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Readers Speak: Best Laundry Detergent Options for Athletes

Our usual Question of the Week format is limited to multiple choice only. But we got so many good comments last week in response to Coach Rick Schultz’s review of Odorklenz that Rick suggested we should ask more readers to comment and tell us about their favorite laundry solutions to keep cycling apparel and other athletic clothing fresh and clean.

What works best for you?

Leave a comment on this page, below and tell us.

We’ll turn it into a master list of solutions after the responses roll in.

Even if it’s as simple as using a particular brand of detergent that you have success with, we’ll get a better idea of what’s working the more comments we see.

Don’t be afraid to post the same solution that someone else has already mentioned, because it helps to see that it’s working for a large number of people.

Best Laundry Detergent Options: By RBR Newsletter Subscribers

  • Woolite
  • Ecover
  • Defunkify
  • Odorklenz
  • OxiClean
  • Vinegar
  • Baking Soda
  • Rocking Green Active Wear
  • Dr. Bronners Castile Liquid Soap
  • Win Sports Detergent
  • Chamois Butt’r Kit Wash
  • Drying Prevention
  • Domol Sport
  • Detergent/ Wash Bags: Costco Brand Detergent, All Free Pods, Seventh Generation Free and Clear, Cold Water Tide, Ariel

Woolite

Gregg: I use Woolite on “hand wash” cycle then hang to dry.

In the summer (I ride every day) I rinse and spin one set and use a second while the first drys. Then wash both at the end of my week.

Mark D.: WOOLITE, delicate cycle, cold water, air dry.

Robert I.: I agree. Woolite for Darks, cold, always air dry on a clothes rack. I include all synthetics and wool.

Paul: Woolite. Workout Wear setting. Drying rack.

John G.: Woolite, with the washer on the ‘delicates’ cycle…

Ecover

Michael: “Ecover” for the wool I wear in cold temps(tights/shirts/socks/hats).
Otherwise, I use anything wife buys for my cottons (tshirt/sweat shorts) for 22 mile commutes in warm weather.

Michael: Wear wool year round. You can ride it three days straight and it won’t stink. Wash in Ecover detergent on gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry.

Defunkify

Robert M.: I use “defunikify”, which was recommended by RBR. It works great!

Ralph B.: Vote #2 for Defunkify.

Jeff: Most of the time I just use Seventh Generation Free and Clear detergent and things are fine. But I second the recommendation of Defunkify. When things are really stinky I use that and press the “auto-soak” button on my washer (adds a soak period) using a warm wash/cold rinse cycle and voila. One tip to help abate the problem ahead of time is to hang your kit up so that it can air and dry if you aren’t going to wash it right away. I find this helps a lot.

Charlie J.: Defunkify reviewed by John Marsh does a great job. I soak my kit in the sink with about ⅛ tablespoon of Defunkify, rinse, wring out and air dry.

Glenn A.: defunkify with a little Tide or Arm and Hammer liquid, keeps my bike clothing clean and odor free

OxiClean

Scott: Oxy-clean and tide, keeps things fresh

Kim: Cold Water, Oxy-clean, Kirkland brand detergent pod.

Greg P.: Arm+Hammer with Oxi Clean regular wash + Vinegar as a rinse agent. Goes in with regular clothes I am a no muss no fuss kind of guy.

Odorklenz

Coach Schultz reviewed Odorklenz in detail here.

Vinegar

Johan M.: Some white vinegar in the final rinse.

Doug F.: I pour white vinegar in the Bleach cup in our HE washer to get rid of odors. If something is extra stinky, I spray the vinegar directly on the item before washing.
I have yet to smell any vinegar odors after washing.

Dsquared: I wash my gloves with soap and then soak them in Apple Cider Vinegar for about 30 minutes. The odor of apple cider vinegar is not as strong as white vinegar. I’ve never noticed a lingering vinegar odor in my gloves.

Joan O.: Vinegar, about a 1/2 cup for large load, in the wash cycle. I use Tide or All ‘Free’ (but that’s because I seem to be allergic to whatever is in the scented stuff, causing itchy rashes when I sweat).

John M.: Tide HE plus white vinegar in place of fabric softener

Jim: Norwex and a little white vinegar

Baking Soda

Rick G.: Soak it in baking soda and then wash in Costco and add softener.

