I love my running tops: they do exactly what they're supposed to and keep me dry when running. However I find that after three or four runs the washing machine can't shift the sweaty stink (to clarify: they smell fine when I get them out of the machine and dry them in the air but after ten minutes' wear you can smell 'em). I'm not particularly funksome in my daily life so it's a bit embarrassing. As I run on my own I'm offending nobody's nostrils but my own, but I would dearly like to know how long others find their tops last before becoming offensively stinky? And do you just push on through or put it in the textiles recycling pile? Any tips for getting the stink out so that it only hangs round for hours?
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hose1975
Graduate
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19 Replies
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I think it's something to do with that particular material, mine stink too! So will be interested to see if anyone has any suggestions for this too..!
PS: That song will be in my head all day now Which isn't a bad thing!
An interesting conundrum. I am a very clean person, but I am amazed how smelly I am after a run! Straight into the shower when I get home and clothes have to be washed pronto or the laundry basket honks.
Could it be your washing product? I have always been a keen 'value' shopper, but recently I have given up on 'value' products for laundry and the dishwasher because they just weren't up to the job - clothes remained stained and teacups went brown inside. I now shop around and buy in bulk when the more expensive products are on offer.
I know it says to wash the clothes on 30 degrees but maybe that's not hot enough to kill the bacteria that causes the smell. If you wash them on 60 degrees they might not last as long but it might get rid of the Pong. Drying them outside is a good plan as sunlight does kill bugs apparently. Try it on a cheaper running top and see if it works
Do you mean you wear them 3 or 4 times before you wash them? I find my stuff doesn't smell when I take it off, but a couple of days in the laundry basket and it's really whiffy!
very important not to use fabric conditioner for your running stuff as it stops the wicking hollow fibres working, blocks them, and so causes bacteria to grow in them. I've heard that you can recover running stuff that has been washed with fabric conditioner by washing it in vinegar, but I'm not sure if that works.
Yep, i noticed that on the washing instructions. i hang my running clothes on a hanger by an open velux to give them chance to dry off after a run, if i need to wear them the following day. If you put them away damp with sweat you can expect them to whiff
I agree with Seb. Never use fabric conditioner and I wash mine in a quick 40 degrees wash and they have never smelled. A washing machine engineer told me once that what makes clothes smell whiffy sometimes is the actual washing powder. Sometime to do with enzymes.
or switch to good quality merino tops - I reckon they would not stink even after a couple of marathons without being washed in between! just don't ask me how I know
I haven't used commercial washing powder or fabric conditioner for over a year: I use soap nuts and washing soda. I did use powder on holiday last year on a brand new running top and it did bugger all.
Maybe your washing machine does not use enough water. That is the drawback from being ecological. I know that a lot of people who use washable nappies have to use the water plus thing on their washing machine to prevent odoring.
But you can also try washing powder especially for sport clothes, those have an odor killer inside and some of them really work.
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Which isn't a bad thing!
Trying out the other voices (Week 3, run 1, round 3)
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Can't get passed 10km
Hot Weather 'round The Corner - Get Them Cool Shades Out
