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The best way to remove and prevent sweat smells on clothes is to wash items immediately after use, air-dry them thoroughly, and avoid bacterial build-up by choosing items treated with antibacterial odor-control solutions. However, sometimes we need to go the extra distance and require a few extra tips and tricks. In this article, we guide you through a series of practical techniques and tools to help you remove and prevent the smell of sweat on clothing.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and remove the smell of sweat on clothes. Understanding why we sweat, how to remove body odor from clothes, and how to prevent smells from clinging to clothes in the first place, enables us to manage the problem. Whether you get a bit hot and bothered at work or regularly find yourself smelling out the place after a long run, our top tips and actionable strategies will help you eliminate those odors and stay fresher for longer.
We tend to sweat when we heat up because perspiration is the body’s natural cooling mechanism and helps us regulate our temperature. As you get hotter, your sweat glands release moisture to cool you down. Body heat transfers to the liquid, causing the water in your sweat to evaporate and cooling the skin.
The amount you sweat and the intensity of the odor it produces are affected by:
Physical exertion will get you sweaty quickly. For most people, it is the main perspiration trigger. When you exercise, your muscles generate heat, your body temperature rises, and you begin to sweat to cool yourself down.
Deodorants mask body odors. But some are more effective than others. If you sweat a lot and it smells, you may be using a deodorant that doesn’t quite work for you. Shop around and try out different products. Eventually, you will find a solution that works for your body.
Restrictive clothing that sits tight to the body reduces airflow and its cooling effect, so your body has to work harder to cool itself. That translates into more sweating. And more sweating often means more smell. Tight clothing also prevents evaporation, making the evaporative cooling process less effective and causing you to sweat even more.
The role of stress in producing sweat is often overlooked. But it is important. Particularly if you sweat heavily at work or in other potentially high-stress environments. Emotional stress activates the apocrine glands. These glands produce a slightly different type of sweat that is more odorous than the sweat associated with physical exertion.
What you eat will impact how your sweat smells. For instance, foods that contain volatile compounds, such as garlic, onions, and spices, can increase the intensity of your body odor.
Sweat is typically odorless, but provides odor-causing bacteria with plenty of nutrients and the conditions to grow. These microorganisms release bad smells as they break down the sweat into energy and excrete waste products.
Interestingly, sweat itself doesn’t smell of much. It’s just a combination of water, electrolytes, and salts. Body odor – the smell associated with sweating – is actually caused by bacteria. Our bodies are home to millions of bacteria, most of which are harmless and many of which perform valuable functions. However, some bacteria feed on our sweat, breaking down the proteins and fatty acids within it and producing unpleasant-smelling by-products in the process.
When you sweat, it permeates clothing fabric, creating a warm, damp environment. And that’s exactly the type of conditions bacteria like. They thrive in it. As the bacteria thrive and multiply, they produce more waste products that generate bad smells.
Often, a good wash will remove odors from your clothing. But sometimes, those smells continue to linger. If regular washing does not work, try one of these tried-and-tested sweat odor removal techniques.
Baking soda is a relatively effective odor-neutralizing agent. To use it on clothes, mix the baking soda with a little water until it forms a paste. Apply the paste directly to those areas of the clothing where the sweat smell is strongest. Typically, this is the armpit and underarm area. Let the paste work for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it off and putting the item through a regular wash. This is one of the most affordable ways to eliminate body odor from clothes.
White vinegar is strong-smelling but works wonders when you want to eliminate body odor from clothing. Mix a solution of one part vinegar and four parts water, then soak the item for 30 minutes. When you are ready, remove the clothing and wash it normally to remove the vinegar smell.
Throwing damp, dirty clothes straight into the washing machine can make the problem worse. If you have a recurring issue with used sports kits that continue to smell after a regular wash, try air-drying the items first. It can prevent further bacterial growth. The sun’s natural antimicrobial power will do some of the hard work before your machine finishes the job.
As unpleasant odors in clothing are common, many companies manufacture special detergents specifically designed and optimized for odor elimination. They usually work by incorporating enzymes that break down the bacteria responsible for those unpleasant smells.
If you struggle with smelly clothes, your natural reaction may be to add extra detergent to the wash. However, this is much more likely to make things worse. Excess detergent can get trapped in textile fibers, build up, and begin to trap more sweat and bacteria. To prevent this, follow the instructions on your detergent packet and use the recommended amount.
Unless you’re giving them a quick dry outside, wash stinky clothes as soon as possible after wearing them. The longer you leave them in the laundry basket, the more the bacteria multiply and the worse the smell. Don’t hang around, get those clothes in the washing machine straight away.
Turning your garments inside out lets the detergent work on the smelliest fibers, increasing the likelihood of removing stubborn sweat odors from your clothes.
Finally, dry all washed clothes thoroughly, as this removes the conditions in which bacteria thrive. Whenever possible, dry your clothes in direct sunlight, as this also assists in eliminating bacteria and the smell of sweat.
If you try all of these techniques and you still can’t remove the sweat smell from your clothes, you have a few options. These processes tend to be a bit more aggressive, so use them sparingly and with care.
Preventing bad smells from developing in the first place means choosing loose, breathable fabrics, rotating items regularly, and wearing designs with built-in odor protection.