Mack: Arm and Hammer liquid fragrance free, 1/2 scoop (The scoop comes in the box.) of Oxyclean, and 1/2 scoop (using another scoop that came in the previous box of Oxy.) of Arm and Hammer baking soda. The Oxy and baking soda come in large amounts from Sam’s. Hang to dry. Works great!

Rocking Green Active Wear

Tom S.: Rockin Green Active wear detergent. Works great for all my cycling clothes. No perfumes and removes all odors.

Dr. Bronners Castile Liquid Soap

Bryan: At home;
Cold water and Tide on delicate cycle.
On the road;
Dr Bonners Castile liquid soap. I can use this stuff for all kinds of washing!

Win Sports Detergent

Peter: Win Sports Detergent (fragrance free). I ride six days a week year-round, and that’s a lot of sweaty clothes. This does a fabulous job on riding kit (and regular clothes, too).

Roy: WIN detergent,..air dry…works for me

Chamois Butt’r Kit Wash

Sheri R.: First make sure shorts are inside out. Want to get the max exposure to water/detergent. I use Costco’s Kirkland Ultra Clean…no dyes or perfumes. Wash on Athletic Wear setting in cold water. Never ever dry.

On the road use Chamois Butt’r Kit Wash. Reviewed it in a past issue of RBR.
https://www.roadbikerider.com/chamois-buttr-product-line-review/

Drying Prevention

Sasha: As soon as I can after my ride, I hang the clothes in a dark well ventilated area (my garage on a clothes rack). Let the Kit dry out really well (a day or more) before I toss them in a mesh laundry hamper. Regardless of soap or detergent, this makes a big difference if drying out the odor causing bacteria.

Doug F.: Yeah, I never toss sweaty gear in the hamper, but hang it in front of a fan to dry for an hour.

Domol Sport

al0: Domol Sport (2,15 EUR per 26 washes) – while I doubt it is available outside Germany.

Detergent/ Wash Bags

DAN A.: Costco brand detergent works better than anything for me.

Kenneth M.: Cold Water Tide / Machine Wash: Gentle
Never any lingering odors

Bill H.: Put it in the washing machine. 59 minute cycle with Ariel washing liquid and hang it up to dry.

Rick: After trying many ‘specialty’ detergents for athletic clothing, especially cycling, I have settled on Costco’s liquid without dye or perfume. No residual odors, everything wicks great.

Rick A.: I use All Free Pods. No perfumes and other additives.

John P.: Wash with regular colored clothes , but place bike shorts in a mesh bag. Hang to dry.

Paul: I put everything in wash bags, cold water Tide, 10 minute cycle, hang to dry. No stink, kit remains like new longer because the items aren’t agitating against each other.

Bob: Nothing fancy. Cheer high-efficiency detergent and delicate cycle on horizontal – load washing machine. Doesn’t get absolutely all the smell out but is acceptable.

Bruce N.: I just live with any remaining odor after my kit comes out of the laundry. It’s just going to get sweaty again shortly after I leave on my next ride.

Dave: Machine wash, cold water, Tide Free & Gentle, double rinse cycle, and hang to dry.

Anonymous: Not fussy about what my wife uses for washing. Zip you jerseys up all the way; it may extend the life of the zipper. I used to wash the shorts inside out to make sure they really get clean and then dry them the same way. Bad idea; I found the padding would really crimp and when you put them on it looks like you have a horrible wedgie!!

Roger: Tide (regular) liquid detergent and Borax. Gentle cycle in washer. Air dry. Never a lingering odor.

Mike E.: I use clear / no perfume All or Tide and wash on delicate cycle, works for me.

Andrew K.: No special detergent choice. They all seem to do the job. Just do it, seems to be he main thing.
Be it for the extra detergent effect or aroma, I still put some PineSol in the wash as I’ve been doing for about 30 years.

 


Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. dan austad says

    October 24, 2018 at 7:54 pm

    Costco brand detergent works better than anything for me.

    Reply
    • Michael says

      October 25, 2018 at 1:51 pm

      “Ecover” for the wool I wear in cold temps(tights/shirts/socks/hats).
      Otherwise, I use anything wife buys for my cottons (tshirt/sweat shorts) for 22 mile commutes in warm weather.

      Reply
  2. Kenneth Morse says

    October 25, 2018 at 4:47 am

    Cold Water Tide / Machine Wash: Gentle
    Never any lingering odors

    Reply
  3. Scott says

    October 25, 2018 at 4:50 am

    Oxy-clean and tide, keeps things fresh

    Reply
  4. Johan M says

    October 25, 2018 at 5:06 am

    Some white vinegar in the final rinse.

