How Dirty Are Workout Clothes, Really?

It depends on your workout, but bacteria and fungi (yes, fungi) really like moist, oily environments. That means your body fluids and dead skin! They’ll thrive on things like yoga mats and, you guessed it, sweaty clothes. If your workout isn’t a sweaty one, then you should still, obviously, wash your workout wear, but it’s those nice, butt-kicking HIIT classes and hot yoga sessions (whenever they’re a thing again) that can really do some damage to your favorite leggings. 

Most activewear is made from synthetic fibers, which attract bacteria more-so than natural fibers. Why? Fibers like wool have naturally-occurring antiseptic properties (called lanolin), coupled with the fact that they’re much more breathable. But who wants to wear wool to the gym? Can you imagine? That’s why synthetic fibers are often preferred – to make movement and sweating just a little bit easier.

Then there’s the smell! Not only does our body odor stink up clothing, but there’s also detergent buildup, which happens more noticeably to workout clothing. Sometimes, softeners and detergents can trap odor-causing bacteria, and after wearing your workout clothes for a while, you might notice a musty smell, even if they’ve been washed. 

Since workout clothes get so much more wear and tear (and sweat!) than the rest of our closets, it’s important to keep up their care. Even with routine washing, dead skin, sweat, and oil can build up, causing a breeding ground for more bacteria. That bacteria? It can cause skin infections and other health issues. So, if you really want to make sure your athletic clothes are getting the cleaning they deserve, you can always send them to the professionals (a.k.a. us). 

Here are some tips for keeping your workout clothes fresh:

1. In some cases, white distilled vinegar works as a deodorizer.

This, mixed with a bit of your regular detergent, helps to break down buildup and get rid of lingering smells. How do you know you have a buildup problem or lingering smell? If you’re wearing your leggings, and after a bit of sweat they start to smell like not just sweat, but also a wet dog? That’s a sign they need a good refresh. 

2. Turn workout clothes inside out when washing.

The bacteria, oil, and skin cells from our body collect on the inside of the garments. Turning them inside out allows the detergent and water to get to all that not-so-fun stuff more effectively. 

3. Don’t use too much detergent.

More detergent does not equal more clean. As previously stated, detergent can leave a buildup of soap residue that traps odors, and thus leaves your workout clothes smelling a bit musky. Also, avoid using fabric softener, as it can cause buildup as well.

It’s also advisable to use a sports detergent, or add a booster to the load – there are several different brands that offer these, like The Laundress.

4. Athletic clothes can pill easily, wash them only with similar items.

Washing workout clothes with contrasting or heavy fabrics, like towels, can rub against your leggings and sports bras to create little pills – which can be a pain to get rid of. Stick to washing them with other athletic wear or athleisure. If you have a mesh washing bag, this can help reduce some friction and keep things from getting tangled and stretched. 

5. Don’t forget the shoes.

Your running shoes? Probably full of bacteria. You don’t have to worry about that as much, because you’re usually (hopefully) wearing socks, which will protect your feet from the things lurking in your Adidas. But, it’s still a good idea to wash your shoes often.

6. Air dry, when possible.

Drying your workout clothes with heat isn’t advised (always check the labels, though!), because heat can set in unpleasant odors that might not get all the way out during washing. It can also stretch out elastic within some garments – like shorts. Air drying can minimize smells and damage, so if you can, it’s best to lay them flat.

To make it all easier, you can always send your workout clothes and accessories to us – we have all the tech and expertise to clean up sweaty stuff. We can guarantee a deep clean so you can work out in confidence.