Here’s how to get sweat smell out of clothes:
- 1. Soak the garment in one part white vinegar and four parts cold water
- 2. Add half a cup of baking soda
- 3. Machine wash with a laundry pod
- 4. Hang to air dry
If your clothes smell like sweat after a tough workout or a muggy summer day, your first instinct is probably to toss them straight into the washer and call it a day. Good idea, in theory. The problem? Your washing machine might rinse out the sweat, but that nose-wrinkling funk can stick around for an encore.
Here’s a quick science lesson: Sweat itself doesn’t actually smell. That aroma is courtesy of the bacteria on your skin. They break down the sweat, release odor molecules, and those cling for dear life to your clothes. So, if you’re just tossing sweaty tees in the washer and hoping for the best, you’re basically giving that odor a free vacation.
The fix? Neutralize the odor at the source. You can’t just mask sweat stink with laundry pods, scent boosters, or dryer sheets—no matter how incredible they smell.
Below, we’ll show you exactly how to kick that sweaty smell to the curb.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Laundry pods
- A big sink, tub, bucket, or any large container
1. Soak in Vinegar & Water
First up: a pre-soak that handles the heavy lifting. Mix one part distilled white vinegar with four parts cold water in whatever you have handy (sink, tub, big bucket), anything roomy enough to drown your sweaty gear. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
The secret weapon here is acetic acid, which naturally breaks down the odor-causing bacteria. And no, your clothes won’t come out smelling like salad dressing. Promise.
2. Add Baking Soda
Next, drop in half a cup of baking soda and stir until it dissolves. Let your clothes soak for another 30 minutes while the fizz goes to work. Vinegar plus baking soda = odor neutralized at the source. No masking. No reeking. Just science doing what it does best.
3. Machine Wash With a Laundry Sauce Pod
Drain your soak, wring out the extra liquid (gently), and toss your clothes straight into the washer. Flip them inside out so spots like armpits, waistbands, and collars get hit properly. Bacteria love to hide out where it’s warm and sweaty.
Run a normal cycle with the warmest water your care label allows, and drop in a Laundry Sauce pod. Our high-performance laundry pods are built with bio-enzymes that break down odor molecules, so you’re not just adding perfume on top of a stink.
Go for something rich and exotic like Australian Sandalwood or keep it crisp and classy with Italian Bergamot. Either way, you’ll forget what sweat ever smelled like.
4. Hang to Air Dry
If you can, skip the dryer and air dry your clothes in direct sunlight. UV rays help zap leftover bacteria and any lingering smells. Plus, you’re saving energy while you’re at it. If you’re stuck drying indoors, choose a no-heat tumble instead of blasting it with high heat.
Pro tip: Toss in a few wool dryer balls to help your clothes dry faster, prevent static cling, and get rid of wrinkles.
How to Prevent Sweat Smell on Clothes
You just worked hard to de-stink your gear — here’s how to stop that musty sweat smell from setting up camp again.
1. Wash Sweaty Clothes ASAP
The longer you let sweat linger on your clothes, the harder it is to get rid of that stubborn musty smell. If you work out on a Monday and don’t do laundry until Sunday, you create the perfect storm for mildew buildup. This is especially true for moisture-wicking workout clothes made from synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, which are less breathable than natural fabrics like cotton.
Pro tip: Skip the fabric softener on activewear, since it can leave a coating that reduces its absorbency.
2. Hang Dry Your Clothes Before Washing
Can’t wash right away? Hang your sweaty stuff up to air out first. Bacteria love warm, damp spots, so hanging your clothes keeps them drier, giving bacteria less to party with until laundry day.
3. Wash Smaller Loads
Overloading the washer is the fastest way to make clean clothes smell…not clean. When your machine’s packed to the brim, detergent can’t do its job, and water can’t rinse properly. The result? Lingering stink.
Follow your washer’s loading guidelines. Your nose will thank you.
Common Questions About Getting Sweat Smell Out of Clothes?
Got a few lingering questions about sweaty clothes? Let’s clear them up so your laundry routine stays fresh.
Why Do My Clothes Still Smell Like Sweat Even After Washing Them?
Sweat odor sticks around because bacteria and odor molecules get deep into the fibers, and laundry detergent alone can’t always break them down. That’s why you need a pre-soak with vinegar and baking soda to tackle it at the source.
What Is the Best Water Temperature for Sweaty Clothes?
Warm water is usually best for washing sweaty gear because it helps break down body oils and bacteria. Just double-check your care label so you don’t accidentally shrink your favorite workout shirt.
Does Sweat Stain Clothes?
Yes, sweat can leave behind yellow stains, especially on lighter fabrics. That’s thanks to a mix of body oils, deodorant, and minerals in your sweat bonding with the fibers over time.
Go from Sweaty to Sophisticated with Laundry Sauce
You might have your signature fragrance dialed in, but if your clothes smell like last Tuesday’s HIIT session, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Stick to these steps, stay on top of sweaty gear, and you’ll be the best-smelling person in the room.
