For gym gear that still smells after a wash to surprise stains that emerge weeks after wear, here is how to prevent sweat from ruining your wardrobe.
Wash your clothes promptly.
Stains and odours are caused when the bacteria form on fabric, so the best thing to do is launder clothing soon after each wear. A study shows that the longer the sweat leaves on clothing, the greater the bacterial growth.
Sweat stains can be sneaky.
Sometimes, stains on special-occasion wear, such as silk, aren’t immediately apparent, so the garment is removed without dry-cleaning or laundering. If the fabric is particularly delicate, the sweat might cause a reaction over time, resulting in an odour or stain that appears months later. If possible, we can wear a cotton shirt inside to absorb sweat and extend the life of silk clothes.
Spot clean the sweatiest areas.
We can be doing spot clean right after exercise with a natural soap. Spot cleaning is a good way because sweat stains can require a higher temperature of water for washing.
