Best Laundry Detergent for Workout Clothes 2025

_{Discover the best detergent for cleaning workout clothes that will not only remove tough stains and odors, but also leave your workout gear smelling brand new.}

Learn how to keep your workout clothes fresh.

Best Laundry Detergent for Workout Clothes 2025

I have a house full of people who go to the gym frequently. But I have teenagers who not only spend their off hours at the gym but playing sports. My son loves football and his clothes and uniform get bad. Let’s just say no one wants to sit beside him in the car on his way home.

I have gone through and tested many detergents and washing methods to clean his clothes as well as our clothes. My husband loves to wear white t-shirts and the armpit area is often turning yellow from body oil.

So, yes! I see a lot of sweaty workout clothes. My goal is to find the best detergents and washing methods for active people with tough odors. Don’t just cover up the smell with fabric softener, let’s eliminate the funk from smelly workout clothes.

Choosing the Right Detergent for Workout Gear

No one wants to be the person at the gym with the unpleasant odor wafting from their workout gear.

When it comes to choosing the right detergent for your workout gear, not all products are created equal. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is best for keeping your gym clothes smelling fresh.

While some detergents may contain harsh chemicals that can break down the fibers of your athletic apparel, others are specifically formulated to target and eliminate odors while preserving the integrity of your clothing.

Read The 10 Best Workout Clothing Brands for Women

Here are my top 5 Sports Detergents for Cleaning Athletic Clothes:

Tide PODS Ultra OXI 4in1 Laundry Detergent – Best Budget

You don’t have to be a laundry expert to use Tide Pods. It makes tackling clothes easier. These little pods pack a powerful punch – they not only clean sports clothes effectively but they also remove tough stains effortlessly.

The Ultra Oxi formula works wonders, leaving my laundry looking vibrant and fresh. The convenience of the pre-measured pods makes laundry day a breeze, and the pleasant scent is a bonus.

This is my daily go-to detergent.

Try Tide Pods With Oxy

Rockin Green Activewear Laundry Detergent – Best Overall

Rockin Green Activewear Laundry Detergent is another great choice for eliminating stubborn smells in sweaty workout clothes. Although, it is the most expensive detergent on this list. But keep in mind sold in concentrate.

Rockin Green is safe for those with sensitive skin, and it uses plant-based ingredients to bust odors instead of harsh chemicals. It’s free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), parabens, and artificial fragrances, so it’s safe for use on young kids’ clothing as well as your sweatiest workout shorts.

Try Rockin Green

Hex Performance Laundry Detergent – One Load Punch (My top pick)

Hex is a detergent designed specifically for high-performance gear. Their specialized formula detergents work and they’re good. They just cost a little bit more. When your clothes need more than a daily go-to, it is time to pull out the big gun.

HEX was built to get deep into these tightly woven fabrics to clean out all the gunk and buildup other detergents leave behind. This detergent is great for daily use. And for sensitive skin, they offer a fragrance free option.

Try Hex Performance

Win Activewear detergent active fresh scent

Win Activewear Laundry Detergent – Best Smelling

WIN Detergent is the only low-pH sports detergent designed for activewear. WIN doesn’t use any enzymes or other harmful chemicals. Which is a big plus. It is slightly expensive, but not the highest on our list.

Win does win for being the best-smelling detergent, with its active fresh scent (blue). While it helps with the smell, it also eliminates the cause behind the odors. And with their formula, you don’t have to separate light-colored clothing from dark, unless it is new clothing.

Try Win Activewear

Lysol Laundry Sanitizer - best detergent for gym clothes

Lysol Sport Laundry Sanitizer Additive – Best Booster

Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Sport is the ultimate odor eliminator. Malodor molecules are caused by bacteria that thrive on synthetic fabrics and grow from body oil and sweat found on human skin. If you lingering smells in your clothes after washing, it is time to use this Lysol Additive.

This is a good option and less expensive than purchasing Hex Detergent.

I would suggest soaking your clothes with this additive for 15 minutes before washing them. If your washing machine allows for a pre-soak option, use it otherwise do what I do. Fill up the sink and soak. Then wash with your regular detergent. This is a great option for those who have sensitive skin.

Try Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

For Tougher Smells And Body Oil Stains

Sometimes, not every stain and odor is removed by just using detergent by itself. If I know, I have to tackle a tougher set in body oil stain.

First, soak your gear in a mixture of cold water and a cup of white vinegar for 15 to 30 minutes. This will help eliminate odors while breaking down any gunk that might have built up during and after your workout.

If you’re serious about blocking odors, add another half-cup of white vinegar to your wash’s rinse cycle, plus 1/2 cup of washing soda (or sodium carbonate). I love washing soda. It removes stubborn stains and will keep bright colors, bright!

Don’t use cold water. Water temperatures do matter when cleaning synthetic fibers. For best results, use arm or hot water as they are the most effective for removing odors and stains.

Lastly…

By incorporating these additional tricks into your laundry routine, you can ensure that your gym clothes not only smell fresh but also remain in top condition for longer periods of time.

These simple adjustments, paired with the right detergent choice, will keep your clothing in top shape. Plus, it will keep you feeling confident and comfortable during your next workout session.