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!
Soren –
I’ve been using this product for two months, expecting my functionout clothes to improve. Despite numerous washes, the persistent ‘gym smell’ remains. I’ve concluded that the only solution is to buy new clothes.
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Stan –
I was eeger to try the Active Wear Laundry Detergent as a personal trainer with workout clothes that had developed unpleasant odors. Doubtful,, I loaded my washing machine with gym apparel and added two scoops for heavily soiled/dirtyy items. After the first wash, I was surprised, the clothes had no scent! The packaging suggested it might take several washes for the enzymes to fully work, and after wearing my clean attire I noticed a faint smell, raising doubts about its effectiveness. However, after a few weeks and five loads, my gym clothes became spotless and odor free! This product is great for anyone who exercises regularly or deals with smelly clothes. Patience is essential, as it takes time to eliminate all odor-causing particles. I highly recommend it and have shared its benefits with friends and clients. Plus, it’s gentle on my sensitive skin due to the lack of harsh chemicals and fragrances.
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Randall Norris –
I wish I could capture scents to show how effective this is. My family and I live in the South, where the heat is intense, and the humidity makes it feel like a sauna. The relentless sweating leads to damp, odorous clothing, and I’ve tried every remedy to eliminate the smell that clings to our shirts. Laundry boosters only mask the odor temporarily, and soaking items in baking soda, borax, and vinegar hasn’t worked either. Countless detergents failed to eliminate the problem, and even new clothes develop the same foul odor within a month.
Desperate, I turned to Amazon for detergent specifically for athletic wear and found one with glowing reviews. On my first wash, I included the most odorous items, and it felt like a miracle. The clothes smelled fresh even after just five minutes of wear, prompting me to wash everything again. This detergent has been a blessing, even removing odors from my ferrets’ blankets. Plus, it’s gentle on my daughter’s sensitive skin, which is crucial due to her eczema.
If you’re dealing with lingering smells, give this a try. The first ingredient is baking soda, but the other components are key to its effectiveness. I use this with my regular detergent, adding one scoop for regular loads and two for especially pungent ones. If the smell returns quickly, do yourself and your family a favor and try this on your laundry.
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Amelia –
After several washes, I’m rethinking my initial enthusiasm for this detergent. It seems to work better on newer scrubs, as an older pair still had a sweat odor despite multiple Active Wear cycles. My scrubs are made from a polymer blend, so thats not the issue. I’m committed to using it as my primary detergent, though I usually mix in other products for a better scent. I appreciate the concept behind this detergent and might try soaking my scrubs, something new for me. Initially, I was impressed after using the Active Wear cycle, as I’ve struggled for years with lingering armpit odor. After washing with two scoops on warm and an extra rinse, my oldest scrubs came out surprisingly clean, devoid of unpleasant smells and with a hint of freshness. They’re in the dryer now, and I’ll update after my first shift wearing them. Based on other reviews, I’m hopeful! The handwritten thank-you note was a nice touch!
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Jerry –
After leaving the gym, my clothes are so soaked you could wring them out. The first picture was taken shortly after a hot shower with three scoops, while the last shows me squeezing out my gym wear after an hour. I’m impressed! I haven’t worked out yet to check the smell, but I’ll keep you updated.
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Grayson –
I was ready to toss my husband’s work shirts due to a terrible smell that wouldn’t go away. I prefer natural detergents and avoid strong perfumes, even using baking soda and vinegar for stubborn odors, but nothing helped. I discovered a new product online and decided to give it a shot. After soaking the shirts as directed and hanging them out to dry, they were saved! Thank you! This really works!
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Thryme Lorne –
Earlier this year, I switched to a natural deodorant, which caused my exercise bras to develop a stubborn odor in the armpit areas. I tried various laundry sanitizers and detergents, but nothing worked, and since these bras cost over $70 each, I didn’t want to replace them. After reading reviews, I found an effective laundry soap. I mixed it with water to create a paste and applied it to the bras’ armpits with a brush. Then, I added two scoops of the soap to a container with hot water and soaked the bras for an hour. After draining, I washed them on a gentle cycle with cold water. The odor was completely gone! I also ordered a cheaper OxiClean option to compare but returned it due to damage during shipping. I’m very pleased with the results of the detergent I chose.
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Lennon –
This arrived just in time for my laundry after a week of CrossFit workouts. With 5-6 sessions a week, dirty clothes pile up quickly. I’ve been using Tide HD Liquid but often needed extra detergent, a soak cycle, and an additional rinse. I was pleasantly surprised by how little powder I needed to freshen my clothes. For a week’s worth of tops, bottoms, socks, and undergarments, just two small scoops worked perfectly! However, I wish the packaging was more user-friendly, like a resealable slider. For now, I’ll transfer it to a reusable container.
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Presley –
Does exactly what it promises.
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SushiPlate –
Been searching for something to tackle the odor in my work clothes from long shifts in the desert. This one’s a winner! After a thorough wash, the smell would return, but now it’s gone for good. Super easy to use, and a big bag covers up to 90 loads. Totally worth the investment.
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