It’s a little known “feature” of modern synthetic sports clothing, but to evidence the fact that you’ve been working so hard, they accumulate bacteria to the extent where the olfactory offensiveness is proportional to the fitness levels of the wearer.
In philosophical terms you could say:
I stink therefore I am (fit).
Despite regular washing, some of my kit was starting to display these features, against my wishes, I must add. After commuting to the office one morning, I suspected that my colleagues were either too polite or embarrassed to mention anything to do with the acrid apparel draped over my chair.
It was time for action!
I googled…
…and discovered the following:
- The condition has a snazzy name – PermaFunk. How charming.
- One way to deal with it is to soak the offending items in white vinegar, prior to normal washing.
- There are products specifically designed for this sort of thing (surprise surprise), which you just add to the washing machine.
I just happened to have some white vinegar in the cupboard, so always keen to go for the no cost option, gave it a go.
Acetic acid asphyxiation was the phrase that may have come to be written on the imagined coroner’s report. I also got the added benefit of being made acutely aware of any small cuts or scratches on my hands. It bloody stings.
If you try this method, you may want to consider rubber gloves and a basic mask.
The good news is that after subsequent washing in the machine, the garments were successfully de-funked! Result.
This was fine because drastic and rapid remedial action was definitely necessary, but I wouldn’t want to have to turn my bathroom into a makeshift chemical warfare laboratory each time I need to clean my kit.
Therefore, a more sustainable option would be the washing machine special detergent stuff. A quick order to Wiggle and it was with me within a couple of days, free postage too.
The user reviews on the site were very encouraging, and I can report after using it once on another batch of stink-kit that it works wonders and imparts the very essence of freshness and neutrality.
Halo Proactive Sports Wash Laundry Detergent from Wiggle Online Cycle Shop
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