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!
Antuan’s Closet of Wonders –
Really good at cleaning clothes and removing dirt and grime.
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B.J. –
My husband got this Active Wear detergent for his smelly running gear. I was skeptical, but it’s amazing. Just a small scoop and it removed the stench from his gear, our son’s volleyball socks, wrestling gear, and gym clothes. It even worked on my gym clothes with baked-in smell. Soaked them in a scoop of powder, then washed normally – funk turned fresh! The powder has a tiny scoop, just need a scoop or two directly in the washer. Seems expensive, but it saved me from buying new gym clothes. Also worked on sour towels. A little goes a long way, the bag lasts.
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Alan Philip –
First time writing a review, but had to for this activewear detergent. Was unsure about the price at first, but got a great deal with a bundle. Already liked their washing machine tabs, so decided to try the detergent. We have a puppy we’re potty training, so you can imagine the mess. Before, I’d just throw away smelly rags, but this detergent is a lifesaver. A little goes a long way, and even though it’s pricier, you need less of it. Before, I was using vinegar, scent beads, OxiClean, and detergent. This bag will last a while, and I’ll happily pay full price next time. Plus, it’s from a family-owned business!
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Style Savvy –
Struggled for years to remove those ‘back from the dead’ smells from towels and gym wear. This stuff actually works. No more stinky surprises. Also seems to clean the gunk in my old top-loader. The bag’s good value too, lasts long and totally worth it.
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Nathaniel J. Daigle –
After reading lots of reviews, picked this one for my workout clothes’ persistent odor. Haven’t tried others, no need to since this one’s great. I add it with my detergent and let it soak first. Some shirts needed a few washes, but now I’m happy with it. Been using it for nearly 2 years and don’t plan on stopping.
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SARA GARCIA –
Great value for the price, the detergent has a mild, nice smell and leaves my clothes really fresh. It’s tough on the musty smell of my gym clothes. Definitely buying this again.
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Happy Customer –
I switched to this brand after using Defunkify (formally Dekunkit). Well, I thought Defunkify was good. But this stuff is absolutely incredible! My own cycling clothes, as well as wife’s gym and yoga gear (she’s an instructor and does hot yoga) all came out absolutely stink-free, for the first time ever! You won’t be sorry if you buy this product.
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Sarah L. –
I have tried everything to get that “mildew” smell out of my exercise clothes. I sweat…a LOT and work out 5-6 days a week at OTF, which those of you who do, understand how much you sweat during that one hour. tights and sports bras…gross. I’ve tried other exercise detergents, essential oil combinations, vinegar and baking soda…you name it. I still seem to have the lingering mildew smell five minutes into a workout. So annoying. Then I decided to try ACTIVE and I was pleasantly stunned at how after ONE wash with even those clothes for a year I have been trying to get smell out of…NO MORE SMELL. I hate perfumes in detergents that only seem to mask smell temporarily, but this has zero smell. Only fresh. The real test would be when I went to OTF and hopped on the rower, bike or tread and started to sweat. Would I begin to smell the mildew? NOPE. GONE!! I promptly took my entire stock of exercise clothing and washed everything. I now have like-brand-new, no-smell clothes. Also, I even starting using ACTIVE for those items my stinky Bulldogs lay on like their bed cover and blanket. Until now, it has been impossible to remove smell from those items, but one wash with ACTIVE and no more stinky Bulldog smell.
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Veronica L –
I have been looking for a detergent like this for a while. My husband is a personal trainer and I wash his gym clothes separately and the detergents I have used that were specific to sweat and body odor have not been working well. They have been causing slight skin irritation. This detergent works well to wash out the odor/dirt. It does not irritate skin and it smells great! Definitely recommend this detergent for active clothes as well as any other clothes. I’ve starting using it with my clothes as well and I love the smell and clean feeling of it!
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Ron Denver –
When this product arrived I was very excited to try it out. As a Personal Trainer and an active fitness enthusiast I have plenty of clothes that have started to smell a little funky after multiple sweat sessions in them…Insert the Active Wear Laundry Detergent. I will admit that I was a little skeptical about the claims that it would rid my clothes of any and all odors that have accumulated over time but I loaded up the washing machine with all my gym clothes and put two scoops in as suggested for heavily soiled items. Seeing as it was the first time using this product on my clothes I wanted to double up to get a good initial wash.After the first wash I was amazed and the clothes came out smelling like nothing! After reading the package it did say that it may take a few washes for the enzymes and product to fully rid the clothing of odors. Once I started sweating in my newly washed gym gear I could smell a slight odor from my body heat activating the marinated in odors and became skeptical of the product.Flash forward a few weeks and about 5 loads later and all of my gym clothes are nice and clean and produce no odors when I wear them!Overall this product is amazing for anyone who works out or who gets their clothes smelly and dirty in day to day activities and it really does work, you just have to give it a few washes for it to work away all the odor causing particulates that are deep in the fibers of your clothes. I would highly recommend this product and have told many friends/clients about the product and the wonders it works on active wear!Added bonus: as someone with sensitive skin I enjoyed the fact that it does not cause any irritation due to chemicals and frangrances added to try and mask the smell!
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