Most people are pretty diligent about keeping their gym clothes clean post workouts.
However, they often forget to pay the same amount of attention to their gym bag, which contains a variety of objects, such as wet towels, sweaty clothes, and even snacks. The moist and warm environment can be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria if the bag is not cleaned regularly.
Additionally, there is the problem of foul odour which tends to emanate from unclean bags. It can also become a nuisance for others when you take a smelly bag to the gym.
So, how should you go about cleaning your gym bag?
The solution is not so simple as there is no single rule or method. After all, there are several factors you need to understand before proceeding. That is why we compiled this informative guide to help you out.
Without further ado, let us get straight to it.
The Most Effective Cleaning Techniques
One of the most effective ways to ensure that your gym bag stays clean is to organise the contents properly. It means that each object should be appropriately arranged before you zip it up. And since it contains a wide assortment of items, ranging from sweaty clothes to dirty shoes, keeping them separated is one of the critical steps for a clean and odour-free bag.
Other than that, here are a few ways you can keep each item smelling fresh and clean:
1. Shoes
MMA shoes go through a lot of wear and tear, which is even more true for the ones you wear while working out. And when you work out outdoors, shoes pick up dust and dirt particles, which combine with the sweat, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Inevitably, as the bacteria multiply, you get a very foul stench.
One of the easiest ways to keep your shoes fresh and clean is using tea bags. That said, you can put a tea bag inside each shoe, which will help absorb the odours and leave a fresher scent.
Additionally, you can wrap up each shoe in a shower cap to lock the smell in.
2. Toiletry Spill
Some of the most common accidental spills to clean from a gym bag are liquid content like shampoo or liquid soap. The ideal way to clean such messes is by wiping them down using a baby wipe. You can use the wipe to scrub the area clean and then let it air-dry.
3. Dirt
Gym bags can easily collect dirt if you tend to store your running or training shoes inside them. To remove the dry solid particles of dirt and dust, take the bag outside and empty it. For this, you need only turn the open bag upside down and give it a good shake.
However, particles trapped in the nooks and crannies may not come out as easily. For such stubborn particles, use a lint roller to swipe through the inside of the bag, especially paying attention to the corners and seams. The stickiness of the roller is highly effective in dislodging such particles from tricky areas.
4. Foul Odour
Despite carefully organising the bag’s contents, it can still start to smell after a few days of carrying sweaty clothes and gloves. To combat the stench, put a fresh dryer sheet in the bag, which will ensure that the bag keeps smelling fresh. Also, if possible, keep the bag out to dry under the sun, which will kill any odour-causing bacteria that might be present.
5. Yoga Mat
People often don’t pay much attention to yoga mats when cleaning. However, yoga mats are among the most sweat-absorbent objects in a gym bag. So, after every yoga class, the first thing to do is wipe the mat using warm water and a towel.
For a more effective cleaning technique, use warm water with vinegar and essential oil and spray the mixture on the mat. Then wipe the map again with warm water after the mixture has dried off. Additionally, make sure that it is completely dry before rolling it up and storing it until the next class.
Keeping Your Gym Bag Fresh
Keeping your gym bag clean is one of the greatest challenges for gymgoers, perhaps only second to an intense workout. However, it is also an essential practice because not taking proper care of the bag, and its contents can create problems for you and others.
Following the above techniques will help you ensure that your gym bag and its contents are clean and free of odour. These techniques are simple to follow but deliver the best results when done consistently.
Remember, if you need help purchasing any gym equipment, our team is always available.
With that said, it is time to wrap up. Until next time!
