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C’mon, admit it: we’ve all pulled a pair of workout leggings out of a drawer and been smacked in the face with an, ahem, odor. Even though you’ve thrown them in the wash, they seem to hang on to that scent. Thankfully, a simple solution can eradicate odor and help your leggings last longer: You just have to tweak how you’re washing them. While you probably know that special materials like leather and suede need to be cleaned specially, you may not realize that workout leggings also require special attention after a particular hardcore sweat session.
To help you get your workout leggings as clean as possible, we turned to laundry experts for their best tips. Below, they shared the type of laundry detergent you should be using, plus other tips on how to wash your workout leggings.
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Why do workout leggings get so stinky?
When you wear leggings to run errands or for a coffee date with a pal, chances are they don’t stink afterward. But if you hit up your favorite spin class or go for a long run, they may smell a bit ripe — or a lot ripe, depending on how much you sweat. But if you wash them, that stink should go away, right? Not necessarily.
According to our experts, the breathable, moisture-wicking fabric from which most workout leggings are made creates the perfect environment for bacteria growth. And if that bacteria isn’t removed, it can start to smell. Unfortunately, throwing them in the wash with all your other clothes may not be enough to eliminate all those bacteria. You may need to wash them in a unique way (more on that soon).
Another thing that can help is not letting your sweaty leggings hang out in your hamper for days after you sweat in them, says Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and chief product officer of textile care company Steamery. Letting them sit just fosters more bacteria growth. In contrast, if you immediately put them in the washing machine, you can get the sweat out before that bacteria embeds itself into the fibers.
Do you need special laundry detergent for workout leggings?
While your normal laundry detergent may suffice, it’s smarter to use one specifically designed for activewear and odor-prone garments, says Lewenhaupt. These detergents will break down sweat, oils and bacteria, allowing the water to wash all that stuff away and leaving you with leggings that don’t stink after you’ve cleaned them. You can simply look for a detergent that says it’s for activewear, or you can make sure whatever detergent you are using contains the following:
- Enzymes: Think of this as the most important ingredient to look for in a detergent for your leggings. “Enzymes like protease and amylase are key for breaking down proteins, body oils, and sweat stains that cling to performance fabrics,” says James Joun, co-founder and chief operating officer of Rinse, an on-demand laundry and dry cleaning pickup and delivery company. “These are essential for removing odors at the molecular level.”
- Oxygen bleach (non-chlorine): Think you can only use bleach on whites? Think again. As long as you look for oxygen bleach, it’s safe for colored clothes. “Unlike traditional bleach, oxygen bleach is safe for colored and synthetic fabrics,” says Joun. “It works by lifting stains and neutralizing odors without damaging the material.”
- Surfactants: Finally, surfactants will also help loosen and remove dirt, sweat, and oil from fabric. The most common surfactant in detergent is alkyl-benzene sulfonate — so look for that one, says Joun.
The best laundry detergents for workout leggings
How to wash your workout leggings
Beyond the detergent you use, a few additional tips can help ensure your workout leggings get clean when you wash them. One of the biggest things to remember is that you must wash them anytime you sweat. “Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester that are commonly used for activewear tend to trap odors more than natural fibers, so they need to be washed more frequently,” says Lewenhaupt. “So, they really should be washed after every intense workout session, especially if they’re damp with sweat.” However, if you’ve only done a light activity or didn’t sweat much, you can air them out and skip a wash, adds Lewenhaupt.
When you are ready to wash your workout leggings, follow these simple steps to ensure they get as clean and stink-free as possible:
- Turn them inside out: “This will expose the most soiled areas — like the waistband and inner thighs — to the detergent, says Lewenhaupt.
- Get selective: “It’s best to wash your workout leggings with similar fabrics and colors to prevent abrasion and color transfer,” says Lewenhaupt. “Avoid washing them with items that have zippers or rough textures, as these can snag the fabric.” If you are washing your leggings with other items, Lewenhaupt suggests putting them in a mesh laundry bag to help keep them protected.
- Be gentle: Pair your laundry detergent made for activewear with the gentle cycle on your washing machine to avoid damaging your leggings. You should also avoid fabric softeners entirely, as they clog the fibers and reduce breathability and sweat-wicking, says Lewenhaupt.
- Go the extra mile: “To ensure all detergent, sweat, and odors are rinsed out, add an extra rinse cycle to your wash routine,” says Joun. “This step is especially helpful if you’re dealing with heavy sweat or stubborn odors.” You can also use an odor-eliminating booster — like OxiClean Odor Blasters or a half cup of white vinegar — alongside your detergent if you’ve had a super sweaty workout, says Joun. These things will help neutralize smells during the rinse cycle.
- Air dry: Skip the dryer and air dry your leggings. This will help maintain your leggings’ elasticity and shape, says Lewenhaupt.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- James Joun is the co-founder and chief operating officer of Rinse, an on-demand laundry and dry cleaning pickup and delivery company.
- Frej Lewenhaupt is the co-founder and chief product officer of the textile care company Steamery.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on washing workout leggings.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
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