We’ve all been there — you just finished a great workout, tossed your gym clothes in your bag, and thought, “Maybe I can wear this set again tomorrow.”
But should you?
The truth is, gym clothes are not like your regular t-shirts or jeans. They’re designed to absorb sweat and stretch with movement, but that also means they hold onto bacteria and odor more than most fabrics. Let’s break down how often you should wash your gym clothes — and why skipping laundry day might be a bad idea for your skin, hygiene, and even your clothes.
🧘♀️ Why Gym Clothes Need Extra Care
When you work out, your body sweats — a lot. That sweat gets trapped in synthetic fabrics (like polyester or spandex) commonly used in activewear. Combine that with body oils and dead skin cells, and you’ve got the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and odor.
Even if your clothes look clean, they might be harboring invisible buildup that can cause skin irritation, acne, or that familiar “gym smell” that never seems to go away.
That’s why experts recommend washing gym clothes after every workout, especially if they’re tight-fitting or worn directly on the skin.
😷 Health Risks of Rewearing Dirty Gym Clothes
Rewearing unwashed gym clothes isn’t just a little gross — it can also pose risks to your health. According to Healthline experts, bacteria and fungi can linger in sweaty fabrics and lead to several issues such as:
- Body acne and rashes: Sweat, dirt, and bacteria can clog your pores, causing bacne (back acne) and skin irritation.
- Fungal infections: Yeast and fungi thrive in warm, damp fabrics — leading to conditions like ringworm or athlete’s foot.
- Body odor buildup: The longer you leave sweat and bacteria in your clothes, the harder it is to remove the smell later on.
- Bacterial growth: Harmful bacteria like staphylococcus can linger in sweaty fabrics and cause infections if it enters small cuts or scratches.
If you notice your gym clothes still smell even after washing, that’s a sign of bacteria buildup — time for a deep clean or a professional wash.
🏋️♂️ When You Can Rewear Gym Clothes
There are a few exceptions — but only in certain situations:
- Light workouts or yoga: If you did a quick, low-sweat session or just stretched, you can wear it one more time before washing.
- Outer layers: Hoodies or jackets worn over your gym clothes don’t absorb as much sweat, so they can be washed after 2–3 uses.
- Underwear and socks: No exceptions — these should be washed after every use.
But in general, if your gym clothes feel damp, smell musty, or lost their “fresh” feeling — it’s time for laundry.
🧼 How to Properly Wash Gym Clothes
If you want your activewear to last longer and stay odor-free, here’s the best way to wash them:
- Turn them inside out – Most of the sweat and bacteria are on the inside.
- Use cold water – Hot water can break down elastic fibers.
- Avoid fabric softener – It can clog the fabric’s pores and trap odor.
- Air dry when possible – Heat can damage stretch fabrics over time.
- Use a gentle detergent – Look for one designed for sportswear or odor removal.
💡 Pro tip: Soak them in a vinegar-water solution for 15–20 minutes before washing to neutralize sweat odor naturally.
🚴♀️ What If You Don’t Have Time to Wash Right Away?
We get it — sometimes life gets busy. If you can’t wash your gym clothes immediately, don’t leave them crumpled up in your gym bag. Instead:
- Hang them to dry to prevent bacterial growth.
- Store them separately from your clean clothes.
- Schedule a laundry pickup with Clean Avenue so we can take care of it for you!
🧺 Keep It Fresh with Clean Avenue Laundry
At Clean Avenue Laundry, we understand that active New Yorkers are always on the go. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a spin class regular, or just love your daily walks, your gym clothes deserve professional care too.
Our pickup and delivery laundry service makes it easy to keep your workout gear clean, fresh, and ready for your next session — without lifting a finger.
Let us handle the sweat, odor, and hassle for you!.
Skip the stress of laundry day — Clean Avenue Laundry picks up, cleans, folds, and delivers your clothes right to your door anywhere in NYC.