Comment éliminer les mauvaises odeurs de vos Rashguards

How to Get Rid of Bad Odors from Your Rashguards

January 13, 2025 Pascal Cadorette

Tired of that lingering smell on your rashguard after an intense workout? We've all been there... Even after multiple washes, sometimes your rashguards can still smell bad.

Although we are well-intentioned and want to follow Good hygiene practices , sweat and bacteria can cause us a lot of problems.

The combination of sweat, dirt, and bacteria can create an unpleasant odor that seems impossible to get rid of. But luckily, in this article, you'll find everything you need to know to get rid of bad odors from your rash guards.

In this guide, you'll learn step-by-step how to remove bad odor from your rash guards, so they're fresh and odor-free for your next workout.

From simple household ingredients to specialty products, we'll explore a range of methods that are both effective and easy to implement.

Say goodbye to annoying odors and start having clean and fresh rashguards every time now. So, let’s dive in!

Bad odors in rash guards are usually caused by the accumulation of sweat, dirt, and bacteria. When you sweat during an intense workout, the sweat seeps into the fibers of the rash guard and creates an environment where odor-causing bacteria can thrive.

Over time, sweat and bacteria can get stuck in the fabric and cause bad odors. These bad odors can persist, even after several washes!

Additionally, if you don't wash your rashguard regularly, sweat and dirt residue can build up, making the problem worse. So, it's essential to understand the causes of bad odors so you can eliminate them effectively.

It is important to note that rash guards made of synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, tend to trap odors more easily than cotton rash guards. This is due to the structure of synthetic fibers, which promotes the accumulation of odors. However, the methods we are going to present to you can be applied to all types of rash guards, regardless of their material.

To eliminate bad odors from your rashguard, it is essential to follow a proper maintenance routine and take preventative measures to avoid their appearance.

Proper care of rash guards is essential to prevent odors and extend their lifespan. Here are some tips for caring for your rash guards:

Wash after each use : It is recommended to wash your rashguard after each use to remove sweat, dirt and bacteria residue. This prevents odor build-up and keeps your rashguard fresh and clean.
Use cold water : When washing your rashguard, use cold water instead of hot water. Hot water can damage synthetic fibers and promote the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Use a mild detergent : Choose a mild, fragrance-free detergent to wash your rashguard. Harsh, fragrance-filled detergents can leave chemical residues that can make odors worse.
Do not use fabric softener : Avoid using fabric softener when washing your rashguard. Fabric softener can clog the fibers and trap odors.
Do not twist or wring : When washing your rashguard, avoid twisting or wringing it vigorously. This can damage the fibers and alter the elasticity of the fabric.

By following these care tips, you can prevent bad odors from appearing in your rash guards. However, if you already have stubborn odors on your rash guard, here are some natural remedies you can try to eliminate them.

Prevention is the key to avoiding bad odors in rash guards. Here are some simple, yet effective tips to prevent unpleasant odors from appearing:

Wash your rashguard after each use: As mentioned earlier, washing your rashguard after each use is essential to remove sweat, dirt and bacteria residue.
Air dry your rashguard: After washing, hang your rashguard to air dry. Avoid drying in the sun as this can damage the synthetic fibers.
Don't leave your rashguard in a damp sports bag: If you use your rashguard for sports activities, avoid leaving it in a damp sports bag for a long time. Moisture promotes the proliferation of bacteria that cause bad odors.
Avoid mixing your rashguard with dirty clothes: When washing your rashguard, avoid mixing it with dirty clothes. Bacteria on dirty clothes can transfer to your rashguard and cause unpleasant odors.

By following these preventative tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of bad odors appearing in your rash guards. However, if you already have stubborn odors on your rash guard, here are some natural remedies you can try to eliminate them.

If you prefer to use natural remedies to eliminate bad odors from your rashguard, here are some simple, yet effective solutions:

White Vinegar: White vinegar is a great natural deodorizer. You can fill a sink or basin with cold water and add a cup of white vinegar. Soak your rash guard in this solution for about 30 minutes, then wash it as usual. White vinegar will eliminate odors and leave your rash guard smelling fresh and clean.
Baking soda : Baking soda is another powerful natural deodorizer. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on your rash guard, focusing on odorous areas. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then wash your rash guard as usual. Baking soda absorbs odors and leaves your rash guard odor-free.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is also a great natural deodorizer. Squeeze a few lemons and dilute the juice in cold water. Soak your rashguard in this solution for about 30 minutes, then wash it as usual. Lemon juice eliminates odors and leaves your rashguard smelling fresh.

These natural remedies are not only effective in removing bad odors from your rashguard, but they are also safe for the environment and your skin.

However, if you prefer to use commercial products to eliminate odors, we have some recommendations for you as well.

There are several commercial products specifically designed to eliminate odors in sportswear, including rash guards. Here are some products you may want to consider:

Enzymatic stain remover: Enzymatic stain removers contain enzymes that break down organic residues that cause odors. Apply the enzymatic stain remover to the odorous areas of your rashguard, leave it on for about 30 minutes, then wash it as usual.
Sportswear Deodorizer: Deodorizers specially formulated for sportswear can also be effective at eliminating bad odors in rash guards. Spray the deodorizer on your rash guard after each use, focusing on odorous areas.
Deodorizing Wipes: Deodorizing wipes are convenient and easy to use. Wipe a deodorizing wipe over your rashguard after each use to eliminate odors and freshen the fabric.

Be sure to follow the instructions for use of any commercial products you choose and use them carefully to avoid damaging your rashguard.

Proper washing and drying of rashguards is essential to eliminate bad odors and preserve their quality. Here are some steps to follow to wash and dry your rashguards properly:

Turn your rashguard inside out: Before washing, turn your rashguard inside out to protect the prints and logos.
Pre-Wash: If your rashguard is very dirty, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes to loosen the dirt before washing.
Use a mild detergent: Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent to wash your rashguard. Avoid harsh, scented detergents, as they can leave chemical residues that can make odors worse.
Gentle Cycle Washer: Machine wash your rashguard using the delicate cycle and selecting cold water. Avoid using hot water as this can damage the synthetic fibers.
Air drying: After washing, hang your rashguard to air dry. Avoid drying in the sun as this can damage the synthetic fibers.

By following these simple steps, you can wash and dry your rashguards properly, helping to eliminate bad odors and extend their lifespan.

Proper storage of rash guards is also important to prevent odors. Here are some tips for storing your rash guards properly:

Make sure they are completely dry: Before storing them, make sure your rash guards are completely dry. Moisture promotes the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Avoid humid locations: Avoid storing your rash guards in humid locations, such as a bathroom or basement. Instead, choose a dry, well-ventilated location.
Don't leave them folded for a long time: If you store your rashguards folded, it is best to unfold them from time to time to prevent odors from forming.
Use odor-proof bags: You can also use odor-proof sachets to keep your rashguards fresh during storage. Place an odor-proof sachet in the same area as your rashguards to absorb unwanted odors.