Cleaning workout/polyester clothes? (product, head, smell, washing)

[TheBigKahunaNC]

For years, I just dealt with it. And not until recently did I read up on the subject and realize WHY workout clothes stink. Every shirt I own that contains polyester, stinks. That material doesn't smell great when new, and once it's been "sweatied" up, it always stinks. I've tried every detergent I could find. It may look clean, but as soon as the shirt touches your warm body, the smell pops up.

I read about a few detergents made to kill the bacteria that cause the odors in polyester clothing. The most recommended brand, I could not find. Even online retailers were out of it, and I think the company might have quit making it or gone out of business. Dicks Sporting Goods was listed as a retailer, but when I asked them, they said they stopped carrying it a long time ago. They now sell "Sport Wash" which I bought and tried. Does not work.

So, does anyone have a recommendation for a tried and true method of cleaning workout clothes? Apparently your body secrets oils with the sweat, and those oils stick to the fibers, allowing bacteria to grow. Regular washing doesn't remove or kill the bacteria, therefore not removing the smell. I've tried Oxy Clean also. And Tide with Febreeze isn't the answer.

[mizunomom]

Penguin Sports Wash! It's great!
Penguin Apparel Care
I think that you can still purchase it at The Athlete's Foot in Cameron Village.

[mizunomom]

Fashion and Beauty? Seriously? The OP is looking for a place in the Raleigh area where he/she can purchase a product that works to get the stink out of workout clothes, lol!

[TheBigKahunaNC]

Thanks for moving my post to a black hole where it'll never get answered, and I'll never ind it again.

*shakes head in disbelief.

[Straitlover]

I have not tried it, but Tide has a new version out w/ something in it specifically for sports/workout clothes.

[fly_widget]

Soak the cloths in vinegar overnight, making sure the stinkiest areas get a good soaking. Then wash with regular detergent and 4 more cups of vinegar. Dry as normal.

It was the only thing that worked on my Ex's shirts....all but the oldest, grossiest that were around way before me. And, they mysteriously disappeared.

[JustJulia]

I have not had good luck with polyester clothes--I know exactly what you mean about odor. I had a few shirts that had permanent B.O. I'd wash them but as soon as they warmed up to body temperature, ew.

What about a color-safe bleach? That should kill the bacteria.

[Bakeneko]

I try and throw them in the wash as soon as I get home from the gym (gives bacteria less time to grow) and add a cup or so of white vinegar...also hang outside and allow to air dry

[Opsimathia]

Spot treat the stinky parts with lestoil and soak overnight. Wash in the morning with baking soda, white vinegar, tide plus bleach alternative. Skip using dryer sheets and softener for a couple loads. The oil from the sheets traps the body oil on your fabrics.

If you can't wash it right away spritz the stinky parts with alcohol or a spot treatment spray. (like shout)