Does that lingering, funky smell still cling to your favorite gym shirt, even after a wash cycle? You push hard during your workouts, building strength and endurance, but sometimes your laundry routine feels like a losing battle. Modern athletic wear uses special, sweat-wicking fabrics designed to perform, but these same materials trap odor-causing bacteria deep within their fibers. Regular detergent often just masks the smell instead of truly cleaning the performance textiles.
Choosing the correct detergent for workout clothes is more frustrating than a tough set of burpees. You worry about ruining expensive gear, fading bright colors, or leaving behind soapy residue that irritates your skin. Finding a product that tackles intense sweat while preserving the fabric’s stretch and breathability seems like a complex science experiment.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what makes specialized detergents work, what ingredients to avoid, and which formulas truly deliver a fresh, clean result every time. Get ready to say goodbye to stubborn gym funk for good. Keep reading to unlock the secrets to keeping your athletic wardrobe feeling and smelling brand new.
Top Detergent For Workout 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
- 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!
- 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
- 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
- 4 LB POUCH OF OXICLEAN TRIPLE ACTION ODOR BLASTERS ODOR AND STAIN REMOVER is an in-wash laundry additive that eliminates tough odors, removes stains, and boosts detergent performance in every load
- 3X ODOR FIGHTERS vs. the leading value detergent alone per load; for a next-level clean, this powerful OxiClean powder formula fights the toughest odors and stubborn stains
- ELIMINATE TOUGH ODORS like sweat, musty towels and body odor at their core; and fight stains like oil, grease, coffee, wine, chocolate, ketchup, berries, fruit juice, grass, mud, blood, ink, and washable paint
- COLOR-SAFE & POWERED BY OXYGEN; OxiClean Triple Action Odor Blasters Stain Remover Powder contains no chlorine bleach; it works in standard and HE washers at all temperatures, even cold water
- IN A SHIP-FRIENDLY, RESEALABLE & LEAK-RESISTANT portable pouch packaged to make life easier; use it with detergent in-wash, as a laundry pre-soak, or to clean and remove tough odors and stains around your home
- 2 PACK: Contains (2) - 50 Ounce Crisp Laundry Detergents - 100 loads of good, clean, environmentally friendly natural laundry detergent for the best household cleaning.
- POWERFUL LIQUID FORMULA: Traditional laundry soap and laundry pods leave leftover residue behind that corrode and clog your high-performance gear leaving them smelly and reducing their wickability. Hex Performance liquid active wear laundry detergent penetrates today’s ultra tight-knit performance fabrics, like your favorite yoga tops, leggings, sport bras, or compression shorts.
- ULTRA EFFECTIVE ODOR ELIMINATOR: This sport wash laundry detergent creates an invisible shield to protect fabrics against odors, stain re-absorption and other damage — like pilling, and loss of stretch and wickability. Keeps your clothes feeling new wash after wash after wash.
- REFRESHING SCENT: A refreshing scent infused with blossoms & melon notes for the ultimate "clean, laundry" smell. Works in all machines (including HE) and at all water temperatures. Biodegradable and eco-friendly formula. Clean laundry detergent, free of Parabens and SLS. Vegan friendly.
- GENTLE ON PERFORMANCE FABRICS: Hex laundry detergent is the solution for all your favorite activewear and fashion brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, Lululemon, Free People, Gymshark, Patagonia, Reebok, Fabletics, Alo Yoga, Athelta and Prana.
- NANOVASIVE PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY: Revolutionary liquid laundry detergent engineered to penetrate activewear fabrics at microscopic levels. Exfoliates embedded sweat, oils, and deep odors that regular laundry soap can't reach.
- REVITALIZES TECHNICAL FABRICS: This specialized washing detergent liquid restores moisture-wicking, compression, and breathable textiles to like-new performance so your training gear looks, feels, and functions better every workout.
- OBLITERATES TOUGH STAINS & ODORS: Just one cap of this powerful clothes detergent eliminates mud, grass, clay, wine, pet food, baby food stains. Plus destroys the funk that makes activewear smell after one use.
- ULTRA-CONCENTRATED DEEP CLEAN: Super-concentrated natural laundry detergent formula penetrates tight modern fabric weaves to exfoliate out embedded grime. Less detergent per load means more washes and superior cleaning power.
