Washing your workout clothes isn’t the same as cleaning your everyday clothing. The former has unique properties that make traditional detergent a less-than-ideal choice.
In fact, using regular laundry soap can do more harm than good to your favorite yoga pants or running shirt. For one thing, these detergents often leave behind residue, which traps sweat and oils and causes those persistent unpleasant smells.
Sport laundry detergent, on the other hand, is specifically formulated to deal with these types of clothes.
The Unique Nature of Activewear Clothing
Activewear is made of performance fabrics, which play a pivotal role in activities such as running or yoga.
Take polyester and spandex, for example, they’re known for their durability. The latter also provides remarkable elasticity that allows it to retain its shape even after rigorous stretching, making them ideal for workout clothes.
Cleaning these synthetic fibers, however, can be challenging compared to natural ones such as cotton.
The Challenge with Synthetic Fibers
Unlike cotton, synthetic fibers don’t release dirt easily. This is largely due to their structure, which traps oil-based substances, including skin oils (sebum) or sweat, and that can lead to body odor.
It also affects the efficacy of traditional laundry detergents in that they’re unable to penetrate deeply into the tightly woven structures.
The Limitations of Regular Detergents
While traditional liquid laundry detergent works well for regular fabrics like cotton, they face challenges when it comes to activewear.
How Regular Detergents Leave Residue Behind
Synthetic fibers in athletic wear repel water while attracting oil-based substances like sweat.
As a result, conventional detergents are not fully rinsed out during the wash cycle. This leaves behind a layer of soap molecules, which traps dirt, skin cells, and sweat over time. The is especially true if you add fabric softener.
This buildup will not only lead to persistent smells but can also cause skin irritation. What’s worse, is that the problem exacerbates each time you do laundry using these regular soaps.
Degrading Fabric Integrity Over Time
Regular laundry detergent can also cause the fabrics to degrade over time.
By exposing them to harsh cleaning agents that are present in standard detergent, the fibers will be weakened prematurely.
Faded colors, loss of elasticity, and reduced moisture-wicking capabilities are just a few examples of how traditional detergents can degrade sports clothes.
So while traditional detergents might seem good enough at first glance, they simply aren’t up to the task of keeping our activewear in the best condition long term.
The Power of ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Activewear laundry detergent such as the one by ACTIVE is a revolutionary product for cleaning performance fabrics.
Unlike its regular counterparts, it’s engineered to delve deep into synthetic fibers to effectively remove sweat and odor-causing agents that often escape regular detergents.
For one thing, it features enzymes that are capable of breaking down organic matter such as body oils and perspiration. This means it’ll have no problem eradicating stubborn stains from your smelly workout clothes.
The Importance of Enzymes
One thing that sets ACTIVE Laundry Detergent apart from the rest is the fact that it contains plant-based enzymes.
These natural substances accelerate chemical reactions – specifically those required to break down complex molecules found in sweat and oil. That is, they’re able to break them down into smaller compounds that can easily be washed away with water.
Different kinds of dirt are targeted by different enzymes: protease for protein-related stains like blood or sweat, lipase for fat- or oil-related grime, and amylase for starch-connected muck.
ACTIVE laundry Detergent uses a combination of these specialized agents, which means it provides unmatched cleaning capability compared to its regular counterparts, when it comes to washing synthetic materials.
Not only is ACTIVE a powerful cleaner, but it’s also free of harsh chemicals that could irritate the skin and damage fabric integrity over time.
Why Our Activewear Laundry Detergent Outperforms Regular Detergent
It’s Versatile
Our sports detergent’s unique formula allows it to work seamlessly with all washers, including high-efficiency models.
The granules dissolve completely during each wash cycle, ensuring optimal cleaning power while reducing residue.
No Residue Left Behind
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent will not leave behind any harmful residue on your clothes. This makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
What Types of Workout Clothes Can You Clean With ACTIVE Detergent?
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent is specifically designed to clean manmade fibers, which are commonly used in athletic wear.
Here are some items that our activewear laundry detergent excels at cleaning.
Leggings and Yoga Pants
The stretchy fabric in leggings and yoga pants often traps sweat, leaving them smelling less than fresh after a workout session.
The plant-based enzymes in ACTIVE detergent work efficiently at removing odors trapped within these technical fabrics.
Workout Shirts & Shorts
Your workout clothes take quite a beating during intense workouts, and can accumulate tough stains from sweat and dirt.
