ODOR CAUSING BACTERIA FROM SPORTS CLOTHES AND ACTIVEWEAR: Use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to remove bad smells and sanitize gym clothes, towels, jerseys and uniforms.
- CONTAINS 0% BLEACH, GENTLE ON FABRICS: Bleach and Phosphate free. Gentle on most fabrics, including whites and colors. Can be used in cold water
- EASY TO USE, WORKS IN ALL STANDARD & HE MACHINES: Add to the Fabric Softener compartment or during the rinse cycle to sanitize laundry and eliminate odor causing bacteria
- LEADERS IN DISINFECTION: Looking for some of our other great disinfectant products? Try our Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol Disinfectant Sprays and Lysol All Purpose Cleaners
- NANOVASIVE ODOR ANNIHILATION: Revolutionary liquid laundry detergent that penetrates deep into performance fabrics to destroy the toughest odors. It eliminates sweat stench, armpit funk and nasty gym smell permanently.
- ENGINEERED FOR ATHLETES: This powerful washing detergent liquid is specially formulated for activewear, sportswear, moisture-wicking gear, compression clothing, and breathable textiles that regular laundry soap can't handle.
- RESTORES FABRIC LIKE NEW: Ultra-concentrated clothes detergent exfoliates embedded sweat, oils, and grime from the tiniest crevices of technical fabrics. Your training gear will look, feel, and perform like it's brand new.
- GENTLE POWER, NO HARSH CHEMICALS: Natural laundry detergent for sensitive skin that's tough on stains but gentle on fabrics is organic. No dyes, heavy perfumes, or irritants that affect athletes with allergies or sensitivities.
- ANTI-STATIC & RESIDUE-FREE: This clean laundry detergent liquid leaves no buildup on clothes or washing machines. Extends fabric life, protects your gear's performance properties, and keeps colors vibrant wash after wash
- THE EXTREME ODOR AND STAIN ELIMINATOR: FunkAway Laundry Detergent Booster is designed to defunk and unsoil whatever you put in your washing machine.
- WORKS ON TRAPPED-IN ODORS: Add the odor eliminator detergent booster to your regular laundry cycle and eliminate all kinds of extreme stink. Removes sweat, mildew and even skunk odors.
- REMOVES STUBBORN STAINS: FunkAway's detergent booster removes tough stains from sports uniforms, gym clothes, pet bedding, bed linens, towels and anything else you use for hard work and play.
- POWERFUL AND COMPATIBLE FORMULA: FunkAway's exclusive OM Complex eliminates the toughest odors at the source. Safe for all fabrics and compatible with both regular and High-Effeciency (HE) washing machines, FunkAway is guaranteed to work.
- LIVE A FUNK-FREE LIFE: Shop our full catalog of odor elimination products to control everything from car odors to sweat smells and more.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Gym Clothes Detergent
Your gym clothes work hard. They soak up sweat and odor. Regular detergent might not cut it. You need a special soap made for workout gear. This guide helps you pick the best one. It keeps your leggings and shirts smelling fresh and lasting longer.
Key Features to Look For
When buying detergent for your sweaty gear, check for these important things:
Odor Elimination Power
- Enzyme Action: Look for detergents with enzymes. These tiny helpers eat away the odor-causing bacteria trapped deep in the fabric fibers.
- Long-Lasting Freshness: The best soaps leave a clean scent that stays, even after your next intense workout.
Fabric Care
- Gentle on Synthetics: Modern gym wear uses special fabrics like spandex, polyester, and nylon. The detergent must clean without damaging these stretchy materials.
- Residue Free: Good detergents rinse out completely. Leftover soap residue clogs the fabric pores. This makes clothes feel stiff and hold onto odors faster.
Concentration and Efficiency
- High Concentration: Concentrated formulas mean you use less soap per load. This saves money and reduces plastic packaging.
- Cold Water Effectiveness: Many gym clothes should be washed in cold water to protect the stretch. Ensure the detergent works great in cold cycles.
