Training hard can lead to two things: progress and perspiration. If you work out a lot, you probably know the importance of washing your gym clothes. But when’s the last time you cleaned your gym bag?
That’s right. Your gym bag needs to be washed every once in a while, too. Over time, these training totes can pick up the smells of whatever’s placed inside — gym apparel, shoes. And if you don’t address it, these funky fitness fumes can compound. Even worse, the clean gear you place inside can quickly turn rank thanks to the odors present.
Fortunately, a few easy tips can help to keep your bag and garments smelling fresh between workouts. Heed them, for your nostrils’ sake — and everyone else’s.
Air Out the Funk
One of the best defenses against pesky sweat smells in a gym bag? Mother nature. When your tote stays closed underneath your desk, in your car or by your door throughout the day, there’s little air circulation to help remove any odors. This can create the perfect breeding ground for funk.
After you get home from your latest training session or class — or if your bag is sitting stagnant for a long period — it’s a good practice to empty your gym bag and let those fabrics breathe a little. You can even help kill any odor-causing bacteria at this stage by wiping down the interior and exterior of your bag with a disinfecting wipe or cloth.
