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RE:HACKS How to clean a gym bag
RE:HACKS
5 MIN READ

This story is part of our RE:HACKS series, in which we detail some easy guidelines to help you care for and maintain your PUMA products, so the stuff you love lasts longer.


Gym bags – we’ve all got at least one. Somewhere. Maybe it’s a duffel, maybe it’s a backpack. Perhaps it’s the tote bag from that work conference in Des Moines where your boss got trapped in the elevator, so you had to give the keynote. Either way, it’s your trusty vessel for carrying workout clothes, shoes, a water bottle (or two), and that book you’re totally going to read on the train to work eventually – among other essentials. But has anyone ever really sat you down and taught you how to clean a bag, especially one that has picked up weeks’ worth of gym stink?


It's alright if your answer to that question is, “no.” Unless you grew up in a laundromat, your parents probably weren’t drilling you on how to wash a gym bag. Keep reading, because we’re going to cover step-by-step gym bag washing instructions, tips for how to remove odors from duffels, and some tricks to keep your bags from getting stinky in the future.


TIP 1: No matter what you use as a gym bag, you should be able to clean it.


This seems like a no-brainer, but anyone who has worked out at one of those (ahem) “premium” gyms knows what we’re talking about. There’s always one person there jamming their sweaty sneakers and clothes into a purse or satchel that costs close to what you make in a week.


Maybe they can afford it, but for the rest of us who live in the real world, you should ask yourself one question: “Can I put this gym bag in the washing machine?” Your duffel, tote, or bag should be durable and made of a material that can be spot cleaned or tossed in the washer if needed.


EXTRA TIP: Not everything that looks like a gym bag is machine washable (even some PUMA bags). It’s important to check the care instructions on your bag before you try to clean it, especially in a washing machine.


TIP 2: Periodically deep-clean your duffel bag.


Eventually, your gym bag is going to smell worse than Dortmund’s laundry bin after a mid-summer practice session. When the time comes, don’t despair – and absolutely don’t toss your tote in the trash. It still has a lot of love to give.


To start: clean the bag out. Makes sense, right? Shake it over the trash can to extract all those granola and sandwich crumbs, then get in there with the vacuum.


Next, you’ll want to spot clean any stains. We covered this in our “Ultimate Stain Removal Guide”, but here’s a handy-dandy quick reference guide:

  • Grass stains: Use a 1:1 vinegar/cold water mixture and soak the area for 30 minutes, then rub it with cold water.
  • Grease stains: Sprinkle baking soda or baby powder on to prevent grease from setting in. Clean the area with a bit of liquid dishwashing soap then rinse with warm water.
  • Sweat stains: Make a 1:2 water/baking soda paste and rub it into the stain, then remove excess before washing.
  • Mud stains: Use an old toothbrush to remove any caked-on mud, then let some liquid detergent sit on the stain for a few minutes before washing.

Double-check the care instructions before tossing your bag into the washing machine – if it’s not labeled as “machine washable,” putting it through the laundry could do serious damage to your duffel. That tag might also have helpful information about detergent type, water temperature, and drying method(s).


Hang it outside to dry in the sun for added odor-killing (thanks UV rays) and there you have it – you now know how to clean a gym bag. Time to celebrate with a couple more tips on how to keep your bag from smelling bad.


TIP 3: Deodorize your gym bag with baking soda sachets.

If you’re wondering how to keep your gym bag from smelling bad, there might be a quick fix with stuff you’ve already got at home. Here’s what you need:


  1. Baking soda
  2. 6” x 6” swatches of cloth
  3. Essential oils (optional)
  4. Rubber band or hair tie

Start with a napkin-sized swatch of cloth (6” x 6” or so) and about ½ cup of baking soda. You can even add a couple drops of your favorite essential oils – if you want to get creative with it. Tie up the sachet with a knot or a tight rubber band and toss it in your bag. The baking soda will help control the humidity inside your bag, making it harder for bacteria to do what they do best (making things gross and stinky).


Paired with regular cleaning, this can help extend the life of your favorite gym bag.


TIP 4: Don’t let your gym clothes sit around in your bag.


Take everything out of your bag as soon as you get home. Let your shoes dry fully before you put them in the closet. Wash your workout clothes according to the label (likely hand-washing or gentle cycle with cold water) and hang them to dry. Consider washing your gym bag too – maybe not after every workout but every week or so.

If you can’t immediately empty out your gym bag after working out, you may want to get a bag with mesh compartments. These will allow more ventilation inside the bag and can help stop your duffel from smelling like Max Verstappen’s driving boots after the Monaco GP.


Washing a gym bag sounds like a lot of work, but if you make it part of your workout routine eventually it’ll become a habit. Bookmark these tips and keep your gym bag smelling fresh – your coworkers and everyone else on your commute will thank you.


For more tips on protecting, cleaning, and caring for your PUMA gear, check out our other RE:HACKS guides.