When was the last time you gave your workout gear a proper cleaning? If you’re like many people, you may realize it’s been a long time. Germs transfer by touch and can linger on surfaces for days, so regularly disinfecting your workout items reduces odors and helps prevent illness.
Here’s a straightforward guide to cleaning everything from sweaty workout clothes and shoes to gym bags and equipment.
How to Clean All of Your Workout Gear
Follow these practical steps to clean gym clothes, shoes, bags, mats, weights and other gear so everything stays fresh, odor-free and hygienic.
How to wash gym clothes
Gym clothes are usually the most obvious items to clean: they get sweaty and smelly but are easy to launder when you know a few tricks.
Step 1: Remove sweat stains
Rinse the underarm areas of stained garments with cool running water and wring out excess. Make a paste from 2 tablespoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon laundry detergent and 1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Step 2: Disinfect
Performance fabrics can hold bacteria that cause odor. White distilled vinegar is effective at cutting through oils and neutralizing odor-causing bacteria. Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 6 cups water in a sink or basin and submerge the garments, agitating to work the solution into the fibers. Soak for 20–30 minutes, then wring out and wash as usual. If you won’t launder right away, rinse and hang to dry before putting garments in the hamper.
Step 3: Deodorize and wash
If stubborn odors remain, add 1/2 cup baking soda to the washing machine and launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Hang dry or tumble dry on low to preserve stretch and performance properties.
Cleaning your shoes
Sneakers and training shoes often pick up sweat, dirt and bacteria. Most athletic shoes fare better with hand cleaning and air drying rather than machine washing.
Start by removing the shoelaces and wash them separately. Use a soft toothbrush and a small amount of liquid laundry detergent to scrub dirt from soles and textured areas, rinsing well. For fabric stains, wipe away surface dirt with a damp dish towel, then use a soft toothbrush and diluted detergent for stubborn spots. Rinse and set shoes aside to air dry. To deodorize, sprinkle baking soda inside each shoe and let sit 2–3 hours, then empty and wipe the interior. Re-lace once dry.
Cleaning your gym bag
Gym bags often sit on locker room floors or in damp places, so they need regular attention.
Empty the bag and unzip all compartments, shaking it over a trash can to remove crumbs, hair and debris. Clean spills with a damp paper towel. Disinfect both the interior and exterior using a rag dampened with white vinegar, paying attention to seams, pockets, handles and zippers. Air the bag in a well-ventilated area or on a sunny windowsill until fully dry.
Cleaning exercise equipment
Keep home equipment like dumbbells, benches, treadmills, yoga mats and water bottles clean to limit bacteria and maintain performance.
Option 1: Wash
For weights, kettlebells and equipment with enamel or coated finishes, use mild soap and water to preserve the surface. Mix a couple drops of dish soap with two quarts of water. Wipe the equipment with a soft cloth, paying extra attention to handles, then remove soap residue with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
Option 2: Sanitizing spray
For surfaces that benefit from quick disinfection—benches, treadmill rails, yoga mats—use a simple homemade spray. Combine 1 cup water, 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol and a few drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the surface, let sit for about 30 seconds, then wipe with a clean rag. Allow yoga mats to air dry for 20 minutes before rolling up.
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting your workout gear reduces odors, prolongs the life of your items and lowers the chance of spreading germs. Set a routine—wash clothes after each use, clean shoes and bags weekly, and wipe down equipment after workouts—to keep everything in good shape.