how to refresh your gym bag

How to Handle Mystery Stink in Team Gear Bags

Mystery Stink, Solved: How to De-Funk Your Team’s Gear Bag

Because no one wants to ride home with the bag that smells like defeat.

Every team has one—the gear bag that’s seen too much.

Maybe it’s hiding a forgotten pair of socks.
Maybe it’s that half-eaten protein bar from last month.
Maybe it’s just soaked in layers of sweat from seasons past.

Whatever it is, it smells bad—and no one wants to be the one to open it.

Team gear bags are great for organizing equipment, but they’re also prime real estate for bacteria, especially when things get stuffed in wet and left to marinate. One mystery odor can ruin the ride to the game, the mood in the locker room, and even team morale.

The Fix: How to Handle That Mystery Funk Like a Pro

🧹 Step 1: Empty Everything
Dump it. All of it. Take out every last item. Check for dampness, dirt, and anything that looks like it’s developing its own personality.

💨 Step 2: Spray Each Item
Grab your secret weapon—RANK Spray. Hit all the gear: jerseys, pads, shoes, even socks. It neutralizes bacteria and odors on contact, no scrubbing required.

🎒 Step 3: Spray Down the Bag
Now it’s time to face the bag itself. Spray the interior, seams, pockets, and corners—especially where grime and sweat love to hide.

🌬 Step 4: Air It All Out
Lay everything out in a well-ventilated area. Let the bag and gear dry completely before putting anything back in.

🔄 Step 5: Make It Routine
After every practice or game, a quick spray keeps future funk from creeping back in. Build it into your team’s post-game ritual.

Smell Like Victory, Not Mystery

Your team’s gear bag shouldn’t be the biggest challenge of the day. 

👉 Click Here to shop on our website (Lots of bundle options available!)

👉 Click Here to shop on Amazon (FREE shipping available for Amazon Prime members!)

Back to blog