There's no better sign of a hard workout than a set of gym clothes drenched in sweat. However, the resulting stench can be overwhelming and, worse, linger even after a traditional wash. If you're struggling with stubborn odors in your gym clothes, we have a fresh solution for you - citric acid! Not only is it a natural, inexpensive, and eco-friendly option, but it can also effectively tackle those tough smells that other detergents leave behind. In this blog post, we'll walk you through how to use citric acid to freshen up your gym clothes.
1. Prepare Your Gym Clothes
Before washing, turn your gym clothes inside out. This exposes the parts of the clothing that have absorbed the most sweat and oils, thus requiring a thorough clean.
2. Pre-soak with Citric Acid
Prepare a pre-soak solution by adding 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to a basin of warm water. Make sure the citric acid is fully dissolved. Soak your gym clothes in this solution for at least an hour, or even overnight for best results. The citric acid helps break down the bacteria that cause the odors.
3. Regular Wash
After soaking, don't wring out the clothes. Instead, transfer them directly into the washing machine. You can add your regular detergent as you usually would. For an extra boost, you can add another tablespoon of citric acid directly into the drum or the detergent dispenser.
4. Air Dry
Once the wash cycle is complete, it's best to air dry your gym clothes. The heat from dryers can cause damage to the elastic fibers in athletic wear, reducing their lifespan. Air drying also helps to eliminate any remaining odors.
5. Regular Maintenance
To keep your gym clothes fresh, consider using citric acid in your wash regularly. However, if you notice any skin irritation after wearing clothes washed this way, you may want to reduce the frequency or amount of citric acid used.
A Note On Acidity:
Citric acid is a weak organic acid, which is stronger than acetic acid found in vinegar. That being said, you would generally need less citric acid to achieve the same level of acidity as vinegar.
The pH of a citric acid solution depends on the concentration of the citric acid itself. In a typical home cleaning solution, you might have a citric acid solution with a pH of around 2.2. For comparison, household vinegar usually has a pH of around 2.5.
For a cleaning solution, you might use 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid in a basin of warm water. To achieve a similar acidity with vinegar, you would need a much larger amount, approximately a cup of vinegar for a similar volume of water.
Remember that citric acid is more potent than vinegar. Always take care not to use too much, as this could irritate the skin or potentially damage certain materials. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first if you're unsure how a material will react.
Conclusion:
Using citric acid is an effective, natural way to banish those stubborn odors from your gym clothes. Plus, it's an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals. Say goodbye to stinky gym clothes and hello to a fresher workout!