Ever washed your workout clothes or sports gear, only to find they still have that unmistakable "manky old sweat" smell – the one that gets even worse when you start sweating again? It’s frustrating and let’s be honest, gross. But here’s the thing – it’s not your fault. It’s science. Plus, the detergent you’re using!
Sports clothes are made with fabrics designed to wick sweat away, keeping you cool and comfortable during exercise, but they also trap oils, bacteria, and odours deep in their fibres. And while regular detergents might work for your everyday laundry, they’re simply not built to tackle these challenges.
So what's the best Sports Detergent? One that has all you need in one fast-acting fit-for-purpose solution?? Active Savvy - an Australian-made sports detergent and sanitiser for activewear, gym clothes, technical sports fabrics and swimwear. It's the go-to for a no-fuss effective tool to clean, remove stains and odours, maintain performance and comfort while also extending the life of your gear.
First, though, it helps to understand why washing sports clothes and activewear is different to your other laundry and what are the easy steps you should take to wash and care for them properly
Why Do You Need a Sports Specific Laundry Detergent and Why Does Activewear and Sports Gear End Up Stinky?
Technical fabrics are hardy, tightly woven and designed to be high-performing but their design comes with some odour challenges:
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Synthetic Fabrics
These fabrics are engineered to wick sweat away, but they also trap oils and bacteria in the tightly woven fibres, creating that telltale 'funky gym smell'. -
Bacteria Thrive in Damp Environments
Sweat-soaked clothes are prime territory for bacteria. As they break down, they produce odour-causing compounds that hang on to your gear. -
Residual Build-Up
Standard detergents often leave residues behind, which trap bacteria and grime, making odours even harder to remove.
Why Regular Detergents Don’t Cut It
Sure, generic everyday laundry detergents help to wash general laundry but they just don’t work for technical performance gear. Here’s why:
- They don’t penetrate technical fabrics deeply and therefore don't treat the source of odour and bacteria problems - they do not sanitise which can lead to hygiene problems and persistent odours.
- They leave residues that lock in bacteria and odours, which can also cause skin irritations.
- They rely on harsh chemicals, synthetic odour masking fragrances and fabric softeners; Harsh Chemicals - reduce the lifespan of your expensive activewear and sports gear. Synthetic Fragrances - merely hide odours but do not remove them, so that foul embarrassing stink will just come again and again. Fabric Softeners - will coat the fibres of your activewear fabric, reduce moisture-wicking capabilities and performance, plus exasperate trapped odours even more.
Why Active Savvy is the Sports Detergent that does it all
Active Savvy is more than just a detergent – it’s a complete all-in-one solution for activewear, workout clothes, sportswear, swimwear and technical fabrics.
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Antibacterial Power
Active Savvy doesn’t just mask odours – it eliminates the bacteria that cause them. Its antibacterial properties sanitises keeping it hygienic and fresh. -
Sanitising Benefits
Active Savvy doesn’t just clean and remove stains; it deeply sanitises, a must for fabrics that get sweaty and are worn close to your skin in bacteria-prone areas. -
Deep Cleaning Without Residue
Its advanced plant-based especially curated formula penetrates fabrics, lifting oils, sweat, and grime without leaving behind residue while being gentle on the skin. -
Odour Neutralisation
Active Savvy replaces stubborn stale odours with a naturally derived, fresh, subtle yet invigorating scent. -
Fabric-Specific Care
Designed to protect and preserve technical fibres, Active Savvy maintains elasticity, prevents fading, and enhances moisture-wicking properties. It also prevents mould build-up, keeping your gear fresh, bright and feeling good.
How to Wash Your Activewear with Active Savvy
Keep your sports clothes, workout gear, and performance fabrics in the best shape with these steps:
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Don’t Let Sweat Linger
Avoid throwing them in the laundry basket to fester - wash your clothes and hang them out to dry not long after a workout. This prevents bacteria and mould from setting in. -
Turn Clothes Inside Out
The dirtiest parts of your gear are on the inside. Washing them inside out helps Active Savvy target sweat, oils, and grime effectively. -
Use Cold Water
Hot water can damage technical fabrics, shrinking your gear and reducing elasticity. Stick with cold water to maintain vibrant colours and performance. We suggest putting them in a delicates laundry bag to prevent more wear and tear. -
Add Active Savvy
Use the recommended dose of this ultra-concentrated formula. Its plant-based ingredients pack a punch, lifting out bacteria and grime while preserving your fabrics. It's a complete fallacy that you need to use a lot of detergent. Less detergent that's low-foaming is always better (with Active Savvy a little goes a long way and you won't see lots of foam, which means no residue) -
Air Dry for Longevity
Skip the dryer! Heat weakens elasticity and damages logos. Air drying is quicker for activewear, much gentler on your fabrics and let's face it, better for the planet!
Why Active Savvy is the Only Detergent You’ll Ever Need
Active Savvy checks every box for your workout clothes, sports bras, leggings, swimwear and technical gear:
- Cleans deeply while sanitising bacteria and grime.
- Removes stubborn odours and replaces them with a naturally fresh scent.
- Preserve fabric quality, elasticity, and colour.
- Eco-friendly, 100% biodegradable, and made in Australia for a sustainable high-quality solution you can trust.
- Helps prevent mould build-up and Gentle - Naturally derived active antimicrobials support your comfort and its hypoallergenic formulae are kind to sensitive skin, even eczema sufferers.
- Convenient and Cost Effective - Fast acting and concentrated - one 500 ml bottle provides up to 65 washes, that's only $0.69 per wash
Active Savvy: The Secret to Fresh, Clean Active/Sports Wear
Active Savvy uses science to make it easy to keep your gear fresh, clean, and ready for whatever challenge you throw at it.
This isn’t just detergent; it’s a smarter way to care for your favourite sportswear, activewear, and technical fabrics. With its antibacterial formula, sanitising plant-based ingredients, and fabric-preserving technology, Active Savvy tackles odours at the source, protects you and your gear, and is gentle on the planet.
Ready to make your life easier, get the most out of your workout and break up with bad smells from your sports clothes for good?
Go Get Yourself Some Active Savvy.
A little note about - Bon Savvy’s 360-Degree Care Philosophy
We believe laundry care is about more than just cleaning – it’s about a full-circle approach to caring for your clothes, your health, and the planet. That’s why Active Savvy goes far beyond any other product to deliver exactly what you need but in one solution:
- Specifically curated, plant-based natural ingredients formulated to care for the unique fabrics used in sports gear.
- Fit-for-purpose cleaning ensures your gear performs at its best while staying fresh and hygienic.
- A commitment to results, health, convenience, and sustainability – all core pillars of Bon Savvy’s 360-degree care ethos.
