How To Get Odor Out Of a Gym Bag
Kudos for you for working out regularly. Now let’s keep that gym bag from announcing it. How do get odors out of a gym bag? These simple steps will help.
Remove Sweaty Clothes
Bacteria on our skin break down acids that are in sweat. The waste produced by that bacteria is what produces the smell of body odor. Leaving wet items in a closed bag creates the perfect moist environment to allow bacteria to grow and thrive. Even leaving them in for as short as 30 minutes can start an odor-causing reaction. This can cause the lingering smell of body odor. The sooner you can remove used workout clothes, the better. Once you’ve removed your gym clothes, air out the bag.
If your shoes are among the offensive clothing items, learn how to get odor out of shoes and keep it from coming back.
Air it Out
Empty your gym bag of all items so that you can turn it inside out. Leave the bag in an open space to air out. Airing out your duffel bag can eliminate any moisture that has built up and make it a less desirable place for bacteria to grow.
Use an Odor Eliminator Spray
Odor elimination sprays, such as NeverWet Refresh, contain deodorizers that eliminate body odor and other sources of smell and prevent them from getting worse. When you find yourself in a situation where used workout clothes have been stored inside a gym bag, remove the clothing and simply spray the odor elimination spray on them and the bag.
For additional odor elimination, turn the bag inside out and wash it in your washing machine with laundry detergent. You may want to place it inside a pillowcase to help protect it and help it retain its shape during the washing cycle. Read the manufacturer’s label before placing it in the laundry, however.
This should eliminate the odors and prevent them from getting worse. Your gym bag should smell fresh again! The deodorizer in these sprays contains ingredients that weaken the sources of the odor, which causes a bad smell.
Clean Your Gym Bag with Pantry Items
Add a tablespoon each of vinegar and baking soda to a cup of warm water. Soak a microfiber cloth with this mixture and carefully scrub your gym bag. The vinegar has properties that can kill bacteria and fungi that may be causing your gym bag to smell. Baking soda further deodorizes by neutralizing acidic and basic odor molecules. You may want to place your gym bag in a protective pillowcase and wash it with laundry detergent afterward. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding its care, however.
How to Keep Odor from Returning
To help keep your gym bag from smelling, get in a routine in which you remove any used workout clothing immediately and then use NeverWet Refresh once the bag is emptied. Spray it generously and let it dry completely before using the bag again.
Not sure where to buy NeverWet Refresh? Learn more.