How to Remove Sweat Odors from Clothes: 9 Simple Ways That Work

Sweat odors can linger in clothes even after they’ve been through the washing machine. This is especially common around the underarms and with synthetic fabrics that can hold onto body oils and odor-causing compounds. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to tackle stubborn smells and keep your clothes fresh.

Why Do Clothes Smell of Sweat Even After Washing?

Sweat itself isn’t necessarily what creates the unpleasant smell. When sweat comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it can produce compounds responsible for body odor. These compounds, along with body oils and deodorant residue, can become trapped in clothing fibres.

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester can be particularly prone to retaining these substances. Over time, repeated washing may not completely remove the buildup, which is why a garment can sometimes smell fresh when it comes out of the machine but develop a sweaty smell again once it’s worn or becomes damp.

The good news is that a few changes to how you handle and wash these clothes can make a significant difference.

1. Don’t Leave Sweaty Clothes Sitting in a Basket

One of the simplest ways to prevent sweat odors from becoming more difficult to remove is to avoid leaving sweaty clothing in a closed laundry basket for long periods.

After exercising or spending time in hot weather, clothing can remain warm and damp with sweat. When it is left crumpled up without ventilation, bacteria can multiply and odors can become more pronounced.

If you can’t wash the clothes immediately, hang them somewhere with good airflow and allow them to dry before placing them in the laundry basket.

Gym clothes and other heavily sweaty garments should ideally be washed as soon as practical rather than being left in a sports bag overnight.

2. Pre-Treat Areas Where Sweat Builds Up

For garments with noticeable underarm odors, treating the affected areas before washing can help loosen the substances responsible for the smell.

Apply a small amount of suitable laundry detergent directly to the affected area and gently work it into the fabric. Allow it to sit for the period recommended by the detergent manufacturer before washing the garment.

Pre-treatment is particularly useful when there is visible buildup from deodorant or antiperspirant.

Always check the garment’s care label and the detergent instructions before using a pre-treatment, particularly with delicate fabrics.

3. Use White Vinegar to Help Neutralize Odors

White vinegar is a commonly used household option for dealing with unpleasant smells in washable clothing. Its mild acidity can help break down certain residues and neutralize odors.

For suitable washable garments, diluted white vinegar can be added during the rinse cycle. Avoid pouring undiluted vinegar directly onto clothing, particularly delicate fabrics.

It’s important to remember that vinegar isn’t appropriate for every garment or cleaning situation. Check the care label before using it, and never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach, as the combination can produce harmful fumes.

4. Try Baking Soda for Persistent Smells

Baking soda can be useful when clothing has absorbed unpleasant odors. Rather than simply masking a smell with fragrance, it can help neutralize odors.

For suitable washable garments, adding baking soda to the wash along with your normal detergent can be an option. It can also be mixed with a small amount of water to create a paste for treating particularly affected areas.

As with any home cleaning method, it’s sensible to test the treatment on an inconspicuous part of the garment if you’re unsure how the fabric will react.

5. Choose the Right Washing Temperature

The temperature you wash clothing at can affect how effectively sweat, oils and other residues are removed.

However, hotter isn’t automatically better. Some fabrics can shrink, fade or become damaged when exposed to excessive heat. Always follow the temperature recommended on the garment’s care label.

For everyday washable clothing, use the warmest temperature that the fabric safely allows when dealing with heavily soiled or sweaty garments. Delicate materials may require a much gentler approach.

Following the care label is particularly important for garments made from wool, silk and other sensitive materials.

6. Don’t Overdo the Detergent

Using extra detergent might seem like a good way to tackle strong odors, but more isn’t necessarily better.

Excess detergent can leave residue on clothing when it isn’t rinsed away properly. Over time, this buildup can contribute to a fabric feeling less clean and may even trap body oils and odors.

Use the amount recommended by the detergent manufacturer and adjust it according to the size of the load and how dirty the clothes are.

If your washing machine has a specific detergent or load-size recommendation, follow those instructions as well.

7. Keep Your Washing Machine Clean

Sometimes the source of a persistent odor isn’t the clothing at all.

Washing machines can accumulate detergent residue, fabric softener, dirt and mildew, particularly in areas that remain damp. These can contribute to unpleasant smells being transferred to freshly washed clothing.

Clean your washing machine regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pay attention to areas such as the detergent drawer, rubber door seal and other places where moisture can collect.

It’s also important not to leave freshly washed clothes sitting inside the machine for extended periods. Remove them promptly and allow them to dry properly.

8. Dry Clothes Completely Before Storing Them

Even properly washed clothes can develop an unpleasant smell if they aren’t dried thoroughly.

Damp clothing provides an environment where microorganisms can grow, which can result in a musty or sweaty smell. This is particularly likely if clothes are folded and stored while they are still slightly damp.

After washing, allow clothes to dry completely before putting them into drawers or wardrobes. Good airflow can help speed up the process.

For garments that can be safely dried outdoors, fresh air and ventilation can also help reduce lingering odors.

9. Get Persistent Odors Professionally Cleaned

Some sweat odors simply won’t disappear with ordinary home washing, particularly when they have built up over a long period.

This can happen with garments that are worn frequently, heavily perspired in or made from fabrics that require specialist care. Suits, coats, uniforms, delicate clothing and other items may also not be suitable for repeated washing at home.

Professional laundry and cleaning services can use cleaning methods appropriate for different fabrics and types of soiling. If an item still smells after careful washing and the odor keeps returning, professional cleaning may be a better option than repeatedly washing the garment.

How to Prevent Sweat Odors from Building Up

The best way to deal with persistent clothing odors is to prevent them from becoming deeply embedded in the first place.

Wash heavily sweaty clothing as soon as reasonably practical. If immediate washing isn’t possible, allow the garment to dry in a well-ventilated area rather than leaving it compressed in a bag.

Pay particular attention to clothing that is worn during exercise or in hot weather. These garments can accumulate more sweat and body oils than everyday clothing.

It’s also worth considering the fabric when buying clothes that you expect to wear frequently. Breathable materials may be more comfortable in hot conditions, while synthetic performance fabrics may require more careful washing to prevent odor buildup.

Final Thoughts

Removing sweat odors from clothing isn’t simply about washing garments more frequently or using more detergent. Persistent smells can result from a combination of sweat, bacteria, body oils, deodorant residue and fabric type.

By treating affected areas, choosing suitable cleaning methods and making sure clothes are properly dried, you can reduce the likelihood of odors becoming trapped in your clothes. For delicate garments or stubborn smells that don’t respond to careful home cleaning, professional laundry services can provide an alternative.