Ever notice that lingering, funky smell clinging to your favorite workout shirt, even after a wash? You scrub, you soak, you even try adding extra soap, but that stubborn odor just won’t quit. It’s frustrating, right? You invest time and money in great athletic gear, so you expect it to come out of the laundry fresh and ready for your next sweat session.
Choosing the right detergent for gym clothes is tougher than it seems. Regular detergents often just mask the smell instead of truly cleaning the technical fabrics that trap sweat and bacteria. Using the wrong product can even damage your expensive gear over time, making it less breathable or stretchy. We all want clean clothes that last, without the lingering stink.
This post dives deep into what makes a detergent perfect for activewear. We will break down the best ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid. By the end, you will know exactly how to conquer that gym smell for good and keep your gear performing its best.
Top Detergent For Gym Clothes Recommendations
- LAUNDRY DETERGENT ADDITIVE: Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to every wash, in the fabric softener drawer, to sanitize and deodorize smelly laundry. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills many bad odors that detergents leave behind.
- COLOR SAFE BLEACH ALTERNATIVE: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a bleach alternative that effectively kills 99.9% of bacteria, without the harshness of bleach. It's gentle on fabrics, effective in cold water, and is safe to use on colors and whites.
- LYSOL LAUNDRY SANITIZER: Better than in-wash scent boosters that just mask bad odors. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills the odor causing bacteria that laundry detergents alone can leave behind, even in cold water Can be used in standard and HE machines.
- ODOR ELIMINATOR FOR STRONG ODOR: Say goodbye to stubborn odors with Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, an advanced formula designed to act as an effective odor eliminator for even the toughest smells, leaving your clothes smelling fresh after every wash.
- HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS and CLEANING SUPPLIES: Lysol is a leader in disinfection. Shop our range of household cleaning supplies including disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaners, air sanitizers, and disinfectant sprays. The best protection is prevention
- One 166.5 fl oz bottle of ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Laundry Detergent, Fresh Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent cleans 128 medium loads when used as directed
- Triple-power HE laundry detergent fights tough odors, blasts away stains and boosts freshness so your clothes look and smell their best
- With trusted ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda plus an odor fighter, this HE laundry detergent is formulated to deeply clean clothes and deliver lasting freshness
- Laundry stain remover forces out stubborn stains and nasty odors using OxiClean Stain Fighters to remove stains like food, grass, grease and more
- Odor Blasters fights tough smells like body odor, sweat and musty towels and leave clothes with a lasting Fresh Burst scent
- LAUNDRY DETERGENT ADDITIVE: Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to every wash, in the fabric softener drawer, to sanitize and deodorize smelly laundry. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills many bad odors that detergents leave behind.
- COLOR SAFE BLEACH ALTERNATIVE: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a bleach alternative that effectively kills 99.9% of bacteria, without the harshness of bleach. It's gentle on fabrics, effective in cold water, and is safe to use on colors and whites.
- LYSOL LAUNDRY SANITIZER: Better than in-wash scent boosters that just mask bad odors. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills the odor causing bacteria that laundry detergents alone can leave behind, even in cold water Can be used in standard and HE machines.
- ODOR ELIMINATOR FOR STRONG ODOR: Say goodbye to stubborn odors with Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, an advanced formula designed to act as an effective odor eliminator for even the toughest smells, leaving your clothes smelling fresh after every wash.
- HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS and CLEANING SUPPLIES: Lysol is a leader in disinfection. Shop our range of household cleaning supplies including disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaners, air sanitizers, and disinfectant sprays. The best protection is prevention
- Breaks Down Sweat and Odors - Our activewear laundry detergent uses plant-based enzymes to tackle sweat, body oils, and odor at the source. A powerful laundry odor eliminator that keeps gym clothes, leggings, and workout gear fresh.
- Protects Performance Fabrics - This sports laundry detergent is specially formulated to clean high-tech fabrics and microfibers while helping maintain stretch, breathability, and long-lasting wear so your favorite activewear stays in top condition, wash after wash.
- Free from Harsh Additives - Our unscented laundry detergent is safe for sensitive skin when used as directed. Free from SLS, SLES, dyes, phosphates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, it keeps the clothes closest to your skin soft and comfortable after every wash.
- Concentrated Cleaning Power - One 45 oz bag lasts up to 90 loads. Just 1 scoop of our athletic laundry detergent delivers a deep clean, while an extra scoop boosts odor removal. Works in all washing machines, including HE, making it convenient for both home laundry rooms and gym facilities. Doubles as a pre-soak.
