How to Get the Smell Out of Your Weighted Vest

Getting a new weighted vest should make you excited to train, not make you wrinkle your nose. But weighted vests can (and often do) come with some… interesting odours. The best way to go about dealing with odour in your weighted vest is to understand where the smell is coming from and to deal with it accordingly. 

Below, we’ll break down why weighted vests smell, how to get rid of the odours safely, mistakes to avoid, and how to choose a vest that won’t stink in the first place.

Why Do Some Weighted Vests Smell? 

When a weighted vest smells, it is usually down to one of four things: the smell of the outer materials, the internal weights, the manufacturing process, or the packaging. Understanding where the smell comes from makes it much easier to choose the right solution to deal with it.

A. The Outer Material (Nylon, Neoprene, PVC, etc.)

If your weighted vest emits a rubber or chemical smell, it is likely due to the materials it is made of. Most modern vests are made from durable fabrics like neoprene, nylon, or PVC-coated materials.

These can release odors, and this would explain the rubber/ plastic smell or a chemical smell you perceive from the vest

• A rubber smell is common with neoprene-based weighted vests. Neoprene contains petroleum-based compounds that release a “new tyre” scent when fresh out of the factory.
• Chemical or plastic smells are common with weighted vests made of Nylon or PVC fabrics. These may contain off-gassing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) leftover from manufacturing. This is what creates a “new plastic item” smell that is sharp, synthetic, and persistent with some weighted vests.

B. Smells Coming From the Weights Inside the Vest

Weighted vests use different types of fillers, from iron or steel plates to rubber-coated weights, and each of these could have different kinds of odors:

• Iron or steel plates: Usually low-odour, but if they oxidise slightly or come with a protective coating, they may smell metallic or oily.
• Sand or steel-shot filler: If encased poorly, slightly damp manufacturing environments can result in a musty smell.
• Rubber-coated weights: These can also give off a tire-like smell when new.

C. Packaging and Storage Before Purchase

Sometimes the weighted vest isn’t the problem: sometimes, it is the plastic wrapping or storage container in which the vest has been stored or transported that causes the smell. The following smells are common in new weighted vests, and they come from packaging and storage:

• Plastic bag smell: When a vest sits sealed during shipping, trapped factory odours intensify.
• Warehouse smell: Long-term storage in humid environments can create earthy or musty scents.

D. Sweat-Related Odours (Once You Start Using It)

Even if your vest didn’t smell when it arrived, it can definitely start smelling later. The primary reason why older weighted vests smell after some time is the accumulation of sweat over long-term use. Here's what happens:

• Sweat is absorbed into the padding
• Bacteria build up inside tight fabric layers
• Mould developing in damp vests that weren’t dried properly

These smells usually present as sour, musty, or gym-sock-like.

2. How to Get Rid of Weighted Vest Smells (Based on the Type of Odour)

Though there are a couple of options for getting rid of the smell from weighted vests, the best way, especially for a new weighted vest,  is always to continue using the vest and see what happens after some time.  The smell usually fades away in a couple of weeks.

However, if the smell persists, you can expose it to sunlight or use white vinegar spray to clean it. Here are some methods to get rid of foul smell on a weighted vest:

i. Air it Out (For Rubber or “New Tire” Smells)

If your weighted vest smells of rubber or new tyres, start by airing it out naturally. Rubber smells fade with time more than anything else.  Follow these steps:

1. Hang it in a well-ventilated area for 24–72 hours.
2. Place it outdoors for 1–2 hours at a time.
3. The UV light helps break down rubber compounds.
   Don’t leave it out too long-UV can fade fabric.

B. For Chemical or Plastic Smells

For weighted vests containing VOCs from PVC, nylon, or chemical adhesives, try off-gassing or spraying with white vinegar to neutralise the chemical odours.

i. Off-gassing

• Leave the vest open in fresh air for 2–5 days.
• Chemical smells especially respond well to airflow.

ii. White vinegar spray

• Mix one part vinegar with three parts water. Vinegar neutralises synthetic chemical odours.
• Lightly mist the vest and wipe it down.
  

C. For Musty or Damp Smells

Moisture trapped in the padding, mould spores, or sand-filled pouches that absorbed humidity can cause a foul smell in a weighted vest. To take care of this, you can either air it out and dry it properly or disinfect it with vinegar or mild soap.

i. Dry it thoroughly

• Hang the vest in direct sunlight.
  
• Or use a fan or dehumidifier.

ii. Disinfect with vinegar or mild soap

• Use a cloth with diluted vinegar.
• Avoid soaking the vest unless the manufacturer says it's safe.

D. For Sweat or “Gym Bag” Smells

Bacteria in sweat-soaked padding.

• Hand-wash with mild detergent. If your vest is washable, wash it by hand-not machine. Then rinse thoroughly.
• Use anti-bacterial sprays. These are great for non-washable vests.
• Sun-dry after every use. This prevents future bacterial buildup.

3. Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Weighted Vest Smells

Even though most solutions are safe, some things can ruin your vest or make the smell worse. Here are some mistakes to avoid when getting rid of bad smells from a weighted vest:

1. Don't Wash the Vest. Don’t machine wash unless the manufacturer says so. Machine washing can damage a weighted vest in the following ways:

• It can ruin the weight compartments
• Stretch or tear neoprene
• Cause metal weights to rust inside the fabric

Always follow specific instructions when washing or cleaning a weighted vest.

ii. Don’t soak the vest. Water trapped inside a vest can cause mould, damage the filler, and even intensify musty smells

iii. Don’t over-sunlight the vest: Sunlight is good in moderation, but too much UV breaks down neoprene, causes the colours to fade, or the fabrics to begin cracking over time.

iv. Don’t use harsh cleaners: Bleach, strong degreasers, or stiff-brush scrubbing can damage stitching and coatings.

v. Don’t store it while damp: This is the #1 cause of long-term odours and mould.

4. How to Choose a Weighted Vest That Won’t Smell

If you haven’t bought a vest yet, or you’re planning to upgrade, here’s what to look for to avoid odours in the future.

• Choose the Right Material. Some materials naturally smell less than others:

• Look for breathability features like mesh ventilation panes, moisture-wicking lining, and removable weight plates (allow washing). Breathable vests both smell less and stay less smelly.
• Avoid Vests with cheap rubber coatings. Lower-cost rubber coatings mean stronger and longer-lasting chemical smells.
• Look for washable designs. Some vests allow the weight plates to be removed, and the fabric shell is to be hand-washed. These designs are far easier to keep clean and odour-free long-term.

Zelus Weighted Vests That Don't Smell

The newly released Z-Fit™ X-Shaped Weighted Vests from Zelus are made from newly upgraded Z-fit material that is made to ensure even weight distribution and eliminate smells. They come in the traditional X-design and a new Flex Weighted Vest Design, and they are completely odor-free.

• The vests are coated on the exterior with skin-friendly spandex, and the interiors are made with styrene-butadiene rubber and Zelus' independently designed Z-fit material.
• In addition to the odor-free design, these weighted vests are completely washable: they can be hand-washed and even machine-washed (with conditions).

With long-lasting materials, an odor-free design, and a washable design, you could use these vests for a long time without having to worry about smells. 

Final Thoughts

A smelly weighted vest is annoying, but almost always fixable. Whether your vest smells like rubber, chemicals, or sweaty gym gear, there’s a simple (and safe) solution. Understanding what causes the odour makes all the difference, and choosing the right materials can help you avoid the problem next time.

You might also be interested in our guide on VO₂ Max and boosting your fitness with a weighted vest.