Does cleaning your gym gear seem like a workout in itself? It can sometimes feel like, no matter how thorough you clean them, the smell still lingers. We have come up with a list of easy hacks for cleaning your gym gear so they are clean and fresh for your next gym session.
Smelly Trainers
Whether you are a gym bunny or simply training for a marathon, smelly sneakers are a very common (and embarrassing) problem to have. Until odour-free trainers actually make it to the shelves, a good tip to keep your sneakers smelling fresh is to freeze them overnight. No kidding, but freezing your sneakers will also freeze the bad odours and prevent them from being released to your unlucky workout buddies.
Helpling Tip:
Put your shoes in a plastic bag and seal it tightly before placing it inside your freezer. Leave the bag overnight and wake up to the fresh smelling, odourless sneakers.
Sports Bras
Other than trainers, sports bra is another essential item to wear at the gym. In short, a sports bra is a woman’s best friend when working out. As most sports bras are made of delicate fabrics, it is important to make sure that you do not simply throw them in the washing machine with all your other laundry load.
Helpling Tip:
Fill your sink with lukewarm water and some mild detergent and soak your bra in the bubbly lukewarm mix for a few minutes before rinsing off. Once your bra dries, it is ready to once again become your gym ally.
Workout gloves
Workout gloves are extremely popular whilst working out. Not only do they provide a strong grip support but they also protect our hands blisters and calluses. As with all other gym accessories, these gloves should be washed after every single use. But do you think that no matter how many times you wash them, they still have a lingering “after-workout” odour?
Helpling Tip:
Soak the gloves in the sink with some shampoo and conditioner and leave them for a couple of hours before rinsing them thoroughly. Get ready to be amazed by how this simple old-school technique work miracles.
Yoga or Pilates Mats
Owning a yoga mat is essential for anyone who wants to become a proper yogi. But how often does it get cleaned after each yoga session? When practicing any mat-based sport, it’s important to keep your mat fresh and bacteria free as your body comes in frequent contact with the mat. The best cleaning method is to clean your mat with distilled water and essential oils as it not only prevents germs but infuses the mat with your favourite scent!
Helpling Tip:
Mix together one cup of distilled water and an essential oil of choice and add the cleaning solution into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the mat after each workout and wipe the residue off with a damp cloth. Next time you are on your Shavasana pose, think happy thoughts and enjoy the fresh smell. Namaste!
Stinky Protein Shakers
Working out and taking protein powder go hand in hand these days. But, just Imagine the smell of dirty socks that have not been washed for awhile… If you think the smell is bad, it is nothing compared to an unwashed dirty protein shaker! Therefore, it is crucial for all gym-goers to wash their protein shakers right after use.
Helpling Tip:
Add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into your protein shake bottle and top it up with hot water. Leave it overnight and be prepared for a fresh smelling bottle the next time you use it.