    Reply
    • Road Bike Rider says

      October 25, 2018 at 6:51 am

      It doesn’t leave a vinegar smell if you add it that late?

      Reply
      • Doug Ford says

        October 25, 2018 at 11:07 am

        I pour white vinegar in the Bleach cup in our HE washer to get rid of odors. If something is extra stinky, I spray the vinegar directly on the item before washing.
        I have yet to smell any vinegar odors after washing.

      • Dsquared says

        October 29, 2018 at 1:42 pm

        I wash my gloves with soap and then soak them in Apple Cider Vinegar for about 30 minutes. The odor of apple cider vinegar is not as strong as white vinegar. I’ve never noticed a lingering vinegar odor in my gloves.

  5. Rick Gomez says

    October 25, 2018 at 5:51 am

    Soak it in baking soda and then wash in Costco and add softener.

    Reply
    • Road Bike Rider says

      October 25, 2018 at 6:49 am

      How are you soaking? In the washing machine itself on a soak cycle? I thought softener ruined a lot of sports fabrics.

      Reply
  6. Bill Hale says

    October 25, 2018 at 6:21 am

    Put it in the washing machine. 59 minute cycle with Ariel washing liquid and hang it up to dry.

    Reply
  7. Rick says

    October 25, 2018 at 6:44 am

    After trying many ‘specialty’ detergents for athletic clothing, especially cycling, I have settled on Costco’s liquid without dye or perfume. No residual odors, everything wicks great.

    Reply
  8. Rick Ankrum says

    October 25, 2018 at 6:48 am

    I use All Free Pods. No perfumes and other additives.

    Reply
  9. al0 says

    October 25, 2018 at 6:55 am

    Domol Sport (2,15 EUR per 26 washes) – while I doubt it is available outside Germany.

    Reply
  10. John Petiet says

    October 25, 2018 at 6:58 am

    Wash with regular colored clothes , but place bike shorts in a mesh bag. Hang to dry.

    Reply
  11. Joan Oppel says

    October 25, 2018 at 7:13 am

    Vinegar, about a 1/2 cup for large load, in the wash cycle. I use Tide or All ‘Free’ (but that’s because I seem to be allergic to whatever is in the scented stuff, causing itchy rashes when I sweat).

    Reply
  12. Paul says

    October 25, 2018 at 7:21 am

    I put everything in wash bags, cold water Tide, 10 minute cycle, hang to dry. No stink, kit remains like new longer because the items aren’t agitating against each other.

    Reply
  13. Gregg says

    October 25, 2018 at 7:21 am

    I use Woolite on “hand wash” cycle then hang to dry.

    In the summer (I ride every day) I rinse and spin one set and use a second while the first drys. Then wash both at the end of my week.

    Reply
  14. Sasha says

    October 25, 2018 at 7:46 am

    As soon as I can after my ride, I hang the clothes in a dark well ventilated area (my garage on a clothes rack). Let the Kit dry out really well (a day or more) before I toss them in a mesh laundry hamper. Regardless of soap or detergent, this makes a big difference if drying out the odor causing bacteria.

    Reply
    • Doug Ford says

      October 25, 2018 at 11:09 am

      Yeah, I never toss sweaty gear in the hamper, but hang it in front of a fan to dry for an hour.

      Reply
  15. Mark Dehanke says

    October 25, 2018 at 8:38 am

    : WOOLITE,, delicate cycle, cold water, air dry.

    Reply
    • Robert Iden says

      October 26, 2018 at 8:52 am

      I agree. Woolite for Darks, cold, always air dry on a clothes rack. I include all synthetics and wool.

      Reply
  16. Robert Myers says

    October 25, 2018 at 9:00 am

    I use “defunikify”, which was recommended by RBR. It works great!

    Reply
    • Ralph Barone says

      October 25, 2018 at 9:56 am

      Vote #2 for Defunkify.

      Reply
  17. Bob says

    October 25, 2018 at 9:01 am

    Nothing fancy. Cheer high-efficiency detergent and delicate cycle on horizontal – load washing machine. Doesn’t get absolutely all the smell out but is acceptable.

