Staying active is a priority for many people, whether hitting the gym, running, or enjoying the great outdoors, like hiking, cycling, or just walking. Exercise and outdoor activities are great for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, boosting energy levels, and enhancing overall well-being. However, with an active lifestyle comes one unavoidable side effect—sweating.
While sweating is a natural and essential bodily function that helps regulate temperature, it also brings an unwanted problem: odour. The more we sweat, the more likely we are to develop body odours, especially in our workout clothes. Have you ever wondered why sweat smells, and some odours seem impossible to remove, even after washing? And what is the most effective way to eliminate that sweaty smell from our activewear?
First of all, let’s debunk a myth. Sweat itself doesn’t actually smell. Surprised? The odour we associate with sweating comes from bacteria that thrive on our skin and clothing. When we sweat, especially in areas like our underarms and feet, bacteria break down the proteins and fats in the sweat, releasing unpleasant-smelling compounds. The more bacteria present, the more pungent the odour.
What Causes Sweat Odour?
There are a few key reasons why sweat leads to body odour:
Bacteria Activity – Sweat is naturally odourless, but bacteria on the skin feed on sweat and release foul-smelling byproducts.
Apocrine Glands – These glands, found in areas like the armpits and groin, secrete a thicker sweat containing proteins and fats, which bacteria love.
Clothing Fibres – Sweat and bacteria get trapped in fabric, creating lingering odours that can be tough to remove with regular washing.
Why Detergent Alone Doesn't Always Work
Most people rely on detergent to clean clothes, but traditional laundry detergents aren’t always effective in removing odour.
Detergents Mask Odours Rather Than Eliminating Them – Many detergents contain fragrances that cover up odours rather than breaking them down at the source.
Bacteria Can Survive Regular Washing – Some bacteria embed themselves deep in fabric and resist standard washing cycles, leading to persistent odours.
Sweat Residue Lingers in Fibres – If not adequately removed, sweat residue remains in clothing, causing smells to return quickly.
Aqueous Ozone is a Proven Odour Remover
Aqueous ozone or ozone water is an effective multipurpose cleaner that harnesses the power of ozone (O3) to break down odours and kill bacteria. In fact, clinical studies have shown that ozone water is up to 200 times more effective than regular household bleach. Here’s how it works:
Destroys Bacteria and Viruses – Ozone is a natural disinfectant that eliminates bacteria, fungi, and viruses responsible for odours.
Breaks Down Odour-Causing Compounds – Ozone chemically alters and neutralises odour-causing substances instead of masking smells.
Penetrates Deep into Fabrics—Ozonated water can penetrate deep into clothing fibres, breaking down sweat residues and killing bacteria more effectively than detergent.
Eco-Friendly and Toxin-Free – Unlike detergents, ozone water doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals, making it safe and sustainable for the environment.
Gentle on Skin—Aqueous ozone is chemical-free and has been proven to be gentle on the skin, even sensitive skin.
The Future of Laundry and Odour Removal
Aqueous ozone has been used for years for commercial cleaning in industries such as laundromats, public toilets, and dog grooming centres. Changi Airport used ozone water to sanitise its washrooms during the height of the pandemic. Ozone water offers a sustainable, chemical-free alternative to traditional detergent-based cleaning.
And now, ozone water technology is available for home use with OZONO OZPro. Discover a more effective, eco-friendly solution that eliminates odour rather than just covering it up.
