Sweat odors can sometimes linger in clothes even after they’ve been washed. If you’ve ever pulled a shirt out of the dryer only to notice it still smells a little musty, you’re not alone. Sweat, body oils, and bacteria can build up in fabric fibers over time, especially in workout gear and frequently worn clothing.
The good news is that learning how to remove sweat smell from clothes is easier than you might think. With a few simple laundry tips and the right washing routine, you can help eliminate odors and keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Sweat itself usually doesn’t have a strong odor. The smell often comes from bacteria that break down sweat and body oils trapped in fabric fibers. Over time, these residues can build up, especially in areas like underarms, collars, and the backs of shirts.
Synthetic fabrics used in activewear can hold onto odors even more easily because their fibers tend to trap sweat and bacteria. This is why some clothes may still smell like sweat after washing. Regular washing removes most of these residues, but sometimes fabrics need a little extra attention to fully remove sweat odor from clothes.
Whether you are dealing with activewear sweat or sweat on your everyday clothing, Snuggle® is here to help.
If you’re trying to figure out how to get sweat smell out of clothes, a few simple adjustments to your laundry routine can make a big difference.
Letting sweaty clothes sit in a hamper or gym bag allows odor-causing bacteria to multiply. Washing sweaty clothing soon after wearing it can help prevent odors from setting into the fabric.
Sweat and body oils collect on the inside of clothing where they contact your skin. Turning items inside out before washing can help detergent and fabric softeners reach the areas that need cleaning and scent the most.
Check the garment’s care label and use the warmest water temperature recommended for the fabric. Warmer water can help break down oils and odor-causing residue.
When a washing machine is too full, clothes can’t move freely in the water. This can prevent detergent from fully cleaning fabrics, which may leave sweat smells behind. Be sure to leave some room.
Damp clothing can quickly develop odors again. Make sure laundry is completely dry before folding or storing it. You can also use dryer sheets to add scent to your clothing during the drying process.
Some fabrics are more likely to trap sweat odors than others. These tips can help keep them fresher.
Activewear: Wash workout clothes soon after use and follow the care label instructions. Many performance fabrics are designed to be washed in cold water.
Cotton T-shirts: Cotton can tend to absorb sweat easily. Turning shirts inside out and washing them with the proper amount of detergent can help remove odor buildup. You can also add liquid fabric softeners and scent boosters to help with adding additional scents to these clothing items.
Towels and gym gear: These items can hold moisture, which encourages odors. Be sure they are fully dried before storing them.
Once sweat odors are removed, adding products designed for softness and fragrance can help keep your laundry smelling great. Snuggle® liquid fabric softeners work during the rinse cycle to help condition fibers and add long-lasting freshness, while Snuggle® dryer sheets help reduce static and add fragrance in the dryer.
For an extra boost of scent, you can also pair them with Snuggle® scent boosters. Together, they help create a laundry routine that leaves clothes soft, fresh, and comfortable to wear.
Sweat odors can happen to anyone, especially with frequently worn clothing and activewear. Knowing how to remove sweat smell from clothes by washing promptly, using the right settings, and following good laundry habits can help keep fabrics fresh.
