8 Tricks To Keep Your Gym Bag From Smelling

How often do you wash your gym clothes? Probably quite often. How about your gym bag? Most people don’t really pay that much attention to the gym bag and, as a result, it starts to smell quickly. A buildup of sweat will cause all sorts of germs and bacteria to emerge. These bacteria are the primary source of the odor.

While it’s much easier to simply maintain an already clean gym bag, there are definitely ways to remove odor from a smelly one. Whatever problem you are dealing with, here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your gym bag.

Use a Scent Pack…

If you want to keep your gym bag smelling fresh, look no further than the Scentsy Scent Pak. These small satchels are filled with scented beads and are guaranteed to make your gym bag smell great. Choose from a variety of fragrances and find your signature scent.

Keep in mind that these satchels aren’t specifically made for gym bags. As a result, they can be used in various ways. Put them in a closet, a drawer or in a suitcase when you are going on a trip. Your clothes will smell great because of it.

…or a Tea Bag

People swear by this hack. The method itself is pretty simple – just put a few unused teabags in your gym bag and leave them overnight. They will absorb the odor and your bag will smell as good as new! If you find that your sneakers also have a bad odor, the teabag method works with them too.

Keep in mind that teabags only absorb bad smells. If you want your gym bag to have a specific scent, find a Scentsy distributor near you and ask them for recommendations on various fragrances.

Empty your Bag as Soon as Possible

Once you are finished with your workout, don’t just leave the sweaty clothes and sneakers in the bag. Empty the bag as soon as you get home. As a result, the smell of your dirty clothes won’t linger in the bag. This is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your bag from smelling bad.

Air the Bag out Regularly

After you’ve emptied all the contents from your gym bag, air it out! This will let the fabric breathe and get rid of any odors that still haven’t settled in. In addition, UV rays from the sun act as a disinfectant. While it can’t replace a thorough cleaning, airing your bag will keep it smelling fresh for longer.

Wash it in the Laundry

If your gym bag is machine washable, take advantage of that. Wash it with your other laundry at least once a week. Just keep in mind that some detergents don’t work well on gym bags. Try adding a half cup of white vinegar instead. Using white vinegar will ensure that any lingering smells are gone.

However, even if the white vinegar hack doesn’t cut it, there are specific detergents designed for eliminating bacteria-caused odors. You may need them if your gym bag smells really bad. Look out for these tough-job detergents next time you go shopping.

Wipe the Entire Bag Down

On the other hand, machine washing it once a week sometimes isn’t enough, especially if you use the bag often. For the best results, wipe it down with a disinfecting wipe after every use. By wiping it both inside and out, you are eliminating all sorts of bacteria and germs that may cause a bad smell.

Use a Dryer Sheet

Still can’t get rid of the odor? Try this method: put a dryer sheet in the bag and leave it there for as long as possible. Ideally, you should replace it every few days. The dryer sheets will absorb any lingering bad smells.

Additionally, if you have any silica gel packets lying around, don’t just throw them out! Toss them in your gym bag to soak up the sweat.

Essential Oils

Now that your gym bag smells fresh, why not spruce it up a little? Mix a couple of drops of your favorite essential oils in a spray bottle filled with water. Spray your gym bag a few times and let it dry. Your bag will now have a fresh, beautiful scent. Use the mixture as often as you’d like, just make sure you don’t dampen the bag too much.

In conclusion, a smelly gym bag isn’t the end of the world and you can eliminate the odor. By following these tips, your bag will be clean and smell great. Whether you want to bring an old bag back to life, or just want to make sure your new bag will last a long time – these hacks will save you a lot of trouble.