Athletes are passionate about their sports. But that passion can turn…smelly. Gym bags with sweaty gear can become a feeding ground for bacteria and epic levels of musty stank. Here are some quick tips to keep the stink out of your gear.
Dry pads and gear immediately after use.
Bacteria thrive in a warm, damp environment, so drying your gear effectively reduces the amount of bacteria growth. Lay out everything on the floor, or if possible, on a drying rack. Place a dehumidifier and fan nearby to speed up the process.
Deodorize gear with an odor eliminator.
After drying your gear, you may still notice a lingering funk. Thoroughly spray down equipment and your gym bag with OdoBan® Ready-to-Use Spray to eliminate remaining foul odors, leaving a fresh scent
Wash for a deeper clean.
Except for some items like helmets, shoes and skates, most pads and athletic clothing can be washed. Select the warm or hot water setting and the gentle cycle to prevent damage to bulky pads or other gear. For best results, use a detergent specifically designed for sports stains and odors, like OdoBan® Sports Edge Odor Release Laundry Detergent. If using any other detergent, be sure to add OdoBan® concentrate (4 to 8 ounces, depending on the size of load) to the rinse cycle to complete the deodorization process. OdoBan® concentrate freshens and softens clothing, removing the need for fabric softener. OdoBan® Sports Edge laundry detergent and OdoBan® concentrates are suitable for use in both standard and high efficiency (HE) washers. After washing, machine dry on low heat.
Disinfect hard surfaces.
Don’t forget about the gear you can’t wash. Use OdoBan® to disinfect and kill germs on hard, nonporous surfaces of your gear- like the hard plastic parts of padding, helmets, skates, etc. Additionally, OdoBan® is an effective fungicide and can be used in locker rooms and shared spaces to kill athlete’s foot fungus.
Click here to learn more about OdoBan® Disinfectant and Odor Eliminator.
