TIRED OF SMELLY CLOTHES FROM SWEAT? HERE’S HOW TO REMOVE THAT ODOR
Nothing’s worse than pulling freshly washed clothes from the dryer only to find that stubborn sweat odor still lingers. If you’ve been there, you know how frustrating it can be. The good news? We’ve got simple, effective tricks to banish those body odors from clothes and keep your wardrobe smelling fresh, clean, and ready to wear.
WHY DO MY CLOTHES STILL SMELL SWEATY AFTER WASHING THEM?
Before we get into solutions, it helps to understand why clothes can still smell sweaty after a wash. Sweat odors linger for a few key reasons:
Fabric type
Some fabrics hold onto odors more than others. Synthetics like polyester can trap sweat, while natural fibers like cotton allow air to circulate and moisture to evaporate more easily, helping your skin stay cooler and fresher.
Washing temperature
Washing clothes in cold water might not effectively break down sweat and oils.
Detergent inefficacy
Some detergents may not be strong enough to eliminate deep-seated odors.
Overloading the washer
Crowding the washer can prevent clothes from being thoroughly cleaned.
HOW TO GET SWEAT SMELL OUT OF CLOTHES
Now that we know why odors stick around, let’s look at the most effective ways to remove sweat smell from clothes:
Pre-treat with vinegar
Before tossing clothes in the wash, give them a vinegar soak. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts cold water, then let your clothes sit in the solution for about 30 minutes. Vinegar helps neutralize stubborn odors and break down the buildup of sweat and deodorant that can trap smells in the fabric.
Use baking soda
Baking soda isn’t just for your fridge—it’s one of the best natural deodorizers for laundry too. Add half a cup directly into your wash cycle alongside your detergent. It works by balancing pH levels in the water and pulling odors out of fabric, leaving your clothes fresher with every wash.
Choose an enzyme detergent
Standard detergents sometimes struggle with sweat because they’re not designed to break down the proteins and oils that cause lingering smells. Enzyme-based or sports detergents, on the other hand, target these compounds directly. If you’re washing workout gear or clothes you’ve sweated in, switching to an enzyme formula can make a noticeable difference.
Sun dry
Whenever possible, skip the dryer and hang your clothes outside. Sunlight naturally kills bacteria that cause sweat odors, while fresh air helps remove any remaining mustiness. Plus, sun-drying is gentler on fabrics than high-heat drying, helping your clothes last longer. It’s an easy extra step that pays off in freshness.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING SMELLY CLOTHES
Prevention is always easier than dealing with odors later. By making a few small changes to how you care for your clothes and your routine, you can stop sweat smells before they set in.
Wash fast
The longer damp, sweaty clothes sit, the more time bacteria have to grow—and bacteria are what cause odors to stick. Toss your workout gear or sweat-soaked clothes into the wash as soon as you can. If you can’t wash them immediately, at least hang them up to dry until laundry day so moisture doesn’t linger in the fabric.
Air-dry well
Clothes that stay damp, even a little, are more likely to develop musty smells. To keep fabrics fresh, make sure every load dries completely. The best option is to hang clothes outside in the sun, where UV light naturally helps kill odor-causing bacteria. If that’s not possible, choose a well-ventilated indoor space with good airflow. The key is to avoid folding or storing clothes until they’re fully dry.
Use deodorant or antiperspirant
The easiest way to prevent sweat smells in clothes is to stop them at the source. Deodorants help mask odor, while antiperspirants actively reduce the amount of sweat your body produces. Using a reliable antiperspirant, like Degree, gives you protection that keeps you feeling fresh and also helps your clothes stay fresher for longer—because less sweat means less chance for odors to build up.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do my clothes still smell like BO after washing?
If your clothes still smell like sweat after a wash, it usually comes down to a few things: bacteria trapped in fabrics like polyester, cool wash cycles that don’t kill germs, or detergents that aren’t strong enough to tackle body odor. The good news is that you can fix it. Pre-soaking with vinegar, adding baking soda to your wash, or switching to an enzyme detergent can all help break down stubborn odors and leave your clothes smelling fresh again—even after your toughest workouts.
How can I avoid BO smells in clothes like bras and underwear?
Clothes that sit close to your skin, like bras and underwear, can trap sweat and odor more easily than looser layers. To help stop smells before they transfer to your clothes, try using Degree Whole Body Deodorant. It’s made for more than just underarms. You can use it on areas like your chest, thighs, and underboob to keep odor in check. That way, your everyday essentials stay fresher for longer.
Keeping sweat smells out of your clothes doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart laundry tricks and the right preventive steps, freshness can be your new normal. And with Degree by your side, you’ll have the confidence to move freely without worrying about lingering odors.