- GENTLE, RESIDUE-FREE & ANTI-STATIC: This non-toxic, organic laundry detergent for sensitive skin is exceptionally gentle on fabrics. Leaves no buildup on clothes or washing machines while protecting your gear's performance.
The Essential Guide to Buying Detergent for Workout Clothes
Your workout gear works hard. It wicks away sweat and keeps you comfortable. Over time, sweat and body oils get trapped in the fabric. This causes odors that regular detergent just cannot remove. You need a special detergent designed for athletic wear. This guide helps you choose the best one.
Key Features to Look For
Good workout detergents offer more than just cleaning power. Look for these important features:
- Odor Elimination: This is the most crucial feature. The detergent must actively break down odor-causing bacteria, not just mask the smell.
- Residue-Free Formula: Workout fabrics (like spandex and polyester) trap soap residue easily. Residue makes clothes feel stiff and reduces their ability to wick sweat. Look for “low-sudsing” or “residue-free” claims.
- Fabric Protection: High-quality detergents gently clean. They help maintain the stretch and moisture-wicking properties of your expensive gear.
- Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas often mean better cleaning power in smaller amounts, saving you money.
Important Materials to Consider
The ingredients matter greatly for performance fabrics. You want active cleaning agents that are gentle.
What to Seek Out:
- Enzymes: Certain enzymes target and break down proteins, oils, and organic matter left by sweat. These are excellent odor fighters.
- Plant-Based Surfactants: These are the cleaning agents. Plant-derived versions are often gentler on technical fabrics than harsh, petroleum-based chemicals.
What to Avoid:
- Fabric Softeners: Never use liquid fabric softeners on workout clothes. Softeners coat the fibers, clogging the pores of the fabric. This ruins the wicking ability.
- Bleach and Optical Brighteners: These harsh chemicals can break down the elasticity (stretch) in your gear, causing it to wear out faster.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your detergent directly impacts how long your gear lasts and how fresh it smells.
Quality Boosters:
Detergents that use advanced odor-neutralizing technology perform better. Also, detergents designed for cold-water washing often protect delicate fibers more effectively than those requiring hot water.
Quality Reducers:
Using too much detergent reduces quality. Excess soap is difficult to rinse out, leaving that sticky, smelly residue behind. Always measure carefully!
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the detergent affects the results.
Best Use Cases:
- Intense Sweating: For marathon gear or heavy lifting sessions, use the recommended amount for a deep clean.
- Smell Testing: If your clothes still smell after a regular wash, switch immediately to a specialized sports detergent.
- Hand Washing: Some concentrated formulas work well for spot-treating or hand-washing delicate items.
A great workout detergent should simplify your laundry routine. It should leave your clothes smelling fresh, feeling soft, and performing like new, wash after wash.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Workout Detergent
Q: Can I just use my regular laundry detergent?
A: You can, but regular detergents often leave residue that traps odors in synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex.
Q: Why do my workout clothes still smell after washing?
A: This usually happens because the odor-causing bacteria were not fully removed, or fabric softener/excess soap residue is trapped in the fibers.
Q: Do I need to use more detergent for smelly clothes?
A: No. Using more soap creates more residue. Use the correct measurement, or try soaking the clothes first in a solution of water and vinegar before washing them.
Q: Is enzyme-based detergent safe for all athletic wear?
A: Yes, enzyme-based formulas are generally very safe. They target biological stains and odors without damaging the synthetic fibers.
Q: Should I wash workout clothes in hot water?
A: No. Hot water can damage the elasticity and wicking capabilities of most performance fabrics. Cold or warm water is usually best.
Q: Can I use this detergent for wool or down gear?
A: Specialized detergents are better for natural fibers like wool or down. Always check the label if you wash mixed loads.
Q: How much detergent should I use per load?
A: Always follow the instructions on the bottle. Since these are concentrated, you usually need less than standard detergent.
Q: Does scent matter in a sports detergent?
A: Scent is personal preference. Focus more on odor *elimination* technology than strong added perfumes.
Q: How often should I wash my workout clothes?
A: Ideally, wash them after every single use to prevent bacteria buildup and deep odor setting.
Q: Will this detergent help my clothes dry faster?
A: It helps indirectly. By removing trapped residue and oils, the fabric can wick moisture better, which makes the clothes dry more efficiently.