Eliminating Odor from Sports Gear with Chlorine Dioxide
Hockey, Soccer, Football, Field Hockey, Wrestling, Basketball... The list of sports and fitness activities that can generate some tremendously smelly clothing and gear is equivalent to the Olympic's roster. Remove these odors from your gear with Chlorine Dioxide.

Remove Body Odor from Fitness & Sport Gear with ClO2 by Envirotab

You will find this post to be almost identical to our post on Removing Odors from Smelly Footwear. For more information, please see that post.

What You Will Need for this Sports Equipment Odor Removal Process

To complete this deodorization, you will simply need these components:

large storage tote for smelly sports gear

A Large Tote with Tight-Fitting Lid

Envirotab 10g tablets for contractors

Envirotab 10g Tablets

An 8oz Jar with Lid

Some Clean, Clear, Warm Water

Why Does My Fitness Gear or Sports Equipment Smell So Bad!?

In the world of sports and fitness, clothing and gear play a crucial role in enhancing performance, offering protection, and ensuring maximum comfort. However, there is one persistent and often embarrassing issue that plagues athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike – body odor. The unmistakable smell that wafts from workout clothes and gear can range from mildly unpleasant to outright offensive, posing an intriguing question: why do these fabrics and materials tend to retain and emit such odors?


Let's delve into the science behind body odor in sports and fitness clothing and gear, aiming to understand the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. From unraveling the biological mechanisms at play to exploring the role of different fabrics and materials, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of this pervasive problem.


The human body's natural odor arises primarily from sweat, the vital mechanism by which we regulate our body temperature during physical activity. Sweat itself is virtually odorless, but when it comes into contact with bacteria residing on our skin, it undergoes a chemical reaction, resulting in the unpleasant odors we associate with body odor. This process is intensified during rigorous exercise when sweat glands become hyperactive, increasing the production of sweat and creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.


When it comes to sports and fitness clothing and gear, certain factors can exacerbate the issue of body odor retention. The choice of fabric plays a crucial role, as some materials possess better moisture-wicking properties, enabling sweat to evaporate faster, thereby minimizing bacterial growth and odor retention. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of popular fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, and cotton, will aid athletes and enthusiasts in selecting the most suitable apparel for their activities.


Additionally, the design and construction of garments can also impact odor retention. Factors like breathability, ventilation, and the presence of antimicrobial treatments can significantly reduce bacteria growth, ensuring a cleaner and more pleasant experience during workouts or sporting events. Exploring the latest advancements in fabric technology and innovative designs serves as a starting point in the fight against persistent body odor in sports and fitness clothing.

Steps for Completing this Sports Equipment Odor Removal Process

Step 1:

Loosely place your DRY* padding, skates, shoes, uniform and other items into a tote of sufficient size so that nothing is crammed into the storage container and that there is still room to set the glass jar in the contain with the gear without spilling. *Nothing can be wet or damp to complete this process or it will be discolored. The process should not be damaging to dry fabrics.

Step 2:

Fill the 8oz glass jar HALF full of warm water. Into this drop (1) 10g Envirotab Tablet and screw on the lid. This will make it safe for transport to the storage tote.

Step 3:

Place the jar on the bottom of the storage tote, and carefully unscrew the lid from the jar. Do not leave the lid in the container, especially if it is made of metal. Quickly secure the lid onto the storage tote to trap in the vapors. Leave it in this state for from 4 hours to overnight.

Step 4:

After the process, simply remove the lid and allow the vapors to dissipate into the room. You may not want to stay in the room for about 10-15 minutes during this process. Remove the clothing and gear and check for odors. You should find everything odor-free and ready for play!

Shop Envirotab Tablets and Get the Best Value in Cleaning & Deodorizing Available

Who Needs Envirotab Tablets & What Size Fits Your Applications Best?

To put it simply EVERYONE needs the simplicity, efficiency, power and efficacy of our Simply the BEST Chlorine Dioxide Tablets Available Anywhere!

  • Homeowners: Take a quick look at all of the applications below to see what you can do with just our 1 gram tablets and be AMAZED!.
  • Contract Cleaners: Every contract cleaner should stock and use our 4 gram tablets for cleaning, odor remediation, toilet reclamation, mold & mildew .
  • Hotel Housekeeping: Deep cleaning rooms after a long-term stay or pet stay will eliminate odors, freshen the air and reduce pet stress from past tenants.
  • Auto Dealers & Detailers: Detailers use the 1 gram tablets for washing down the dash, doors, headliner and upholstery, then gas the car with 20g.
  • Marinas & Campgrounds: Resell 1g tablets & 20g kits for deodorizing musty tents, campers and boats. Eliminate the odors and keep mildew from forming.
  • Veterinary Clinics & Kennels: 1 gram tablets are perfect for cleaning exam rooms while 10 gram tablets make a great 3 gallon solution for kennels.
  • Farmers & Homesteaders: The uses around the farm are endless! 1 gram tablets for udder wash before milking, removing black spots from plant follage and cleaning tools. 4 gram, 10 gram and 20 gram for treating water, cleaning greenhouses and sanitizing stalls after cleaning.

Got A Question?

Get it answered by email within minutes during the normal business week, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Click Here to Ask a Question

Got a Question?

We'll Get Back to You within 24 hours.
Envirotab Logo

Envirotab logo with white text

Our Social Media Links:

Envirotab is a part of the family of cleaner surface, air & water products from...
Synergy Americas logo in white

If you need more information, or are a commercial buyer, please visit this parent site.

Got a Question?

We'll Get Back to You within 24 hours.
Envirotab Logo