First, soak the workout gear in a mix of one part distilled white vinegar to four parts cold water immediately after wearing them. Not enough time in the day to work out and wash? Don’t sweat it. Leverette says it’s okay to wait a few days but avoid re-wearing, which will cause body soil (dead skin cells, sweat, and body oils) to set in and bacteria to multiply. “Wash with a heavy-duty detergent that contains enough enzymes to ‘bust’ the oily body soil,” Leverette says, noting that Tide and Persil are the top-ranked brands. A “sanitary” (hot water) setting can kill odor-causing bacteria, but it can also damage synthetic fabrics like spandex, so check the care label on your favorite pair of leggings. Leverette recommends avoiding fabric softener and air-drying your garments to avoid shrinkage or damage. And next time, use her trick to prevent odors from locking into your gear: Immediately after wearing an item, soak it in a solution of cool water and a half cup of baking soda for an hour.
