How to Get Sweat Smell Out of Clothes for Good
The short answer
Sweat smell can stick around when body oils, deodorant residue, and odor-causing buildup cling to fabric fibers. A normal wash may not fully remove that residue, especially on workout clothes, synthetic fabrics, or shirts that have been dried with the odor still present. Start with an enzyme detergent or enzyme stain remover as a pre-treatment, then wash in the warmest water allowed by the care label. White vinegar can also help with some odor buildup, but use it in a separate rinse or wash cycle — do not mix it with chlorine bleach. Do not put the item in the dryer until the odor is gone.
Before you start
You need: enzyme cleaner or enzyme detergent (or white vinegar as an alternative), laundry detergent.
If the clothing is synthetic (polyester, nylon, spandex): note that synthetic fibers tend to hold odor-causing buildup more persistently than natural fibers like cotton because they are less porous. Synthetic workout clothes may require repeated enzyme treatment cycles.
Check the care label. Machine-washable: proceed with the steps below. Hand-wash only or dry-clean only: apply a small amount of enzyme cleaner to the affected area, let it dwell, then rinse by hand.
Do not use fabric softener on workout clothes or any items prone to persistent sweat odor — it coats fibers and makes the problem worse over time.
Steps
- 1Turn the item inside out. Sweat accumulates on the inner surface of fabric, and treating from the inside is more effective.
- 2Apply enzyme cleaner directly to the most affected areas (underarms, collar, back). Saturate the fabric enough that the enzyme cleaner works through the fibers — not just the surface.
- 3Let it dwell for 20–30 minutes. For items with persistent set-in sweat odor, 30–45 minutes.
- 4Machine wash immediately after the dwell time, using the warmest water the care label allows. Use your normal detergent.
- 5Before putting the item in the dryer, smell it while still damp. If sweat odor remains, repeat from step 2. Do not dry until the odor is confirmed gone — heat can set odor into fabric permanently, especially synthetics.
Vinegar alternative: If you do not have enzyme cleaner, soak the affected areas with undiluted white vinegar for 20 minutes before washing. Vinegar is less targeted than enzyme cleaner but helps break down odor-causing residue on most fabrics.
What not to do
- Do not put the item in the dryer until the sweat odor is confirmed gone — heat can set odor into fabric permanently, especially synthetics.
- Do not use liquid fabric softener on workout clothes or items prone to sweat smell — it coats fibers with wax residue and traps bacteria.
- Do not wash on cold only and expect the odor to clear — a warmer cycle (within care label limits) improves results.
- Do not re-wear a damp, odor-treated item — confirm it is dry and odor-free before wearing.
Helpful supplies
Enzyme cleaner or enzyme-based laundry pre-treatment is the most targeted option for sweat odor. Look for products labeled for sport, activewear, or odor removal — or enzyme detergents marketed for workout clothes. Some enzyme cleaners designed for pet odor also work on sweat odor because they target similar organic residue.
White vinegar (distilled) is an effective lower-cost alternative. Apply undiluted to affected areas and let it dwell before washing. The vinegar smell rinses out during the wash cycle and is not detectable once dry.
Frequently asked questions
Why do synthetic workout clothes hold onto sweat smell more than cotton?
Synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon are non-porous and tend to repel water, which means odor-causing residue from sweat clings to the fiber surface and is not rinsed away as easily. Cotton is more porous and absorbs water more readily, which helps carry residue out during washing. Enzyme cleaner is especially useful for synthetic workout clothes because it breaks down the residue that water alone leaves behind.
Will white vinegar damage my clothes if I use it as a pre-treatment?
White vinegar is safe for most washable fabrics, including cotton, synthetic blends, and linen. It can affect some delicate materials and dyes over time with repeated direct application — so for brightly dyed or delicate items, dilute it 1:1 with water before applying. Do not use vinegar on silk, as the acidity can damage the fiber. Rinse thoroughly after the dwell time. Vinegar is not as targeted as enzyme cleaner for sweat odor, but it is an effective option for most everyday fabrics.
Use the Stain Rescue Tool to get a step-by-step plan based on your fabric type and available supplies.
Use the Stain Rescue Tool