Fabric choice plays a significant role in determining how much you sweat and how much that sweat smells. Breathable fabrics facilitate better evaporation so sweat can cool the body more effectively. With this in mind, opt for cotton, linen, and merino wool when possible and avoid standard polyesters. Moisture-wicking properties are also a big bonus.
Tight clothes trap sweat, prevent the air from cooling your skin, and reduce evaporation, leading to more and smellier sweat. Go for looser-fitting apparel to reduce sweating and the likelihood of sweat smells working their way into your clothing.
If you struggle with smelly clothing, pay extra attention to problem areas. When washing in the shower, give your armpits and groin a good scrub. If necessary, use a damp cloth for quick wipe-down washes between showers.
The more you wear clothes without washing them, the more likely smells will develop. If you’ve sweated a lot, items should go straight in the wash. Regular rotation helps you manage odors and ensures they don’t become embedded in your clothes.
While deodorants mask and cover up smells, antiperspirants block sweat production. This can be extremely useful in certain situations, such as at work or during everyday life. However, if you are working out or participating in intense physical activity, you may want to let your body do its thing and sweat naturally. It will improve your ability to regulate your temperature.
As anti-odor solutions have evolved, new fabric technologies, such as Polygiene StayFresh, have been developed. Polygiene StayFresh is integrated into clothing at the point of manufacture and prevents bacterial growth, keeping your gear smell-free and fresher for longer. It is one of the most effective methods for preventing sweat smells in clothing, and more brands are incorporating it into their products than ever before.
Not all odor protection is antibacterial. For instance, Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0 works by capturing the molecules responsible for unpleasant smells and preventing their release. This means they never reach the nose and can’t be smelled. This is an extremely effective means of keeping clothes fresher for longer and ensuring you stay comfortable and confident.
To minimize the likelihood of smelling bad, choose clothing that is:
The active ingredient in Polygiene StayFresh is silver chloride – a salt that occurs naturally in soil and water. The solution is entirely skin-safe and works to inhibit bacterial growth in three core ways:
Polygiene StayFresh is integrated into textiles during product manufacturing, ensuring it is built into the fabric rather than simply sitting on it. This enables it to provide 24/7, long-lasting antibacterial and anti-odor protection. It doesn’t leach out of the material and it doesn’t affect materials’ other properties. For instance, merino wool retains its excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
Polygiene OdorCrunch2.0 works by capturing the molecules responsible for unpleasant smells and preventing their release. This ensures they are not able to get airborne and can’t be smelled. When the item is washed, the molecules are removed from the fibers and OdorCrunch2.0 resets, so it can provide ongoing odor protection. Crucially, the technology contains no heavy metals and is PFA-free.
A whole host of brands now use Polygiene technologies in their products and it is easier than ever to find anti-odor clothing. To help you get started, here are three brands that make the most of advanced Polygiene solutions.
Maloja – One of our favorite sports and outdoor apparel brands, Maloja makes high-performance clothing that looks effortlessly cool. From cycling shorts to jackets designed for Nordic skiing, it combines the unique Maloja aesthetic with unrivaled functionality. And it uses Polygiene StayFresh to provide anti-odor protection in several of its ranges.
M.M. LaFleur – A fashion brand for women who want a wardrobe that works for them, M.M. LaFleur produces apparel that emphasizes three core features – functionality, comfort and style. Designing workwear and everyday wear, it uses Polygiene technology to help deliver on those goals.
JSP – JSP focuses more on the functional side of things, manufacturing high-quality workwear for commercial and industrial use. It incorporates Polygiene solutions into its products to enhance comfort for users and improve clothing performance in environments where strong smells are present.
Can I use fabric softener on activewear and sweaty clothes?
No, you should not use fabric softener on activewear or sweaty clothes because it can impact fabric performance. Fabric softener or conditioner can leave a waxy layer on the material that clogs the fibers, prevents moisture-wicking, and traps odors.
Can I get rid of sweat smells without washing clothing immediately?
Yes, you can remove sweat smells without washing clothing immediately by using home odor removers like baking soda and vinegar, and air-drying in the sun. However, it is always best to wash sweaty clothes immediately when possible.
What is the best way to prevent sweat odors on clothing in the first place?
To prevent clothing sweat odors, wear breathable fabrics and loose-fitting designs, choose clothing featuring odor control technologies, rotate items regularly, and use an antiperspirant that works for you.
What is the difference between antibacterial and odor capture technology?
Antibacterial odor control technologies prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria, stopping smells at the source. Odor capture technologies trap and bind the molecules responsible for bad smells, preventing their release, so you can’t smell them. Both are extremely effective odor-control technologies and can be used together for the most comprehensive coverage possible.
In this article, we’ve hopefully shown you how to remove sweat smells on clothing. Keep in mind that prevention is just as important, and choosing the right anti-odor clothing can eliminate the issue altogether. Polygiene technologies provide highly effective anti-odor control that prevents body odor and sweat smells from becoming an issue in the first place. Today, more and more brands are incorporating it into their products.
Why? Because consumers and end users want clothing that makes them feel comfortable, confident, and fresher for longer.
Learn more about Polygiene odor control.
Andreas Grevlind
Head of Digital Marketing & Brand
