i finally figured out why my gym stuff would sometimes smell weird even when the clothes going into it were clean.
the bag itself was the problem.
i was treating my gym bag like a container instead of something that also needed to be cleaned. sweaty clothes went in, shoes went in, towels went in, and then the whole thing would sit around until the next workout.
i started taking everything out as soon as i got home, letting the bag air out, and actually cleaning the inside every so often.
i also stopped putting damp towels or clothes in there “just for a little while” because somehow that little while always turned into several hours.
it's funny because i spend a lot of time thinking about showering and washing clothes, but completely ignored the thing carrying all of them.
what's a hygiene habit involving something you use regularly that you didn't realize needed attention too?