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We’ve all been there. You’ve packed your bag ready for the gym, head to the change room to get changed - only to notice that offensive workout smell. Didn’t I just wash this tank? Yes, you did. That dreaded workout stench is a universal phenomenon, an enemy feared by gym goers the world over. But with a few simple tips, you can avoid having to bin your latest Lululemon by washing your activewear properly.
It seems like an obvious one, but leaving your soiled tights in the bottom of your gym bag for a week is not the answer. If you prefer getting two wears out of your favourite tights - don’t! By letting sweat dry into your clothing, you’re essentially letting body soil (a combination of sweat and deposits of body proteins) and bacteria set up shop in your luxe activewear.
A little known tip shared by those who stake out the cardio section is to pre-soak. Pre-treat the offending items by first soaking them in a mixture of tepid water and a small amount of laundry detergent. Your crop top won’t require the same amount of liquid gold as your hoodie, so don’t forget to check the label for the correct dosage and instructions for each item.
Again, seems like a no brainer, but whenever you’re trying to lift protein based stains (body soil), you need to wash in cold water. Hot water can actually change the chemical structure of the stain, making it much harder to remove. Hot water can also damage technical sports fabrics PRO TIP: Washing your clothes inside out and line drying in the shade will help to keep them looking their best.
You’ve just dropped a bomb on the latest high performance wear, so it makes sense to look after it. Look for a laundry detergent that is specifically formulated to help fight sports odours. There are many options on the market and some are designed specifically for activewear. One of these is OMO’s Sports Active Fresh, which has been specially developed with higher levels of specialist ingredients to help combat sweat and other sport stains. Infused with herbal extracts, OMO Sports Active Fresh will leave your workout gear with long lasting freshness.
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