We've all experienced that moment when our clothes become a battleground for sweat stains and lingering odors. Whether it's the aftermath of an intense workout or a scorching summer day, dealing with sweat-soaked garments can be a real challenge. But fear not! We’re here to show you how to get sweat smell out of clothes for good.
What Causes Sweat Smell in Clothes?
Sweat smells in clothes can be attributed to a combination of factors. When you sweat, your body releases a mixture of water, salts, and organic compounds, such as proteins and fatty acids. The primary cause of the sweat smell in clothes is the interaction between these organic compounds and the bacteria that naturally reside on your skin. As bacteria break down the sweat molecules, they produce volatile compounds, resulting in that distinctive odor. Additionally, the fabrics we wear can trap sweat and bacteria, amplifying the stink factor. This can make it difficult to determine how to remove sweat odours from clothing.
How to Get Sweat Smell Out of Clothes
You don’t need to live with stinky sweaty clothes! We’ll walk you through how to remove sweat smells from clothes, step-by-step.
Step 1: Pretreat The Affected Area
Before tossing your clothes into the washing machine, take a moment to pre-treat the offending areas. Apply a mixture of baking soda and water or a laundry detergent that contains enzymes, like Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry detergent, directly to the stained area. Gently rub it in and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Baking soda helps neutralize odors, while the enzymes in the detergent helps break down oils and bacteria that cause the stain and smell in the first place.
Step 2: Wash
When it's time to wash those odor-filled garments, use the hottest water setting recommended for the fabric to help kill the odor-causing bacteria. Add a laundry detergent that contains enzymes, which are specifically designed to break down proteins like sweat and body oils. We recommend using Active Wash. Dropps Active Wash contains extra enzymes to blast away even the most stubborn smells–perfect for removing sweat smells from clothes!
Step 3: Dry
Harness the power of the sun by line-drying your clothes outdoors. Sunlight helps kill bacteria and naturally freshens fabrics–perfect for getting sweat smell out of shirts. Hang your clothes in a sunny spot, and let the sun work its magic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to get sweat smell out of clothes? We’re here to help you with removing sweat smells from clothes for good.
How do you get armpit odor out of clothes?
Armpit odor is a distinct smell, and not one you want sticking around! Our guide to How to Remove Underarm Odor from clothes will help you restore your garments back to their pristine, sweat-free state.
Why do my clothes still smell of sweat after washing?
Certain areas of your clothes, like the armpits of shirts, tend to retain more sweat and bacteria due to the body's natural perspiration and the presence of odor-causing bacteria in that area. If the clothes were not laundered properly, the sweat and bacteria may not be fully removed, leading to persistent odor. Not sure how to get the smell out? Try pretreating the offending areas before washing.
How do you get sweat smell out of clothes fast?
Our above guide has all the tips for how to remove sweat odours from clothing, but if you're in a hurry, try these quick fixes:
- Opt for a quick wash: Use the shortest washing cycle suitable for your garment, focusing on removing odor rather than deep cleaning.
- Give it a spritz: Spray specialized fabric deodorizers, like Dropps Revitalizing Mist, directly onto the affected areas for a fast freshening effect.
- Hang clothes in fresh air: Air-drying garments outside can help eliminate odors by allowing fresh air to circulate and neutralize the smell.