How to Clean Yoga Pants & Eliminate Odors

Yoga pants and athleisure wear are designed to wick sweat, stretch with movement, and keep you comfortable. The downside? These high-tech fabrics can trap odors that don’t always come out in a normal wash. If your yoga pants still smell after laundering, here’s how to properly care for them—and why Bibbentuckers is the expert solution.

Most yoga pants are made from synthetic fabrics like nylon, spandex, or blends with added silver particles for antibacterial properties. These materials wick sweat away from the skin, but they also:

• Trap oils, proteins, and bacteria deep in the fibers.
• Hold onto odors if left damp for too long.
• “Bake in” smells if dried improperly at high heat.

Sweat itself doesn’t smell—it’s when bacteria feed on it that odors develop. The trick is breaking down those proteins before they bond permanently to the fabric.

If you’re laundering yoga pants yourself, follow these steps:

1. Wash after every wear – Don’t let sweat sit in the fabric.
2. Use enzyme-based detergent – These break down oils and proteins better than standard soap.
3. Wash in cool or warm water – Hot water can damage stretch fabrics.
4. Avoid fabric softeners – They leave residue that locks in odor.
5. Air dry or tumble low – High heat sets odors and weakens elastic fibers.

To extend the life of your activewear:

• Rotate between multiple pairs so fibers can recover.
• Rinse after hot yoga or sweaty workouts if you can’t wash right away.
• Store clean and completely dry to avoid mildew.

Learn more about our specialty laundry services.