- Formulated with Care - Made with mineral- and plant-based ingredients in a GMP-certified facility, and never tested on animals. A thoughtful active wear laundry detergent designed to care for your clothes and your family.
- Made in USA - Our powdered detergent is scientifically formulated with all natural plant-based enzymes that remove and eliminate smells generated from sweat in fitness and gym clothes
- Specialized Formula- The specialized laundry detergent for men's or women's athletic clothing compatible with your favorite brands activewear
- Workout Clothes Detergent - Remove smells from workout shirts, shorts, bras, tank tops, leggings, yoga pants, uniforms, jerseys, compression underwear, jock strap, and socks
- Plant Based - ACTIVE is free from SLS free, phosphate free, gluten-free, septic safe. Made with plant based enzymes
- Save Money - Concentrated formula provides a bulk value of 90 loads per bag! ACTIVE laundry detergent extends your clothes lifespan and protects them for the long run!
- ELIMINATES 99.9% OF BACTERIA AND VIRUSES*: Including the Covid-19 virus.** *Use as directed. **Eliminates SARS-COV-2 during pre-soak conditions in 5 minutes. EPA Reg No.777-128
- ELIMINATES ODOR CAUSING BACTERIA FROM SPORTS CLOTHES AND ACTIVEWEAR: Use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to remove bad smells and sanitize gym clothes, towels, jerseys and uniforms.
- CONTAINS 0% BLEACH, GENTLE ON FABRICS: Bleach and Phosphate free. Gentle on most fabrics, including whites and colors. Can be used in cold water
- EASY TO USE, WORKS IN ALL STANDARD & HE MACHINES: Add to the Fabric Softener compartment or during the rinse cycle to sanitize laundry and eliminate odor causing bacteria
- LEADERS IN DISINFECTION: Looking for some of our other great disinfectant products? Try our Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol Disinfectant Sprays and Lysol All Purpose Cleaners
- NANOVASIVE ODOR ANNIHILATION: Revolutionary liquid laundry detergent that penetrates deep into performance fabrics to destroy the toughest odors. It eliminates sweat stench, armpit funk and nasty gym smell permanently.
- ENGINEERED FOR ATHLETES: This powerful washing detergent liquid is specially formulated for activewear, sportswear, moisture-wicking gear, compression clothing, and breathable textiles that regular laundry soap can't handle.
- RESTORES FABRIC LIKE NEW: Ultra-concentrated clothes detergent exfoliates embedded sweat, oils, and grime from the tiniest crevices of technical fabrics. Your training gear will look, feel, and perform like it's brand new.
- GENTLE POWER, NO HARSH CHEMICALS: Natural laundry detergent for sensitive skin that's tough on stains but gentle on fabrics is organic. No dyes, heavy perfumes, or irritants that affect athletes with allergies or sensitivities.
- ANTI-STATIC & RESIDUE-FREE: This clean laundry detergent liquid leaves no buildup on clothes or washing machines. Extends fabric life, protects your gear's performance properties, and keeps colors vibrant wash after wash
- THE EXTREME ODOR AND STAIN ELIMINATOR: FunkAway Laundry Detergent Booster is designed to defunk and unsoil whatever you put in your washing machine.
- WORKS ON TRAPPED-IN ODORS: Add the odor eliminator detergent booster to your regular laundry cycle and eliminate all kinds of extreme stink. Removes sweat, mildew and even skunk odors.
- REMOVES STUBBORN STAINS: FunkAway's detergent booster removes tough stains from sports uniforms, gym clothes, pet bedding, bed linens, towels and anything else you use for hard work and play.
- POWERFUL AND COMPATIBLE FORMULA: FunkAway's exclusive OM Complex eliminates the toughest odors at the source. Safe for all fabrics and compatible with both regular and High-Effeciency (HE) washing machines, FunkAway is guaranteed to work.
- LIVE A FUNK-FREE LIFE: Shop our full catalog of odor elimination products to control everything from car odors to sweat smells and more.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Gym Clothes Detergent
Gym clothes are special. They work hard to keep you cool and dry. But they also trap sweat and odors. Regular detergent might not cut it. You need a detergent made for athletic wear. This guide helps you choose the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When buying detergent for your workout gear, look for these important features:
Odor Elimination Power
- Deep Cleaning: The detergent must reach deep into the fabric fibers. This is where those stubborn sweat smells hide.