    Reply
  18. John Mullineaux says

    October 25, 2018 at 9:15 am

    Tide HE plus white vinegar in place of fabric softener

    Reply
  19. Paul Harris says

    October 25, 2018 at 9:24 am

    I’m not sure. I put them stinky in a basket and the next day they show up clean and smelling fresh, in the basket ready for me to put away.

    Reply
    • Jon says

      October 25, 2018 at 4:26 pm

      Wives are amazing aren’t they!

      Reply
  20. Jeff says

    October 25, 2018 at 9:35 am

    Most of the time I just use Seventh Generation Free and Clear detergent and things are fine. But I second the recommendation of Defunkify. When things are really stinky I use that and press the “auto-soak” button on my washer (adds a soak period) using a warm wash/cold rinse cycle and voila. One tip to help abate the problem ahead of time is to hang your kit up so that it can air and dry if you aren’t going to wash it right away. I find this helps a lot.

    Reply
  21. Kim says

    October 25, 2018 at 9:55 am

    Cold Water, Oxy-clean, Kirkland brand detergent pod.

    Reply
  22. Charlie Johnson says

    October 25, 2018 at 10:06 am

    Defunkify reviewed by John Marsh does a great job. I soak my kit in the sink with about ⅛ tablespoon of Defunkify, rinse, wring out and air dry.

    Reply
  23. Tom Suarez says

    October 25, 2018 at 10:08 am

    Rockin Green Active wear detergent. Works great for all my cycling clothes. No perfumes and removes all odors.

    Reply
  24. Bruce Noah says

    October 25, 2018 at 10:09 am

    I just live with any remaining odor after my kit comes out of the laundry. It’s just going to get sweaty again shortly after I leave on my next ride.

    Reply
    • Doug Ford says

      October 25, 2018 at 11:12 am

      Ever draft someone who has a stinky kit? We have one guy who washes but never get rid of the BO in his jerseys, so people avoid getting in a paceline behind him.

      Reply
  25. Bryan says

    October 25, 2018 at 10:32 am

    At home;
    Cold water and Tide on delicate cycle.
    On the road;
    Dr Bonners Castile liquid soap. I can use this stuff for all kinds of washing!

    Cheers

    Reply
  26. Peter says

    October 25, 2018 at 11:19 am

    Win Sports Detergent (fragrance free). I ride six days a week year-round, and that’s a lot of sweaty clothes. This does a fabulous job on riding kit (and regular clothes, too).

    Reply
  27. Doug says

    October 25, 2018 at 12:13 pm

    Whatever my wife uses, because clothes always come out cleaner when someone other than me does the laundry!

    Reply
  28. Michael says

    October 25, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    Wear wool year round. You can ride it three days straight and it won’t stink. Wash in Ecover detergent on gentle cycle. Lay flat to dry.

    Reply
  29. Dave says

    October 25, 2018 at 2:23 pm

    Machine wash, cold water, Tide Free & Gentle, double rinse cycle, and hang to dry.

    Reply
  30. glenn ashworth says

    October 25, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    defunkify with a little Tide or Arm and Hammer liquid, keeps my bike clothing clean and odor free.

    Reply
  31. Mack says

    October 25, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    Arm and Hammer liquid fragrance free, 1/2 scoop (The scoop comes in the box.) of Oxyclean, and 1/2 scoop (using another scoop that came in the previous box of Oxy.) of Arm and Hammer baking soda. The Oxy and baking soda come in large amounts from Sam’s. Hang to dry. Works great! 🙂

    Reply
  32. Paul says

    October 25, 2018 at 3:57 pm

    Woolite. Workout Wear setting. Drying rack.

    Reply
  33. Rick Andrew says

    October 25, 2018 at 6:25 pm

    Don’t wear clothes on my bike.

    Reply
  34. anonymous says

    October 25, 2018 at 7:14 pm

    Not fussy about what my wife uses for washing. Zip you jerseys up all the way; it may extend the life of the zipper. I used to wash the shorts inside out to make sure they really get clean and then dry them the same way. Bad idea; I found the padding would really crimp and when you put them on it looks like you have a horrible wedgie!!

    Reply
  35. Jim says

    October 25, 2018 at 7:25 pm

    Norwex and a little white vinager

    Reply
  36. Roger says

    October 26, 2018 at 9:30 am

    Tide (regular) liquid detergent and Borax. Gentle cycle in washer. Air dry. Never a lingering odor.

