Preventing your running clothes from accumulating odours, need not be a challenge.
Several factors could be contributing to odour retention within running clothes. Whereas the fibres of cotton clothing are rope-like and absorbs moisture well, it deflects body oils. However, exercise gear is designed to stretch and to deflect moisture, allowing sweat to evaporate off the skin—the wicking renders cooler workouts with reduced friction on the skin. The smooth synthetic tube-like fabric absorbs the body oils. Over time your favourite exercise clothes may become a breading place for bacteria and germs.
Odour prevention step 1:
Never throw damp clothes in the laundry basket!
Always let damp clothes dry out!
Sweat-soaked exercise clothes in a soggy heap or bundle, provides an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply. If you changed after a run, place the wet clothes in a plastic bag, separated from dry clothes, for the shortest possible time, before hanging out to dry.
Odour prevention step 2 and preservation:
Use detergent sparingly, more of it would not result in cleaner clothes, but would contribute to soap residue, contributing to odours.
Sort by colour and stick to cooler wash cycles, because heat damages the elasticity. Wash clothes inside-out to preserve the colours and allow for more contact with the potential source of odours.
Wash expensive sports bras by hand, fully submerged in water at room temperature. Do not use regular laundry detergent, as it is much too harsh, invest in detergent for sensitive fabrics. Soak bras for about 10 minutes, and wash gently, no scrubbing, wringing, stretching or tugging. Remove stains, prior to washing, with an old soft toothbrush and the fabric sensitive detergent.
Odour prevention and preservation step 3:
Never, ever, use fabric softener, because it leaves a coating that interferes with elastic and moisture wicking fabrics.
Rinse in clean water and spin gently. Do not wring out bras, let the drip-dry and gently press the wet ends after a while to release gathered water.
Do not tumble dry, but if little choice, then air-dry at a cool temperature, because heat damages the elasticity.
How to get rid of existing odours?
If for whatever reason one or more clothes are already smelly, add vinegar, lemon juice or baking-soda to the wash cycle.
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