Base Layer Odor Prevention

Hand-wash with lukewarm water for 2 minutes, immediately after you finish exercising/sweating. You could even soak it in the sink while you’re taking your post-activity shower.

You can use a tiny amount of soap and then rinse properly. Then, remove any excess water and hang your garment to dry.

It stops and prevents bacterial build-up.

Body odor is a normal part of exercise or other physical activities, and it differs person-to-person based on diet, physiology, medication, health, and other factors.

Odor doesn’t directly come from sweat, but rather from the acids produced by bacteria that exist on the skin and on textiles; this acid is created if sweat and other substances are left on skin or textiles.

Textiles (particularly, next-to-skin garments) that are in constant contact with skin can play a role in the formation of odor; they may worsen it. If sweat, grime, bacteria, and skin particles are transferred from the body to the textile, combined with heat and humidity, and then allowed to remain embedded in the textile, it creates a perfect environment for bacterial growth and odor development.  

By rinsing your base layers as soon as the exercise is done, you rinse away the majority of the bacteria and other substances from the textile before the odor has a chance to build up.

If you toss your sweaty gear in the dirty laundry basket with the rest of the wash, or toss it back in your sport bag until you wash it later with the rest of your laundry, the bacteria will have time to grow in the humid environment.

So, if you can’t wash right away, or if you are in a situation in which you don’t have access to a washing machine, rinsing can be a life saver.

Your base layers (and the people who spend time around you) will be grateful.

Thanks for reading!