Most runners now use running clothes made from technical fabrics, like “CoolMax” or “Dry-Fit”, which are great because they wick away sweet keeping us dry (different from cotton based fabrics); however, the problem is that odor producing bacteria gets trapped in the fibers, being hard to get it off.

Though, there a couple of techniques that can help control this bad odor situation, giving you confidence to “mingle” after your workout:

• Use baking soda: pre-soak your clothes in a solution of water and a cup of baking soda (any baking soda works). You can use the pre-soak settings on your washing machine or simple do it in a separate container. Then wash it normally with your laundry detergent.

• Use special detergent formulated for technical wear. Those types of detergents will remove the odor, without affecting the properties of the fabric. In the US you can find these detergents in supermarkets or specialty running shops (I have to tell that I haven’t been able to find them in LatAm, so if someone reading this article knows where to find this type of detergents please share it with our community).

• White vinegar. It is an inexpensive and cheap odor remover. Same as with baking soda, soak your running clothes in a cup or two of vinegar mixed with water, then wash as usual; or pour ¼ to ½ cup of white vinegar into the wash together with your regular detergent.

• Stick to cold water. Wash your running clothes in cold water, not warm or hot; and never dry clean.

• Doesn’t sound very pragmatic, but if possible air dry your running clothes instead of using the dryer, since the latter will reduce the effectiveness of the sweat-wicking technology of the fabric.

• Try to wash your clothes as soon as you have ended your workout. A quick wash while you shower would work just to avoid the sweet and bacteria to dry-up and stick-in.

• Finally, if none of the above works, it seems it is time you “hit” your favorite store and pick up some new clothes!