    Reply
  37. Roy says

    October 26, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    WIN detergent,..air dry…works for me

    Reply
  38. Sheri Rosenbaum says

    October 26, 2018 at 4:33 pm

    First make sure shorts are inside out. Want to get the max exposure to water/detergent. I use Costco’s Kirkland Ultra Clean…no dyes or perfumes. Wash on Athletic Wear setting in cold water. Never ever dry.

    On the road use Chamois Butt’r Kit Wash. Reviewed it in a past issue of RBR.
    https://www.roadbikerider.com/chamois-buttr-product-line-review/

    Reply
  39. Mike Evans says

    October 26, 2018 at 10:24 pm

    I use clear / no perfume All or Tide and wash on delicate cycle, works for me.

    Reply
  40. Andrew Kundrat says

    October 27, 2018 at 5:49 pm

    No special detergent choice. They all seem to do the job. Just do it, seems to be he main thing.
    Be it for the extra detergent effect or aroma, I still put some PineSol in the wash as I’ve been doing for about 30 years.

    Reply
  41. Greg Przybyl says

    October 29, 2018 at 12:30 pm

    Arm+Hammer with Oxi Clean regular wash + Vinegar as a rinse agent. Goes in with regular clothes I am a no muss no fuss kind of guy.

    Reply
  42. bikefitnesscoaching says

    October 30, 2018 at 8:49 am

    Lars, time to take all of the comments and tally then to tell us how many voted for each solution.

    Reply
  43. John Greenler says

    October 30, 2018 at 3:16 pm

    Woolite, with the washer on the ‘delicates’ cycle…

    Reply
  44. Andy LaCombe says

    November 1, 2018 at 6:58 am

    I have used the Assos laundry soap and it is great at keeping the kit smelling great. Its not cheap but IMO it is worth it.

    Reply
  45. Andy says

    November 1, 2018 at 8:11 am

    Have been using Sport Wash for years. Really like product. Leaves biking & XC ski cloths odor free. No residue. Buy it from local bike shop.

    Reply
  46. Steve M says

    November 1, 2018 at 9:11 am

    You really don’t need anything special/expensive. Just wash your cycling clothes immediately after every ride. Don’t let it sit in the dirty clothes for a week and then wash it. We use Tide Free and Clear, cold water and regular wash cycle then hang to dry. Cycling clothes have lasted forever, except for cycling shorts which last a year or two.

    Reply
  47. Larry Best says

    November 1, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    If you ride in the rain & get “the line” up your back, spray it thoroughly with full strength Simple Green. Let sit for a minute or two then wash as usual. WALA…all gone. When I wash my cycling clothes I use Costco pods & warm water. Then I put them in the dryer on low heat to dry them. OK, I can already hear people gasping. I’ve been washing and drying my cycling clothes like that for 55 years & have never had a problem. Go ahead, flame away.

    Reply
  48. tony marchionne says

    November 1, 2018 at 1:44 pm

    I’ll have to ask my wife her secret. She’s been washing my smelly bike clothes for almost 30 years, and they always smell good!

    Reply
  49. David Le Fevre says

    November 3, 2018 at 10:11 am

    I’ve been using Halo Sports Wash Liquid for several years, and I’ve found it excellent

    Reply
  50. John Milton says

    September 24, 2019 at 4:05 am

    Good To see the list really great. I also made a list. I hope that will add value to your readers! also good for tiny bugs or insects. check these -https://hoofia.com/laundry-detergent-bed-bugs/ . Let me know If i need to update i am following your articles!

    Reply
  51. Frank Edward says

    February 27, 2020 at 5:36 am

    If you wash wools with these, unluckily the result will be frustrating. The stains will remain the same. Thread quality, color everything will be shattered. So, you should not use regular detergent to wash the wool clothing. Now, what shall we use to clean the wools?

    Reply
  52. Wes Prince says

    March 9, 2021 at 8:21 am

    Many years ago (early 80s?) Consumer Reports suggested Palmolive dish soap as a cheap but equally effective substitute for Woolite. I’ve been using Palmolive switching to antibacterial version when it came out every since that article for all my synthetic under layers and cycling wear. Very little is required – 15-30 ml depending on machine type and load size so it is much cheaper than any dedicated sports wash. For wicking layers I’ll add Nikwax Basefresh in the softener cycle after a few extra rinses to help with odors and maybe wicking but honestly I’ve never had an odor issue using just Palmolive. Try it as a hand wash in sink – won’t be disappointed.

    Reply

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