How-to

Keep Workout Clothes Fresher: Six Steps from Airing to Laundry

Damp gym wear left crumpled in a bag can hold on to odors. Follow REI's airing advice and Nike and Under Armour's manufacturer guides on separation, detergent amount and drying.

3 min read2026-10-23

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OriginalUnder Armour compression-gear care: labels, cold wash, low heatUnder Armour

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01

What you need

Sweaty activewear and its care labels
An airy rack or hanger
Suitable mild laundry detergent
An approved washing method

02

How to

1. Remove wet gym clothes promptly from the bag or plastic sack after exercise. Keep the moisture away from clean garments.
2. If you cannot wash at once, spread each item out in moving air. Do not pack damp activewear into a tight ball at the bottom of a hamper.
3. Read the fabric label before laundering. Elastic compression items, merino wool and synthetic performance tops may require different temperatures and drying methods.
4. For eligible performance garments, turn the clothing inside out and wash with similar lightweight items. Keep it away from abrasive zips or hook-and-loop fasteners.
5. Follow the detergent dosing instructions instead of adding extra product for tougher odors. Nike cautions that excessive detergent residue can contribute to recurring smells. Avoid fabric softener or bleach when the garment and care products forbid them.
6. Air-dry, or use approved low heat only if the label allows it, then store only after fully dry. Rewash using a maker-approved treatment if persistent odor remains.

One more tip

Air-drying dirty clothes alone does not sanitize them. Follow the care label, wash heavily sweaty clothing appropriately, and avoid bleach, softener or heat when the fabric maker forbids them.

Sources and media

OriginalNike's official workout-clothes care guide: air, dose and dryNike

OriginalREI activewear odor care: don't crumple damp clothingREI Co-op

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