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How To Remove Sweat Smells From Clothes
August 13, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
Activewear is great for workouts. They’re made from synthetic fabrics, which is not only lightweight but is also durable with moisture-wicking abilities.
Like all clothing, however, it can get smelly, especially if you’ve been exercising at the gym.
Don’t worry, though, because it’s possible to remove the musty smells – you just need to know how and that’s exactly what we’ll be going over below.
Keep reading to learn more!
The Best Ways to Remove Sweat Smells from Clothes
There are several ways to fix sweaty clothes – from pretreating the fabric with detergent to using DIY options such as rubbing alcohol and vinegar.
Pre-treat the Problem Area with Detergent
ACTIVE Detergent is great for removing odors. Here’s how you can use it.
Step 1: Prep the Garment
Start by turning the garment inside out – that will allow you to check for any discoloration or greasy textures. Pay extra attention to the neck, armpits, and groin areas.
Step 2: Create a Detergent Mixture
Fill a tub or a sink with warm water. Mix in a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and gently agitate the liquid with your hand to mix.
Step 3: Soak the Garment
Place your garment in the tub, making sure that the problem area is completely submerged. Allow it to soak for a couple of hours (more if necessary).
Wash the item as normal either by hand or by machine.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
You can pre-treat multiple items at the same time as long as you’ve sorted out the colors.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Powder laundry detergent specifically designed for removing sweat odors from clothes.
Use White Vinegar to Get Rid of Sweat Odors
Vinegar is a great alternative if your clothes smell musty.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Water
Step 1:
Mix one cup of vinegar with a bit of water in the sink. Place your garment in once the solution is thoroughly mixed.
Allow it to soak for at least one hour.
Step 2:
After soaking, rinse the vinegar off with clean water. Wash as normal by hand or by the washing machine – that should leave your clothes smelling fresh.
You can also add vinegar to the washing machine. Instead of laundry detergent, pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar directly into the basin.
Apply Rubbing Alcohol to the Problem Area
Rubbing alcohol is often used to clean and disinfect minor cuts and wounds.
But did you know that it can also be used to eliminate smells? It will kill the odor-causing bacteria on the fabric, therefore eliminating the odor.
Supplies:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Spray bottle
Step 1:
Pour undiluted rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle.
Step 2:
After washing and drying the garment, spray the problem area with rubbing alcohol.
Unlike vinegar and detergent, you don’t want to apply the rubbing alcohol onto damp clothes – it works best if the fabric is dry.
For the best results, use 70% rubbing alcohol.
Pre-Treating With Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is similar to rubbing alcohol in that it is typically used as an antiseptic on the skin. However, it can also be used to tackle stubborn stains and odors.
Supplies:
- Water
- Hydrogen peroxide
Step 1:
Fill a small tub or container with warm water pour in half to one cup of hydrogen peroxide, and swirl to mix.
Step 2:
Place your clothes in the tub, making sure that the fabric is properly submerged in the mixture.
Allow it to soak for at least one hour (overnight is fine too if the item is excessively dirty).
Step 3:
Check to see if the odor is still present after soaking. If it is, repeat the above steps.
Like rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide will effectively kill all of the bacteria that are causing the musty smell.
For the best results, use a three percent solution (you can find it at nearly any drugstore).
Applying Baking Soda to Your Clothes
The great thing about this method is that most of us already have the main ingredient at home – and it can be highly effective.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Soft bristle brush
Step 1:
In a small bowl, mix a tablespoon of the powder with a bit of warm water to create a paste.
Step 2:
Identify the problem area on your garment and apply the paste to the fabric using a soft brush.
If necessary, turn the item inside out.
Step 3:
Allow the paste to dry completely; it shouldn’t take more than an hour.
Once it’s dry, brush off the powder with a brush. Wash the garment as normal with detergent.
Alternatively, you can place your garments in a large garbage bag and pour in half a cup of baking soda. Shake for a few minutes to distribute the powder, then let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Create a Paste with Uncoated Aspirin
Uncoated aspirin can also be used to eliminate unpleasant odors.
Supplies:
- Non-coated aspirin
- Cream of tartar (optional)
- Small bowl
- Warm water
- Old toothbrush
Step 1:
Buy a bottle of non-coated aspirin. Take out a few tablets and grind them into a powder in a small bowl.
Step 2:
Add a cup of warm water and mix to create a paste. For extra deodorizing power, you can also add a teaspoon of cream of tartar.
Step 3:
Using an old toothbrush, carefully apply the paste onto the problem area (e.g. underarm, groin, neck, etc). Make sure the spot is completely covered.
Step 4:
Let the paste sit on the fabric for at least 30 minutes.
The salicylic acid in the aspirin will penetrate the fabric, allowing it to break down the stain, which in return, will eliminate the smell.
Do not use coated aspirin tablets – it will not give the same results.
Use Table Salt
Salt is incredibly versatile and when used properly, can help to get rid of musty-smelling clothes.
Supplies:
- Warm water
- Table salt
- Large tub
Step 1:
Start by filling a tub or a container with warm water.
Add half a cup of table salt and dissolve the compound by mixing the liquid with your hands.
Step 2:
Place the garment in the tub once the solution is thoroughly mixed, ensuring that the problem area is completely submerged in the salt mixture.
Step 3:
Allow the garment to soak for at least 30 minutes (longer if necessary). The salt should help to lift the odor.
Launder the item as normal.
Tips on How to Prevent Sweat Smells on Clothes
Here are a few things that you can do to prevent musty smells from developing on your clothes.
Air Out Your Clothes
Airing out your clothes will help prevent the build-up of moisture, something that contaminants love.
Never leave your dirty clothes in a pile on the floor – that will only encourage the odors from developing, which will lead to a sweat smell. Hang them up instead.
Do Not Use Too Much Detergent
Laundry detergent is great, but you don’t want to add too much to your clothes, otherwise, they can do more harm than good.
For one thing, it’ll cause the fabric to cling to grime and dirt, both of which can result in odors.
The same goes for fabric softener; using too much can also cause odors to develop.
Never Leave Your Laundry in the Machine For Long Periods
Take your laundry out as soon as possible once the wash cycle is complete.
Never leave them in the washing machine overnight; the moisture levels inside the washer can easily cause foul smells to develop within the fabric.
Wash Damp Clothing Immediately
Damp clothing should be washed immediately – that will help to prevent the development of odors. At the very least, let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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