Do your workout leggings stink even after washing them? Here’s what to do.
Keep your exercise outfits in top shape with these tips.
How to wash your workout leggings
Beyond the detergent you use, a few additional tips can help ensure your workout leggings get clean when you wash them. One of the biggest things to remember is that you must wash them anytime you sweat. “Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester that are commonly used for activewear tend to trap odors more than natural fibers, so they need to be washed more frequently,” says Lewenhaupt. “So, they really should be washed after every intense workout session, especially if they’re damp with sweat.” However, if you’ve only done a light activity or didn’t sweat much, you can air them out and skip a wash, adds Lewenhaupt.
When you are ready to wash your workout leggings, follow these simple steps to ensure they get as clean and stink-free as possible:
- Turn them inside out: “This will expose the most soiled areas — like the waistband and inner thighs — to the detergent, says Lewenhaupt.
- Get selective: “It’s best to wash your workout leggings with similar fabrics and colors to prevent abrasion and color transfer,” says Lewenhaupt. “Avoid washing them with items that have zippers or rough textures, as these can snag the fabric.” If you are washing your leggings with other items, Lewenhaupt suggests putting them in a mesh laundry bag to help keep them protected.
- Be gentle: Pair your laundry detergent made for activewear with the gentle cycle on your washing machine to avoid damaging your leggings. You should also avoid fabric softeners entirely, as they clog the fibers and reduce breathability and sweat-wicking, says Lewenhaupt.
- Go the extra mile: “To ensure all detergent, sweat, and odors are rinsed out, add an extra rinse cycle to your wash routine,” says Joun. “This step is especially helpful if you’re dealing with heavy sweat or stubborn odors.” You can also use an odor-eliminating booster — like OxiClean Odor Blasters or a half cup of white vinegar — alongside your detergent if you’ve had a super sweaty workout, says Joun. These things will help neutralize smells during the rinse cycle.
- Air dry: Skip the dryer and air dry your leggings. This will help maintain your leggings’ elasticity and shape, says Lewenhaupt.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- James Joun is the co-founder and chief operating officer of Rinse, an on-demand laundry and dry cleaning pickup and delivery company.
- Frej Lewenhaupt is the co-founder and chief product officer of the textile care company Steamery.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed experts on washing workout leggings.
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