How to Get the Smell Out of Workout Clothes (The OxiClean Method That Actually Works)

You wash your gym clothes. They come out of the dryer. And they still smell like last Tuesday’s workout.

If this has happened to you more than once, you’re dealing with one of the most common laundry frustrations on the planet. Synthetic workout clothes (polyester, nylon, and most performance fabrics) trap odor in ways regular detergent simply can’t fix. The good news is there’s a reliable way to reset them.

Here’s the complete, practical method that consistently removes stubborn smell from athletic wear.

Quick Takeaways

• The real problem is bacteria and odor compounds trapped deep in synthetic fibers.
• A proper OxiClean soak is one of the most effective home solutions.
• Adding a small amount of borax can improve results, especially in hard water.
• Follow the soak with a thorough wash using a good enzyme or sports detergent.
• Avoid mixing vinegar into the same soak — it reduces effectiveness.
• Prevention habits matter as much as the deep-clean method.

Why Your Workout Clothes Still Smell After Washing

Most athletic fabrics are designed to wick moisture, but that same structure makes them excellent at holding onto body oils, sweat residue, and certain bacteria. Research has shown that polyester in particular creates a favorable environment for odor-producing microbes such as Micrococcus.

Regular detergent often cleans the surface but leaves these compounds and bacteria behind. When the fabric warms up again (on your body or in a gym bag), the smell returns. This is why simply “washing them more” usually fails.

You need something that can oxidize the odor molecules themselves and disrupt the bacteria living in the fabric.

The Best Way to Remove Smell from Workout Clothes: OxiClean Soak Protocol

OxiClean works because its main ingredient, sodium percarbonate, releases hydrogen peroxide (an oxidizer) and sodium carbonate (an alkaline cleaner) when mixed with water. This combination breaks down odor-causing compounds and helps reduce bacterial load without the harshness of chlorine bleach.

What You’ll Need

• OxiClean Odor Blasters (preferred for odor) or regular OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover
• Borax (optional but recommended)
• Bucket, laundry tub, or bathtub
• Warm water (use the warmest temperature safe for the garment care labels)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the clothes. Turn items inside out. This exposes the side where sweat and bacteria concentrate most. Check care labels for maximum water temperature.
2. Mix the soak solution. Fill your container with warm water. Add one full scoop of OxiClean per gallon of water. For better results, especially in hard water areas, add ¼ to ½ cup of borax per gallon. Stir until completely dissolved.
3. Soak thoroughly. Submerge the clothes completely. Soak for 4–6 hours. For heavily used or chronically stinky items, overnight (8–12 hours) is better. Occasional gentle agitation helps.
4. Wash as usual. Drain the soak water and transfer the clothes to the washing machine. Wash with a quality enzyme detergent or a sports-specific formula designed for synthetic fabrics. You can add another dose of OxiClean to the wash cycle if desired. Use the warmest water the fabric allows and select an extra rinse if available.
5. Dry properly. Air-dry when possible. If using a dryer, choose low or no heat. Skip dryer sheets and liquid fabric softener — they leave residues that make future odor worse.

Optional Upgrades for Better Results

• Borax in the soak: Softens water and provides mild additional deodorizing support without interfering with the oxygen bleach.
• Enzyme or sports detergent in the wash: Products formulated for athletic wear (such as HEX Performance and similar) often penetrate synthetic fibers more effectively than standard detergents.
• Extra rinse: Helps remove any remaining residue.

What Not to Do

• Do not mix vinegar or other acids into the OxiClean soak. Acids neutralize the active oxygen bleach and reduce its effectiveness.
• Avoid fabric softener and dryer sheets on performance fabrics permanently.
• Don’t overload the washer — clothes need room to move and rinse properly.
• Skipping the soak and adding only OxiClean to a normal wash is less effective at removing deeply embedded odor.

How to Prevent Workout Clothes from Getting Smelly in the First Place

• Hang clothes to dry as soon as possible after training, rather than leaving them in a gym bag.
• Wash soon after wearing, especially synthetic pieces.
• Turn garments inside out every wash.
• Use a detergent that performs well on synthetics for regular loads.
• Air out gear between wears when possible.

Consistent prevention reduces how often you need the deep-clean soak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular OxiClean instead of Odor Blasters?

Yes. Regular OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover works well. Odor Blasters is formulated with additional odor-fighting components and is often the better choice for this specific problem.

How long should I soak stinky gym clothes?

4–6 hours is the minimum for good results. Overnight is better for severe or long-standing odor.

Is this safe for black or colored activewear?

OxiClean is chlorine-free and generally color-safe when used as directed. Always check care labels and spot-test if the fabric or color is new to you. Avoid silk, wool, and dry-clean-only items.

Can I mix OxiClean with vinegar?

Not in the same soak. Vinegar is acidic and reduces the effectiveness of the oxygen bleach. You can use a dilute vinegar rinse after the main wash if desired, but it is not required.

Does this work on sports bras, leggings, and running shirts?

Yes. The method works across most synthetic athletic garments. Pay extra attention to high-sweat areas by ensuring full submersion.

What if the smell is still there after one treatment?

Repeat the soak for a longer period, or follow with a wash using a dedicated sports detergent. Extremely old or heavily saturated items sometimes need two rounds.

Final Thoughts

Stinky workout clothes are a materials problem, not a personal one. Synthetic fabrics trap odor more effectively than traditional materials, and regular detergent often isn’t enough. A proper OxiClean soak — optionally boosted with borax — followed by a strong enzyme or sports detergent wash is one of the most reliable home methods available.

Do the full process once on your worst offenders, and you’ll notice the difference the next time you put them on. Clean clothes that actually stay clean make training more enjoyable.

If you’d rather have us handle the heavy lifting, Clean Shirt Co. Laundromat offers wash-dry-fold and commercial laundry services right here in Eau Claire.  Bring in your workout gear (or your regular laundry), and we’ll take care of the rest.

Save this method. Your future self (and anyone training near you) will appreciate it.