by RUNGRL Staff

The joy of a long, satisfying run often goes hand-in-hand with sweat-soaked gear. And when you’re a regular runner, those running clothes and running smells can tend to pile up.

Nobody wants to be funky, but dealing with sweaty running clothes, especially as a frequent runner, can be a whole chore. Proper care can help you not only avoid those lingering odors on your gear and also help extend the life of your activewear to ensure you're always run-ready.

We’ve curated some tips to help you care for your running clothes and keep them ‘so fresh and so clean’ for every stride.

Sort Like a Pro

First things first: Don’t just throw sweaty clothes in with the rest of your laundry. Not only will the sweat and road grime get on your other clothes, it can also cause clothes to stay wet longer, allowing bacteria to grow. Hang damp clothes to dry out before adding to the hamper.

Then, before diving into the laundry process, start by sorting your running clothes properly. Separate your workout gear from regular laundry. You can even sort by fabric type, such as synthetic materials, to ensure the best care for each piece.

*Pre-treat sweaty gym clothes before washing to help eliminate odors. Image: RUNGRL*

Pre-Wash Treatment is Key

For stubborn sweat stains or lingering odors, pre-treatment is your secret weapon. Apply a specialized sports detergent or a mixture of baking soda and water to the affected areas before tossing your clothes in the washer. This step helps break down oils and residues that can cause odor.

Another tried and true tip is to soak workout wear in white distilled vinegar for 30 minutes before hitting the laundry. A tried and true hack from your mom to your granny’s granny, vinegar is like a superhero for your gear—natural, low-key acidic, and ready to kick bacteria to the curb while saying "bye-bye" to any lingering funkiness.

Opt for Cold Water

When it's time to wash your running clothes, choose cold water over hot. It might be tempting to want to burn out those smells, but hot water can set in sweat and odor, making it harder to remove. Cold water is gentler on your fabrics and just as effective at cleaning.

Gentle Cycle Only

Use a gentle cycle on your washing machine to prevent excessive wear and tear on your running gear. Aggressive cycles can damage stretchy materials and reduce the longevity of your activewear. Save that for your towels.

A good laundry mesh bag for delicates can also help protect more fragile items made from thin mesh or jersey material and avoid snags from things like bra clips, zippers, etc.

Use Sports-specific Detergent

Invest in a high-quality sports-specific detergent designed to break down sweat and odor molecules effectively. These detergents are formulated to target the residues left behind after intense workouts. While these can sometimes be more expensive than regular detergent, you can optimize use by saving it only for your workout clothes, instead of all washes.

If you prefer organic detergents, be sure to check whether the brand is compatible with your performance fabrics by checking the labels first.

Avoid Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners may leave a residue on your running clothes, reducing their moisture-wicking properties and breathability. Skip the fabric softener to maintain the performance of your activewear.

Turn Clothes Inside Out

Before tossing your running clothes into the washer, turn them inside out. This helps protect the exterior fabric and preserves any reflective or printed details on the outside.

Avoid heat when drying

Whenever the weather permits, opt for line drying your running gear instead of using a dryer. The heat from dryers can break down elastic fibers and contribute to wear and tear. Plus, the fresh air naturally helps eliminate odors.

If drying outdoors is not an option, try hanging indoors on a clothing rack, or using a “no heat” setting in the dryer. Use laundry bags to separate items that are super delicate or which may snag while tumbling in the dryer.

Keep Shoes Fresh, Too

Don't forget about your running shoes! Remove the insoles and let them air out after each run. Most are washable too, just don’t put them in the dryer. You can also sprinkle some baking soda inside your shoes to absorb moisture and odors between scrubbings.

Storing Workout Wear

Once your gear is clean and dry, store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving sweaty clothes balled up in your gym bag, as this can create a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.

A few extra steps can help ensure your running gear stays fresh, durable, and ready for your next run. Taking good care of your workout wear means it’ll last for even more great runs.