Should You Pre-Soak Your Activewear Laundry?

If your workout clothes still smell after washing, you’re not alone. Sweat, body oils, and bacteria are stubborn. They cling to synthetic fabrics in ways that regular detergent and one quick cycle can’t fix. That’s where pre-soak laundry routines come in.

But soaking isn’t just an old-school laundry hack—it’s a science-backed, odour-fighting secret weapon. In this FAQ-style post, we’ll answer the most common questions about why and how to soak clothes to remove odour, especially when it comes to your high-performance workout gear.

Q: Why is soaking workout clothes necessary?

A: Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex (the same ones in your leggings, sports bras, and compression shorts) are great for wicking moisture—but terrible at releasing it. That same structure traps sweat, bacteria, and detergent residue. Over time, odours get locked into the fibers. A workout clothes soak helps break down buildup before your clothes hit the wash, allowing your detergent to work more effectively.

Q: What kind of laundry needs to be soaked?

A: Anything that holds odour or buildup. This includes:

• High-sweat items like leggings, sports bras, tanks, and socks

• Clothing with yellowing or discoloration in sweat zones

• Items washed with fabric softener (which traps odour over time)

• Gear that hasn’t been washed promptly after use

You don’t need to soak every load, but regular soaking can make a huge difference in how fresh your laundry smells—especially after workouts.

Q: How often should you soak your activewear?

A: If you work out regularly, soaking your gear once a week is a great habit to get into. For high-intensity training or hot yoga (where sweat is heavy and frequent), soaking every few wears can help prevent long-term odour buildup. You don’t need to soak after every single workout—just when the fabric starts to feel stiff, smell off, or lose breathability.

Q: How do you pre-soak laundry properly?

A: Soaking doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a quick overview:

• Fill a sink, basin, or bucket with cold or lukewarm water

• Add a small amount of activewear-safe detergent (like Sweat Chemistry)

• Submerge the clothes and soak for 30–60 minutes

• Gently squeeze out excess water and wash as usual (cold water, gentle cycle)

This pre-treatment allows detergent to penetrate sweat zones and loosen up odour-causing buildup.

Q: Is there such a thing as soaking too long?

A: Yes. You don’t want to soak workout clothes overnight. Long soaks (over 2 hours) can:

• Stretch or weaken spandex and elastic fibers

• Allow bacteria to multiply in lukewarm water

• Leave fabric smelling musty instead of clean

Stick to a 30- to 60-minute soak to strike the right balance.

Q: Can I soak all fabrics the same way?

A: Nope. Cotton and natural fibers can usually handle longer soaks and higher temps. But synthetics require more care. For activewear, always use cold water and a gentle detergent made for synthetic blends.

Avoid bleach or vinegar soaks—they can damage performance fibers and affect colour.

Q: Does soaking actually remove odour?

A: When done right? Absolutely. Soaking softens and loosens the buildup of:

• Sweat

• Body oils

• Detergent residue

• Bacteria

This makes it easier to wash everything out during the rinse cycle. If your clothes aren’t smelling fresh after washing, soaking is often the missing piece.

Q: What’s the difference between soaking and stripping?

A: Soaking is a routine refresh, while stripping is a deep reset. Stripping involves soaking in a mix of multiple ingredients (like washing soda or borax) and is used for major buildup. It’s more aggressive and not something you should do often.

Pre-soaking, on the other hand, is safe to do weekly or even daily. It’s the easier, more sustainable way to keep your workout clothes fresh.

Q: Do I need a special detergent for soaking?

A: Yes—especially if you're soaking workout clothes. Choose a liquid detergent that’s:

• Free of softeners and brighteners

• Made for synthetics

• Cold-water optimized

Consider Sweat Chemistry, formulated specifically for sweat-prone synthetics. It breaks down odour at the source and rinses clean—so nothing gets sealed in during drying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re already washing your clothes but still dealing with odour, don’t blame your gear. Soaking workout clothes is an easy, effective way to refresh fabric, extend its life, and finally eliminate that lingering sweat smell.

It’s not extra. It’s essential. And it only takes 30 minutes.