Important Materials in Gym Detergents
The ingredients matter a lot. What makes a gym detergent different from regular laundry soap?
Active Cleaning Agents
- Surfactants: These are the main cleaning ingredients. They lift dirt and oil away from the fabric surface. Look for plant-derived surfactants for a gentler clean.
- Enzymes (Protease, Amylase, Lipase): These are essential for gym clothes. They break down sweat proteins, starches, and body oils that regular soap misses.
What to Avoid
- Fabric Softeners: Never use liquid fabric softeners on athletic wear. Softeners coat the fibers. This stops the fabric from wicking sweat away, making the clothes less effective.
- Heavy Perfumes: While a light scent is nice, strong perfumes can irritate skin. They also sometimes mask odors instead of truly eliminating them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the detergent directly impacts your clothes’ lifespan.
Quality Boosters
- pH Neutral Formulas: A balanced pH level cleans effectively without breaking down the elastic fibers in your gear. Higher quality detergents maintain this balance.
- Stain Fighters: Good formulas include ingredients that specifically target oil and protein stains left by sweat.
Quality Reducers
- Bleach and Harsh Chemicals: Chlorine bleach severely damages spandex and elastic, causing clothes to lose their shape quickly. Avoid these for workout gear.
- Too Much Soap: Using too much detergent is a common mistake. Excess soap builds up in the fabric. This trapped soap attracts more dirt and odor. Always follow the recommended dosage on the bottle.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does this detergent perform in real life?
Best Use Cases
- Heavy Sweat Sessions: For marathon runners or intense HIIT classes, a specialized detergent is crucial for full odor removal.
- Delicates and Layers: Use it for washing delicate sports bras or compression gear that need extra gentle handling while still needing a deep clean.
What Users Report
Most users report that specialized gym detergents leave clothes feeling lighter and softer than when using standard detergent. They also note that the “stale gym bag smell” disappears completely after washing. If you wash your gear immediately after use, the cleaning process is easiest.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Gym Clothes Detergent
Q: Can I use regular laundry detergent on my gym clothes?
A: You can, but it often leaves behind odors and residue. Regular detergents are not designed to break down sweat proteins trapped in synthetic fibers as well as specialized formulas.
Q: Do I need to pre-soak my super sweaty clothes?
A: Pre-soaking helps, especially for very smelly items. Soak them for 30 minutes in cool water with a small capful of gym detergent before running the wash cycle.
Q: Should I wash my gym clothes in hot water?
A: No. Hot water damages the elasticity (stretch) in fabrics like spandex and Lycra. Always use cold or cool water settings.
Q: Is it better to use liquid or powder detergent for gym wear?
A: Liquid detergents are generally preferred. They dissolve better in cold water and are less likely to leave behind white powdery residue on dark athletic wear.
Q: How much detergent should I use?
A: Use less than you think! Most specialized detergents are concentrated. Use only the amount recommended for a small or medium load, even if the machine looks full.
Q: Will this detergent make my colored sports bras fade?
A: High-quality gym detergents are usually color-safe. Avoid using any product containing chlorine bleach to keep colors vibrant.
Q: Does this detergent work well for hand washing?
A: Yes. Dilute a very small amount of the liquid detergent in a basin of cool water. Gently swish the clothes, rinse thoroughly, and avoid wringing them out aggressively.
Q: How often should I wash my workout clothes?
A: You should wash them after every single use. Leaving sweat on the fabric allows bacteria to grow and embed deep into the fibers.
Q: Are enzyme-based detergents safe for sensitive skin?
A: Most are safe, but always check the label. If you have very sensitive skin, choose a formula that is dye-free and hypoallergenic.
Q: Can I use this detergent if I have a High-Efficiency (HE) washing machine?
A: Yes. Most modern gym detergents are specifically made to be HE-compatible, meaning they create low suds, which is necessary for these machines.