I don't use softener on any sports clothes, it blocks the fibers or the pores in the fibers. I've used borax once in three years and that was to get rid of the front loader stink in my sports clothes. You can't let them sit in the washer at all, as soon as they are done they need to be hung up to dry, about once a month I'll wash the dry fit load on warm. Oh, and I always use the extra rinse cycle. I use ALL free & clear for detergent and I don't have a stink problem. Some of my stuff is expensive, and some of it is walmart danskin or academy sbc brand.