There are a couple of things that might make a trip to the gym less enjoyable – a gym bag that smell like rotten fish is one of them.
That bag odor can be pretty intense – making both you and your clothes smell terrible.
But it doesn’t have to be like that. Let’s find out why your gym bag smell – and what to do about it!
Contents
- 1 Filthy Bacteria Makes Your Gym Bag Smell
- 2 How do You Get the Smell out of a Gym Bag?
- 3 How Often Should you Wash Your Gym Bag?
- 4 How do I Keep My Gym Bag Clean?
- 5 Do Gym bag Deodorizer Balls Work?
- 6 Is there Anything like an Anti Odor Gym Bag?
- 7 Final Words: Wash Your Gym Bag Regularly to Keep That Odor Away!
- 8 Other Helpful Resources
Filthy Bacteria Makes Your Gym Bag Smell
British Initial Washroom Hygiene went through and tested a truckload of gym bags at different gyms – and I believe the results are comparable to the United States as well…
The test showed that more than 60% of the gym bags had bacteria in them – even the ones you find in your intestine, E-coli that also can be pretty dangerous…
And to make it even sound worse:
These potentially harmful bacterias might not come from yourself, rather they have found their way to your gym bag from the gym equipment or locker rooms. A while back, some of the most popular training centers in Norway were subject to an extensive test.
The result found fecal bacteria in several of the tested gyms – in the showers, onto the exercise equipment, and in the locker rooms.
As a matter of fact, there were found more than 700 times more germs in some of the gym showers than what was found in the toilet of McDonald’s.
I know, pretty awful!
The worst bacteria bags are by far the ones produced in leather. Both nylon and canvas had way fewer bacteria.
The worst bags had more than seven times more e. Coli bacteria compared to the recommended limit. Potentially these could cause both vomiting and diarrhea.
How do You Get the Smell out of a Gym Bag?
To get the smell out of your gym bag, you can try the following smart tips:
1. Place a couple of unused tea bags into your bag. In a couple of days, those wonderful herbs will have killed off that crazy odor and replaced it with a refreshing smell of tea!
2. Wash your bag with a bacteria-killing remedy! Use wipes or soap – it does not matter as long as you clean the whole of the interior removing all those stinky bacteria!
3. Make it a routine to empty your bag as soon as you enter your home. Don’t let those sweaty clothes, smelly shoes, and soaked-up gym gear mess up your bag! Also, remember to keep the bag unzipped when not in use.
4. Wash the bag regularly in your washing machine. Make sure to read the bag washing instructions. Oh, and add in some white vinegar instead of detergent. The vinegar really kicks that odor – head first out of your bag!
5. Use those small silica gel packets to soak up stinky sweat and humidity. You’ll be surprised at how effective these little packets are!
How Often Should you Wash Your Gym Bag?
You should wash your gym bag once a week, period!
The longer between each time you wash your bag – the more intense the smell will be.
Make sure to keep your bag fresh by washing frequently.
Tips:
Why don’t you use two bags? As a bag will need to be entirely dried after washing, it might be a good idea to have another one to switch between?
How do I Keep My Gym Bag Clean?
Keeping your gym bag clean is pretty simple…
Make sure to clean your bag weekly.
- If your bag is made of fabric, wash it in your washing machine.
- If your bag is made of leather, use a cloth and give the bag’s interior a real rub down.
After washing your bag, you should keep it clean by unloading it asap after coming home from your workout. Why not pack the sweaty clothes in a plastic bag while having them in your bag?
Be smart. Keep smelly stuff out of your bag, and your bag will not start to smell!
Do Gym bag Deodorizer Balls Work?
Deodorizer balls work great as one of several moves to fight a smelly gym bag. Use them in addition to frequent washing of the bag, and you will come a long way towards an odor-free bag.
Is there Anything like an Anti Odor Gym Bag?
Anti-odor bags are made from antimicrobial technology lined to prevent odor and decay. Although the quality varies, some of these bags work really well and will keep your gym wear and bag odor-free throughout your gym week.
Final Words: Wash Your Gym Bag Regularly to Keep That Odor Away!
We bring the gym bags with us to a lot of different places:
- Home,
- our workplace,
- in our car,
- and on public transportation.
If the bags are filled with contagious bacteria – our beloved gym bag could potentially cause disease!
So, then the question is:
What can be done to reduce the number of bacteria and germs when you exercise?
Well, here are four of my best tips:
- Wash your hands and use rubbing alcohol.
- Rinse and dry the exercise equipment both before and after use.
- Take a shower after your workout, and make sure to wash your gym clothes and towel before your next workout session.
- WASH YOUR GYM BAG REGULARLY!
Now, wash that gym bag of yours – and leave those nasty odors forever!