Unlike traditional detergents, which often leave behind residue on performance fabrics, ACTIVE Laundry Detergent removes smells without harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances.
Sports Bras & Compression Gear
Athletic apparel such as sports bras and compression gear need special care due to their snug fit against the skin, which means they absorb more sweat.
ACTIVE Detergent is the best choice for these types of garments as it’s capable of removing the embedded filth effectively while maintaining the integrity of the fabric fibers.
Socks, Underwear & Jock Straps
Fabric softeners found in regular detergents can ruin sportswear materials like those used for socks, underwear, or jock straps by reducing their ability to wick away moisture; this can lead to bad odors over time.
With ACTIVE Laundry Detergent, however, your clothes will retain their moisture-wicking properties.
Towels & Bed Sheets
You may not consider towels and bed sheets as part of your activewear, but think again!
They come into contact with body oils just like workout clothes do, which makes ACTIVE Detergent a good option as it will remove all oil residues that could lead to unpleasant smells over time.
Finding the Best Laundry Detergent for Activewear
When it comes to washing clothes, you want to make sure to choose the right detergent. Remember, it’s not just about getting clothes clean; it’s also about maintaining fabric integrity and extending the lifespan of your athletic apparel.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent is known for eradicating sweat and oils that are embedded deep in synthetic fibers and can also be used as a stain remover on technical fabrics such as polyester or spandex.
Our activewear laundry detergent is also cost-effective at just over 30 cents per small HE (high-efficiency) load. This makes it a budget-friendly choice if you’re using high-efficiency washing machines frequently to wash your sports garments.
Its eco-friendly formula also uses biodegradable ingredients sans harmful chemicals or artificial fragrances.
If you are sensitive towards strong scents then ACTIVE is a great choice due to its neutral, scentless smell profile. It will leave your clothes smelling fresh after every wash cycle without covering up odors with strong fragrances.
Common Questions About Activewear Laundry Detergent
How is sports detergent different from traditional laundry detergents?
Sports detergent is specially formulated to penetrate manmade fabrics, which means it’s highly effective at removing sweat and odor-causing oils – things that regular detergents struggle with.
Not only that but it can also be used to remove sweat stains.
Which type of detergents are more effective?
Powdered sports detergents such as the one by ACTIVE tend to be more effective as they have a longer shelf life and work well with high-efficiency washing machines.
Does active wear laundry detergent work?
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent uses plant-based enzymes to target organic filth like sweat and bad odors, leaving your gym clothes fresh.
Is there really a difference between laundry detergents?
Yes, regular detergents can leave residue on synthetic fabrics. Activewear detergents, on the other hand, don’t have this issue, which makes them better for workout gear.
Should I use warm or hot water with ACTIVE Detergent?
Activewear Laundry Detergent is formulated so that it will completely dissolve in all water temperatures.
Can I add fabric softener when I’m washing my active wear?
Fabric softener is not recommended. It will leave behind a waxy layer on the fabric, which will hinder its ability to wick away moisture.
ACTIVE’s Home Cleaning Solutions
If you’re dealing with odors and grime in other places in your home like your appliances, ACTIVE has you covered.
We have concentrated cleaning products for specific appliances like your washing machine, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and more. See what we have to offer!
Casandra –
I was excited to try this product for my frequent workouts, but it fell short. It didn’t eliminate odors from my running gear at all. Returng it and wouldn’t recommend.
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Todd –
This stuff really works, but soaking is essential! My scrubs were in terrible shape, and I felt like I smelled awful halfway through the day. I tried everything…various deodorants, LUME, baking soda, and vinegar soaks…but nothing worked. Then I discovered this product. I used four scoops and soaked my scrubs for three hours. It was a game-changer! I still sweat, but now I don’t smell. I even bought a bag for each of my clinic staff. Many reviews highlight that the key is to soak long enough for the enzymes to do their job, so don’t skip that step! After soaking, just wash normally, and the odor won’t return.
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Colt –
We have this on auto-ship and love it, especially for post-run laundry as it effectively removes odors. Unfortunately, the last shipment wasn’t sealed properly, spilling some product inside the box. The box looked fine, but the heat seal failed upon opening. Fortunately, the sturdy ziploc is still workal, but perhaps the delivery was too harsh for the packaging.
