Why the smell stays
Fresh sweat barely smells. The odour comes later, as bacteria on the fabric break down the sweat and body oils left behind. Polyester holds on to oils, so sportswear is the worst offender, and fabric softener can coat fibres and lock smells in. Clothes left damp in a gym bag or the drum get worse quickly.
Both Luniva formulas help remove stubborn stains and the unpleasant odours trapped within them.
How to wash the smell out
- 1Treat the underarms and collarSpray Enzyme Powered on sweaty areas. If they feel greasy or have deodorant build-up, treat that separately with Pro Formula.
- 2Wait 1–3 minutesDon't let the spray dry on the fabric.
- 3Wash inside outTurn clothes inside out so the wash reaches the side that touched your skin. Use the temperature on the care label.
- 4Dry completelyAir-dry fully before putting clothes away. Damp clothes start to smell again.
Habits that help
Wash kit soon after wearing
If you can't, hang it up to dry rather than leaving it in a bag.
Skip fabric softener on sportswear
It coats technical fabrics and can trap smells.
Don't overload the drum
Clothes need room for the water to get through.
Keep your machine clean
A smelly washing machine passes it on. See our guide to cleaning it.
Top tips
- Let deodorant dry before you get dressed: wet deodorant builds up in the fabric.
- Natural fibres like cotton hold less smell than polyester.
- Empty the drum as soon as the wash finishes.
Questions
Polyester holds on to sweat and body oils, and fabric softener can lock them in. Treat the underarms before washing, wash inside out and skip the softener.
Only if the care label allows. Many sports fabrics should be washed at 30–40°C. Treating the sweaty areas before the wash matters more than the temperature.
Enzyme Powered for sweat. Pro Formula for greasy deodorant build-up or body oils. Treat them as separate marks.