How to Wash Running Clothes the Right Way

As runners, we all know the struggle—your favorite workout gear, no matter how pricey or high-tech, sometimes seems to hold on to odors no matter how many times you wash it. Sweat, body oils, and bacteria get trapped in moisture-wicking fabrics, creating a funky smell that’s almost impossible to ignore.

Why Running Clothes Get Funky

High-performance fabrics are designed to wick away moisture, but they also tend to trap body oils, sweat, and bacteria.

Over time, these contaminants build up, making it harder for standard laundry detergent to break through and remove the odor. Add in habits like letting your clothes sit in a pile after a workout, and it’s no wonder your gear can develop a permanent funk.

Fortunately, a few simple changes can help you restore your workout clothes and keep them smelling fresh.

10 Essential Tips to Wash the Funk Out of Your Running Gear

1. Launder After Every Use
   This seems obvious, but it’s worth repeating: wash your workout clothes after every use. Leaving them unwashed, even for a few days, allows bacteria and odors to fester.
2. Wash Immediately (If Possible)
   Don’t let your gear marinate in sweat. Toss your clothes into the wash as soon as you can. If immediate washing isn’t an option, hang them up to dry in the meantime.
3. Hang Up Sweaty Gear
   Don’t throw sweaty clothes into a pile or gym bag. Hanging them up to dry reduces bacterial growth and prevents mold from forming.
4. Separate Workout Clothes from Regular Laundry
   Washing activewear separately ensures bacteria and body oils don’t transfer to your other clothes. Plus, it allows for a more targeted cleaning process.
5. Turn Clothes Inside Out
   Sweat and bacteria build up inside your gear. Turning clothes inside out exposes the areas that need cleaning the most, allowing detergent to do its job effectively.
6. Don’t Overfill the Washer
   Give your clothes room to move in the wash. An overloaded machine reduces the effectiveness of detergent and prevents thorough cleaning.
7. Skip Fabric Softeners
   Fabric softeners can leave a residue that locks in odors and reduces the moisture-wicking ability of performance fabrics. Instead, use a natural alternative like wool dryer balls to reduce static.
8. Air Dry Your Clothes
   Avoid the dryer when possible. High heat can bake in any remaining odors and damage the delicate fibers in technical fabrics. Opt for line drying instead.
9. Clean Your Washing Machine
   Detergent residue, mold, and bacteria can build up in your washer, transferring funky smells to your clothes. Regularly clean your washer with a specialized cleaner like Sweat X Washer Cleaner to keep it fresh.
10. Use Detergent Designed for Activewear
    Standard detergents often leave behind residue that traps bacteria and odors. Invest in a detergent like Sweat X, which is specifically formulated for athletic gear. It’s fragrance-free, residue-free, and effective at removing tough odors.

Best Detergent For Activewear

When we first tried Sweat X, I wasn’t sure it would make a difference.

But after running several loads of our favorite workout clothes through the wash, we was impressed. Our gear came out fresh and clean, without any lingering funk.

Sweat X is a powder detergent designed specifically for athletic gear. It works in hot or cold water, removes trapped debris, and rinses clean without leaving residue. The result? Fresh-smelling clothes that last longer.

We also appreciated that Sweat Xis eco-friendly and gentle on the skin—an added bonus for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. While the cost is slightly higher than standard detergents, you use less per load, making it a worthwhile investment for your gear.

If you want try Sweat X you can get it on Amazon here.

Why You Should Care About Your Running Gear

Let’s face it, high-quality running clothes aren’t cheap.

Whether it’s your favorite leggings or that lucky race day shirt, investing in the right care ensures your gear lasts longer and performs better.

Following these tips will not only eliminate funk but also protect the integrity of your technical fabrics.

Final Thoughts

With the right techniques and products, you can keep your running clothes fresh and funk-free, no matter how intense your workouts get.

Whether you try Sweat X or adopt some of these laundry tips, taking better care of your gear will pay off in the long run.

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