Best Detergents That Remove Sweat Odor From Clothes
For sweat odor, choose a detergent made to target body odor rather than simply add fragrance. SWEATX and Rockin’ Green are tailored to activewear, while OUT ProWash is designed for heavy-duty clothing odors and stains. ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean offers a general-purpose liquid option, and its Power Sheets suit buyers who prefer pre-measured detergent. The comparison below summarizes each product’s stated strengths.
| Product | Best For | Format |
|---|---|---|
| SWEATX Max Odor Defense | Workout and performance fabrics | Liquid |
| Rockin’ Green Active Wear | Unscented activewear cleaning | Powder |
| OUT ProWash | Workwear, odors, and stains | Liquid |
| ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean | Everyday laundry with sweat odors | Liquid |
| ARM & HAMMER Power Sheets | Pre-measured detergent convenience | Sheets |
SWEATX Max Odor Defense Sport Detergent
Best for: People who regularly wash gym clothes, sportswear, compression clothing, and moisture-wicking gear. SWEATX is specifically formulated for activewear and is described as penetrating performance fabrics to address sweat, body oils, and persistent gym odors.
The product is an ultra-concentrated liquid detergent with a listed capacity of 45 loads. Its activewear focus makes it a more specialized choice than a general-purpose laundry detergent when workout clothes retain odor after washing.
Limitation: The listing emphasizes performance fabrics, so choose a general-purpose option instead if you mainly need a detergent for mixed household laundry. Follow the garment care label and product directions.
Rockin’ Green Active Wear Detergent
Best for: Activewear owners who want an unscented powder detergent. Rockin’ Green uses plant-based enzymes to target sweat, body oils, and odor, and the listing says it is formulated for sportswear, leggings, high-tech fabrics, and microfibers.
The formula is described as free from SLS, SLES, dyes, phosphates, parabens, and artificial fragrances. The product listing also says it is dermatologist tested and safe for sensitive skin when used as directed. Its fabric-care focus may appeal to buyers who want odor removal without added fragrance.
Limitation: This is a powder rather than a liquid or sheet, and the listing specifies an unscented formula. Choose another option if you prefer a scented detergent or a different format.
OUT ProWash Workwear Odor & Stain Remover
Best for: People washing work clothes, uniforms, towels, linens, or other items with stubborn odors and stains. OUT ProWash is formulated for heavy-duty odors and is described as removing odors rather than masking them with heavy fragrance.
The 22-ounce product comes in a two-pack and can be used as either a detergent or a booster. Its stated uses include sweat and mustiness, as well as food, cigarette smoke, and cooking odors. That broader range makes it a useful fit for laundry needs beyond workout gear.
Limitation: The listed focus is heavy-duty workwear and household odors, not specifically technical or moisture-wicking fabrics. Check fabric-care instructions before using it on delicate items.
ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters
Best for: Households that want a general-purpose liquid detergent for sweat alongside other everyday odors. Its Odor Blasters formula is described as tackling sweat, body odor, damp clothes, musty towels, and pet odors. The listing also says it contains three times the odor fighters compared with a leading value detergent.
The 96.2-fluid-ounce bottle has a Fresh Burst scent and combines odor-focused cleaning with OxiClean. Choose this option if your laundry includes a mix of everyday clothing, towels, and items that pick up body odor.
Limitation: It is scented, so it may not suit buyers specifically seeking an unscented detergent. The product details do not identify it as a specialized activewear formula.
ARM & HAMMER 5-in-1 Power Sheets
Best for: Buyers who prefer a pre-measured format for regular laundry. These Fresh Linen detergent sheets are designed to dissolve in the wash, with 50 sheets listed as enough for 50 medium loads or up to 100 small loads when used as directed.
The product is described as providing five-in-one cleaning and freshness, using 99% less water per medium load and creating no plastic bottle waste compared with a leading value detergent. It can be a convenient alternative to liquid detergent for households that want to avoid measuring and storing a bottle.
Limitation: The listing does not specifically identify the sheets as a targeted activewear or sweat-odor formula. Choose SWEATX or Rockin’ Green if specialized workout-clothing odor control is your priority.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Sweat-Odor Detergent
Do you mainly wash workout clothes?
Start with a detergent specifically described for activewear. SWEATX is formulated for performance, moisture-wicking, and compression garments. Rockin’ Green also targets sportswear and sweat, with an unscented formula and plant-based enzymes. Check clothing labels and follow the detergent’s directions, especially for technical fabrics.
Do you need a detergent for work clothes and mixed laundry?
OUT ProWash is a better fit when laundry includes uniforms, workwear, towels, linens, stains, and more than one type of odor. ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean is a broader everyday liquid option that lists sweat and body odor among the odors it tackles.
Does fragrance matter?
Compare the stated scent before buying. ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean has a Fresh Burst scent, and Power Sheets have a Fresh Linen scent. Rockin’ Green is listed as unscented. OUT ProWash is described as removing odors rather than masking them with heavy fragrance, but the provided product details do not specify an unscented formula.
Which detergent format is easiest to use?
Liquid detergent offers a familiar format, powder may suit buyers who prefer an unscented activewear product, and sheets provide pre-measured portions. Consider your laundry routine, storage preferences, and the load guidance on the product packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What detergent is best for sweat-smelling gym clothes?
SWEATX and Rockin’ Green are the most directly targeted options here because their listings specifically focus on activewear and sweat odor.
Can regular detergent remove sweat odor?
Some general-purpose detergents list sweat and body odor among the odors they address. For persistent odors in workout gear, a product formulated for activewear may be a better match.
Is an unscented detergent better for sweat odor?
Unscented does not by itself indicate stronger odor removal. Rockin’ Green is unscented and targets sweat with plant-based enzymes; compare the formula’s stated purpose as well as its scent.
Can I use an odor-removing detergent on towels?
ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean lists musty towels, and OUT ProWash lists towels among its intended uses. Follow care labels and product directions.
Should I choose a detergent booster or a detergent?
OUT ProWash is described as usable either as a detergent or a booster. Check its package directions to select the appropriate use for your laundry load.