Let's face it. As energizing and recharging a good workout session feels (and also makes you break into a sweat), nobody really wants to face the aftermath and stink of sweaty clothes!
We are sure that if you work out religiously and pay attention to washing your clothes with care, your gym wear isn't always squeaky clean and stink free. This is because gym wear, which is made out of specific fabrics like lycra and spandex, repel water and trap in moisture, germs, and bacteria, making it harder to go away. So, there is a rather right kind of routine you should be following when it comes to washing your sweaty workout clothes. Funky smelling clothes not just make you unpopular, they can also lead to serious skin infections and body odor issues, which you should avoid at all costs.
Why doesn't the smell go away?
What you wear to the gym or yoga class is a lot different than your regular clothes. Workout wear does not have the feasibility of cotton. After an intense session, your clothes start to smell because you exercise your muscles in a confined space which generates a lot of sweat. This also applies to yoga sessions. So, when the sweat and the grime builds up, it releases odor, which isn't pleasant and sticks through the clothes, making it harder to get away.
While you cannot totally avoid sweating, there is a way of ensuring sweat free, clean clothes after every wear. Here is a handy guide to help you through:
-First up, always wash clothes inside out. When you workout, the sweat and the grime sticks to the insides and not the outer fabric so wash your clothes the right way.
-High-performance gym wear and any bacteria-laden clothes should be pre-soaked and washed ideally in cold or warm water and not hot water.
-Wash the clothes after every wear. This might seem impossible but it is the healthiest approach to adopt.
-If you don't have the time or option to do so, air dry them outside for a minimum of 45 mins. Do not stuff them into another pile of laundry or a plastic bag which would only do further damage.
-If you can, take a shower pre and post workout. Doing so can reduce the chances of any infection or germs sticking to your body.
-Do not use more detergent than required. You might think adding more heaps of detergent may help the purpose but what it really does is make clothes harder to rinse and germs stick through. While we are at it, using fabric softeners are a big NO-NO!
-You can also take help of natural cleaning agents like baking soda and vinegar to clean your clothes. They are both excellent germ fighters and attack them at the root.
While you are at it, make sure to give your gym bag a thorough clean once a month too. They harbor a lot more bacteria and germs than you imagine!
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