Why polyester holds on to oil
Polyester fibres are a kind of plastic. They repel water but attract oil, so grease, body oils, suncream and makeup cling to them and a normal wash slides over the top. Over time that oily layer traps dirt and smells, which is why sportswear can look grey and smell stale even when it's just been washed.
Which bottle
Grease, body oils, suncream, makeup and deodorant
Use Pro Formula.
See Pro FormulaSweat marks, grass, mud, blood and food
Use Enzyme Powered.
See Enzyme Powered
Washing sportswear
Wash sports kit soon after wearing rather than leaving it in a bag. Turn it inside out, wash at the temperature on the care label (often 30–40°C), and skip fabric softener: it coats technical fibres, which can stop them wicking sweat and trap smells.
Patch-test stretchy blends with elastane first. Pro Formula isn't for waterproof membranes or flame-retardant finishes, so check the label on rain jackets and specialist kit.
Top tips
- Hang sweaty kit up to dry if it can't be washed straight away.
- Treat underarms and collars regularly so oil doesn't build up.
- Polyester dries fast, so air-dry it and skip the tumble dryer.
Questions
Blot off the excess, spray Pro Formula until covered, leave 1–3 minutes and wash as normal. Air-dry and check: oil can show again as the fabric dries.
Body oils and sweat build up in polyester and hold on to odour. Treat the underarms with Enzyme Powered and any oily areas with Pro Formula before the wash, and skip fabric softener.
Yes on washable polyester. Patch-test near the print, treat from the inside where you can and wash inside out.
