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!
Briar L –
I need to use more than the recommended 1/2 scoop per load because I work out daily and tend to get pretty stinky. At least one scoop helps, but it doesn’t eliminate all the odor. Presoaking before washing improves results, but it consumes more than suggested. Plus, it often clogs the dispenser, so I prefer adding it directly to the laundry in my front-loading washer.
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Joseph –
Ero inizialmente scettico su quanto sarebbe stato efficace. Ho lavato i miei famosi pantaloni da yoga puzzolenti una sola volta nella mia lavatrice Samsung HE con un solo misurino di detergente e ho usato l’impostazione di preammollo. Di solito, puzzano non appena li indosso, ma dopo averli indossati per tutta la mattina oggi, non c’è assolutamente nessun odore. Sono rimasto scioccato! Ho anche lavato gli asciugamani puzzolenti di mio marito nello stesso momento e spero che restino freschi anche loro. Niente ha funzionato in passato, ma fornirò un aggiornamento dopo un po’ di utilizzo!
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Mike –
We wear UV-protective Columbia apparel and clean them often due to daily outdoor work, sweating, and sunscreen use. Previously, we relied on Shout pre-treatments for sunscreen stains and odor. Now, with this new product, our clothes feel fresher, with no lingering scent, and stains wash out effortlessly. Some newer shirts also hold their colors more vibrantly!
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Ivy L –
I was sketpical about enzyme detergents at first, but wow this stuff really works. I had some old protein stains on gym clothes and a mystery sauce stain on a white t-shirt, and both came out completely after one wash on cold. I love that it works even in cooler water, which helps me svae energy too. No heavy fragrance, just a light, clean scent that doesn’t irritate my skin. Definitely switching to this as my regular detergent!
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Cassandra –
Returning for my second bag! We’ve had our first one for almost six months and I rely on it constantly with three kids, a dog, and a husband. Our towels had a stubborn mildew odor that resisted bleach, Tide pods, and high-heat drying, only to return after each shower. But now, thanks to just one scoop of this amazing product in my laundry, the smell is gone! I still use my Tide pods but add a scoop of this with hot water, and it really works! Whatever the secret ingredient is, it’s effective and lasts a long time. I’ve used it in nearly every load, and I still have a lot left after six months.
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Andrew –
after enjoying Rockin Green, I tried this brand and found it just as fantastic. I love the clean laundry and the personal note in each bag. As a supgrimes of USA-made products, this detergent delivers. It’s my go-to for all my laundry. I was shocked by the dirt that came out when I stripped an afghan and two small thrift store rugs. I’m thrilled with this product; it’s free from fragrances and fillersand just genuine cleaning power.
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Holden –
I’m an average sweater with a penchant for sweating during yoga and gym sessions, where regular detergent suffices. However, my soccer jerseys were notoriously stinky, making me consider tossing them. Instead, I soaked them for 3-8 hours in Active Wear detergent, mixing in two scoops. Many reviews suggested multiple washes, and I found I needed about 8 or 9 to eliminate the odor. Playing soccer outdoors in Florida may contribute to the sweat, but I believe others face similar issues. Ultimately, I’m satisfied with the results and might buy it again, aiming to use less.
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Todd Harper –
After purchasing expensive leggings that require “no softener,” I searched for a new detergent just for them. I found this product and hesitated due to the price, but after reading reviews, I decided to try it. I initially planned to wait longer for a review, but after just two uses, I was impressed! The real test came when I washed a comforter that had a stubborn dog smell. After multiple attempts to clean it, I used this detergent, and it came out fresh and odor-free! That sold me completely. Plus, my sensitive skin had no issues after wearing the leggings all day.
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Brian Peterson –
I suggested to a friend who’s an AC technician to try this product. He often complained about his long sleeve button-up shirts developing a musty smell from his body heat. Although he had some success with Tide and Oxiclean, the odor still returned by the end of his long, hot days. After using two scoops of this new product, he experienced ZERO odorhe couldnt believe it! Now I use it for my business casual and workout clothes, and it has greatly reduced any lingering odors for me too. This stuff really works!
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Gail –
This enzyme cleaner lightened my clothes, ruining several expensive workout tees and leggings. Be cautious before buying. Very disappointing.
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