Weird smell after running?

September 2, 2011 6:19 AM

Why do I smell bleach after a hard run?

I can't believe I'm asking this, but here we go: I run three times a week, anywhere between 30 mns to 1 hour 30 mns (ie I sweat). And an awful lot of times, a few minutes after having stopped, I suddenly smell bleach around me. Why?

I thought this could be remains of bleach from my washing machine system (which, with my sweat, would maybe make the bleach odour stand out), but I seldom use bleach to clean clothes, and my partner says he can't smell anything.

What gives, hive-mind?

posted by Sijeka to sports, hobbies, & recreation (9 answers total)

Could it be more of an ammonia smell?

"Q: My sweat smells strongly of ammonia after a run. Is this normal? A: Don’t be too alarmed: the smell of ammonia in sweat is common among runners."
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 6:28 AM on September 2, 2011

Sounds like your sweat is smelling of ammonia. It's nothing to worry about, just consume more carbs and it should go away -- 'An apple a day can help keep the ammonia smell away!'
posted by blaisedell at 6:29 AM on September 2, 2011

Yeah, it's ammonia. There's a lot abou this. Google is your friend.

You'll see it's not just runners who experience this. So, I wouldn't sweat it.
posted by dfriedman at 6:34 AM on September 2, 2011

thanks guys/gals! Makes sense... Glad I didn't turn into a bleach monster.
posted by Sijeka at 8:24 AM on September 2, 2011

You'll see it's not just runners who experience this. So, I wouldn't sweat it.

Yeah, I've gotten that smell on long bicycle rides. Freaked me out at first. :)
posted by Celsius1414 at 8:59 AM on September 2, 2011

You'll see it's not just runners who experience this. So, I wouldn't sweat it.


I see what you did there.
posted by Bathtub Bobsled at 9:53 AM on September 2, 2011 [2 favorites]

It happens to me almost every run. Happens to my wife never, so some people seem to be more prone to it. It is freaky though -- I Googled it pretty quick.
posted by rusty at 10:59 AM on September 2, 2011

happens to me all the time, but i never knew what it was! thanks for asking the question :)
posted by wayward vagabond at 11:01 AM on September 2, 2011

If this happens to me on a very carb-heavy diet (since my understanding is that it comes from the body burning protein), is that cause for concern?
posted by decathecting at 12:20 PM on September 2, 2011