- Enzyme Action: Good detergents use special enzymes. These enzymes eat away at bacteria that cause bad smells.
Fabric Protection
- Color Safety: Athletic wear often has bright colors. The detergent should not fade them quickly.
- Stretch Preservation: Lycra and spandex keep your clothes fitting well. Harsh chemicals break down these elastic fibers. Look for gentle formulas.
Residue Removal
- Rinse Clean: Detergent residue left behind can clog fabric pores. This traps more odor and reduces breathability. The best formulas rinse out completely.
Important Materials in Gym Detergents
The ingredients matter a lot. You want powerful cleaning without damaging your investment pieces.
What to Seek Out:
- Enzymes (Protease, Amylase, Lipase): These are the heavy lifters. They break down sweat, oils, and dirt.
- Plant-Based Surfactants: These help lift dirt and oil away from the fabric surface. They are often gentler than harsh petroleum-based cleaners.
- Essential Oils (Optional): Some detergents use natural scents like tea tree or citrus to add a fresh smell.
What to Avoid:
- Fabric Softeners: This is crucial. Fabric softeners coat athletic fibers. This coating traps odor and ruins the wicking properties (the ability to pull sweat away from your skin). Never use them on gym clothes.
- Heavy Bleaches or Brighteners: These can weaken synthetic fibers over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your detergent affects how long your clothes last and how fresh they smell.
Quality Boosters:
- Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas often mean higher quality active ingredients. You use less product for the same powerful clean.
- pH Neutrality: A neutral pH level cleans effectively without being too acidic or too basic. This protects the integrity of synthetic fabrics like polyester.
Quality Reducers:
- Excessive Fragrance: Overly perfumed detergents often use synthetic masking agents instead of truly eliminating the odor. The smell might return during your next workout.
- Dye Content: Added dyes serve no cleaning purpose and can sometimes cause staining or fading.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the detergent changes your results.
For Daily Workouts:
If you train every day, you need a detergent that works well in cold water. Most gym wear is washed cold to save energy and protect the fabric. Look for formulas that dissolve easily without heat.
For Heavy Odor Issues (The “Stink”):
If clothes have been sitting damp too long, they develop a severe smell. For these cases, some specialized detergents offer a “soak” option. You might soak the clothes for 30 minutes before running a normal cycle. This pre-treatment often restores even very smelly gear.
Machine Compatibility:
Most modern detergents work in High-Efficiency (HE) washing machines. Always check the label. HE machines need low-sudsing formulas to prevent damage.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Gym Clothes Detergent
Q: Can I just use regular laundry detergent?
A: You can, but regular detergents often leave residue. This residue traps odor in synthetic fabrics, making the smell return quickly during your next workout.
Q: Why should I avoid fabric softener?
A: Fabric softener coats the fibers of your workout clothes. This coating blocks the fabric’s ability to wick sweat away from your skin, making you feel damp and holding onto smells.
Q: Do I need a special detergent for dark colors?
A: Yes, look for detergents labeled “Color Safe” or “For Synthetics.” These prevent the harsh chemicals that strip bright dyes.
Q: How much detergent should I use?
A: Always follow the instructions on the bottle. Since gym detergents are often concentrated, you usually need less than you think—often just a capful or less for a standard load.
Q: Is expensive gym detergent worth the extra cost?
A: Often, yes. More expensive options usually contain higher concentrations of odor-fighting enzymes, leading to better, longer-lasting results and better fabric care.
Q: Can I use these detergents on towels?
A: Yes, they work great on towels too! They help remove body oils and sweat residue from cotton or blends, leaving them truly clean.
Q: What if the smell doesn’t go away after washing?
A: Try a pre-soak. Mix a small amount of the detergent with cool water in a bucket. Soak the smelly items for 30 minutes before running them through a regular wash cycle.
Q: Are these detergents safe for baby clothes?
A: Most specialized gym detergents are not specifically marketed as hypoallergenic. If you have very sensitive skin, choose one that is dye-free and fragrance-free.
Q: Should I wash gym clothes in hot or cold water?
A: Always wash synthetic gym clothes in cold or cool water. Hot water can damage the elastic materials like spandex and wear them out faster.
Q: Does the detergent need to be HE compatible?
A: Yes, if you own a High-Efficiency (HE) washing machine. HE machines use less water, so you must use low-sudsing detergents designed for them.