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Pam –
Wrked well for sportswear odors, effectively cleaning without adding scents. My husband is hppy with the odor removal. After several loads, we’re switching brands. I appreciate the minimal packaging too. Give it a try; you’ll be impressed.
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Fred –
I had a karate top plagued by persistent armpit odor. Despite washing it, the smell returned quickly. I attempted baking soda and vinegar soaks without success. Skeptical, I presoaked it in the washer with 2 scoops of Active Wear for 30 minutes before washing. To my surprise, the odor issue vanished after just one treatment. This product is incredible!
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Joel –
i started as a skeptic but needed a solution for my uniforms, which often smell like I just returned from the field after intense trining. Despite multiple washes, the odor lingers. I decided to try this product, which arrived in simple packaging resembling a ba g of almonds and had a small, pleasantly fragrant scoop. I gathered two moisture-wicking t-shirts two poly-cotton shirts and yoga pants, then filled my sink with hot water and added the scoop of Active for an experiment. I filled three glasses to monitor effectiveness: one right after dissolving, one after 30 minutes of soaking, and another after 90 minutes, during which I scrubbed the underarms. Encouraged, I washed two uniforms and am currently wearing one. After three hours, everything smells fresh. If odors return, I’ll soak them again. I’ll provide an update later!
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Evan Ballard –
My dog has serious odor issues due to a persistent skin fungus. I’m tossing out her $20 dog beds about once a month because the smell is so tough to tackle. I’ve tried major brands like Tide and Febreze, but they just mask the odor with fake scents. I don’t understand how people think Febreze works. I found a hunting spray called Scent Killer Gold that helps a bit, but my dog loves this one blanket, so I can’t throw it out. I took it to a laundromat and used industrial washers, extra detergent, bleach, and Lysol disinfectant, but the smell barely faded. I had to hide it during the day and only give it to her at night. Then I discovered a detergent for hunting clothes and decided to try it on the blanket. To my surprise, it worked absolutely NO SMELL, without any added perfume. It even tackled tough stains, comparable to popular detergents. This product, made from just salts and enzymes, outperforms Tide and Febreze by a mile. I’ve only used it on that blanket, but if it can handle that odor, it’s the real deal. If any company is out there, please consider a smaller trial size for $5 or $10. $30 feels steep when you’re unsure if it’s just another detergent. Now that I’ve tried it, I’d gladly pay, but smaller sizes would help more people experience it. You’ll attract more customers once they see the results!
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Mary P. –
Amazing product! If you train in Jiu Jitsu, you know how smelly a gi can get. This prevents having to replace them just bc of odor. I use it for every washrashguards, gis, spats, shorts, and my CrossFit clothes. I’ll keep buying it as long as it’s available. Plus, I love the handwritten note!
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AngryPoppa –
I discovered this product when my wife was frustrated with the persistent odor of my sweaty clothes, nearly insisting I get rid of them. To save my wardrobe, I decided to try it. I often end up drenched in sweat from sports and workouts, and those clothes are pretty foul! The detergent bag recommends 1-2 scoops based on dirtiness, so I started with 2 scoops. To my delight, the odor vanished! I’ve since used it three more times, switching to just 1 scoop to extend the bag’s life, and it still effectively eliminated the smell. This product is fantastic, lasting well due to the enzymes in just 1 scoop. It doesn’t leave a scent, which I prefer over artificial fragrances. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
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Don –
I function out over five days a week, engaging in HIIT bootcamps and hot yoga, often resulting in quite a sweat. I noticed that my regular detergent, used on a delicate cycle with cold or warm water, wasn’t adequately cleaning my clothes. My sensitive nose led me to sniff my freshly washed thongs and sports bras, revealing they weren’t as clean as I’d hoped. While my leggings and tops seemed fine, the more sweat-prone items were not. The thought of wearing anything less than truly clean is off-putting.
I decided to try an enzyme-enhanced detergent, expecting it to break down sweat proteins without harsh chemicals. It functions somewhat, but with some caveats. I’ve found it effective only when used with warm or hot water, whether on its own or with unscented detergent. When I used it as directed in cold water on a delicate cycle, it often required two washes to tackle the odor. While it hasn’t damaged any delicate fabrics and is gentle, needing hot water for effectiveness contradicts my initial purpose. I haven’t tested it on pet accidents yet, but I plan to try it on towels when I foster kittens this summer. It seems I still have some experimenting to do.
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