Wash sweaty and damp clothes promptly

Wash damp, sweaty, or soiled clothes within 24 hours. Do not let them sit balled up in a hamper or gym bag where moisture is trapped.

Why It Works

Odor-causing bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments. A pile of damp clothes in an enclosed hamper is an ideal breeding ground. Within 24-48 hours, bacterial colonies multiply rapidly, producing the volatile organic compounds we perceive as sour or musty smells. Once deeply colonized, odors are much harder to remove.

Tips

• If you cannot wash immediately, hang damp items to air dry before placing them in the hamper
• Use a hamper with ventilation holes rather than a closed basket
• Gym clothes and towels are the worst offenders — air them out right away