How To Remove Sweat Smell From Clothes

The sweat odour in clothes can be very stubborn and sometimes difficult to remove after washing, leaving people curious about how to remove sweat smell from clothes. However, cleaning your clothes and eliminating odours is possible using the proper techniques and products.
Love2Laundry offers professional dry cleaning services that ensure the quality of your garments, especially for stubborn smells that won’t go away quickly.
So, let’s discuss the best ways to remove the sweat smell from various materials to help keep your clothes clean and fresh.

Understanding the Cause: Why Clothes Smell of Sweat
There are several reasons clothes can smell of sweat, one of them being the decomposition of sweat by the skin or fabric-inhabiting bacteria. The weather can also be a contributing factor, as high humidity can promote bacteria growth and cause smell.
Immediate Steps to Take with Sweaty Clothes
How to remove sweat smell from clothes – things you should consider:
- Clothes should hang dry naturally to control the moisture level in the fabric material.
- Pre-wash treatments made from baking soda or enzyme-based sprays should be used to remove the odours.
- Before laundering the clothes, treat the affected areas with cleaning solutions or white vinegar, which has deodourizing properties.
- If clothes have sweat on them and it is impossible to wash them, they should be rinsed immediately in cold water after use.
- Do not place damp or sweaty garments in plastic bags or other confined spaces, which can cause odour and moisture retention.
These are some of the immediate steps about how to get the sweat smell off clothes.
Best Practices for Washing Sweaty Clothes
Pre-treat sweaty clothes with baking soda paste or enzyme detergent before washing.
- For synthetic fabrics, use cold water and a gentle cycle,
- For durable materials like cotton can handle warm water.
- Air dry or use low heat to prevent damage or shrinkage.
Here are some practical steps for how to wash sweaty clothes.
Choosing the Right Detergent
How to remove sweat smell from clothes using the proper detergents:
Enzyme-Based Ingredients: Protease, Amylase, and enzymes break down body oil and bacteria. These ingredients help to remove stains from white clothes.
Avoid: Fragrance-based products that contain too many artificial scents, as they only cover up the smell rather than eliminate it.
Oxy-Bleach Type Laundry Detergents: Oxy-bleaching agents assist in removing stains and odours.Avoid: Bleach for clothes containing chlorine since it causes damage to the material and is not practical in eliminating odours either.
Washing Techniques to Eliminate Odours
The procedure of how to remove sweat smell from clothes for different fabrics:
1. Pre-Washing phase:
Remove stains from clothes by applying a solution of detergent and water to the affected area or a mixture of water and baking powder. Wait for half an hour before washing.
2. Water Temperature:
Warm or hot water can kill germs from cotton or delicate fabrics, although it is advised to consider care labels.
3. Cycle Selection:
Sportswear or other delicate fabrics must be laundered using the gentle or delicate cycle to avoid wear and tear. Moreover, using the normal cycle for better cleaning results when cleaning cotton and other rigid materials.
4. Detergent:
How to wash sweaty clothes? Use a detergent specifically for sweat and body odour. Do not use softening agents, as they fill the fibres and cause smells.
5. Different materials:
Artificial materials: Turn inside out and gently wash with cold water to not damage the fabric.
Wool or silk: Wash with gentle detergent, soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse.
6. Drying:
Stretching and using a dryer on low heat is ideal for fabric, especially delicate ones or sportswear, to prevent shrinkage or damage.
That’s how to take the smell out of clothes using different washing techniques.
Home Remedies for Stubborn Odours
How to remove sweat smell from clothes using home remedies like baking soda and vinegar.
1. Baking Soda Solution:
- Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with water to form a paste.
- Apply directly to sweat-prone areas, let sit for 30 minutes, and wash as usual.
- Baking soda neutralizes odours and absorbs moisture.
2. Vinegar:
- Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 4 cups of water.
- Soak the clothing for 30 minutes before washing.
- Vinegar breaks down bacteria, causing odours, and freshens fabric.
Preventing Sweat Odours in Clothes
The preventive measures to get the smell out of clothes include:
- Selecting natural and breathable fibres, such as cotton or linen.
- Using antiperspirants effectively to remove sweat smell from fabrics.
- Wearing moisture-wicking material for physical activities.
- Changing clothes regularly to get the smell out of clothes.
- Exposing them to air to avoid moisture and bacteria.
Storing Gym and Sweaty Clothes Effectively
If you can’t wash your sweaty clothes after gyming, try to:
- Store them in a breathable mesh bag or hang them in an open place to prevent the growth of bacteria and smell.
- Don’t keep them in plastic bags, as they tend to retain moisture.
- Place the fabric upright or in an appropriate position to dry.
- Use baking soda to get sweat out of clothes and other unpleasant smells.
That’s how to take sweat smell off clothes without washing them.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning Help
High-quality sportswear, delicate fabrics, and instances where natural solutions fail to remove unwanted smells or stains require professional cleaning. Consider looking for the best laundry service specializing in handling certain fabrics, eliminating odours, and using green cleaning products.
Professional services can deliver convenience and expertise that home-based solutions may not provide. Professional handling prolongs the fabric’s lifespan and effectively removes smells and stains.
About Love2Laundry
Love2Laundry is a reputed laundry and dry cleaning company providing top-level services across Ireland. In addition to giving laundromat services, we are experts in handling various fabrics and garments. Our dedication ensures customer satisfaction by addressing all needs and requirements.
Contact Love2Laundry:
Contacting Love2Laundry is seamless, with easy access through our website and mobile app. Our customer support team is always ready to assist you.
- Website: Dry Cleaning & Laundry Ireland
- Email: info@love2laundry.com
FAQs – Get a Sweaty Smell Out of Your Clothes
How do you get armpit odour out of clothes?
Soak a mixture of vinegar in water and let it sit for a while. Then, wash your clothes in the solution using warm water. That’s how to remove sweat smell from clothes using vinegar.
Why do my clothes still smell of sweat after washing?
Detergents and fabric softeners often accumulate inside the washing machine, causing a smell and bacteria growth even after washing the clothes.
Can you get an old sweat smell out of clothes?
You can remove the smell of old sweat from clothes using natural ingredients like vinegar or baking soda. Add a cup of vinegar to cold water and soak your clothes for 30 minutes.
Will washing clothes with vinegar make them smell like vinegar?
Learn how to remove sweat smell from clothes using DIY-scented vinegar, which will leave a bit of fragrance in your laundry.
Wrap Up!
Understanding how to remove sweat smell from clothes is essential to maintain freshness. Using appropriate methods and pre-treatment, sweat odours can be eliminated from garments. For soft fabrics and challenging stains, laundry services like Love2Laundry ensure the highest quality cleaning service and garment maintenance. Our expert care extends the life of clothing and maintains its quality.