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How To Get Stink Out Of Clothes
The scent of freshly laundered clothes is delightful. From the sweet, clean fragrance of fresh towels and washcloths to the crisp smell of newly-pressed shirts and pants – it’s truly incomparable!
However, what happens when your clothes or towels begin to smell? The unpleasant, lingering odors that invade your sense of smell can make you feel unclean. Fortunately, we can eliminate those offensive smells quickly with a few easy methods.
Mildew, another offender, thrives in similar moist conditions. This fungus-like entity nourishes itself by using enzymes to decompose clothing fibers into smaller pieces that it then absorbs as food.
Both of these are the primary reasons for that unpleasant, musty odor in the laundry. Other common causes of bad-smelling clothes include sweat, dirt caught inside or outside your garments (like in shoes), and pet odors.
In this article, we will find DIY solutions to get rid of odor from your clothes –
- Best Practices To Avoid Bad Odor From Clothes
- How To Wash Body Odor Out of Delicate Clothes
- How To Use Baking Soda To Remove Odors From Clothes?
- Easy Ways To Eliminate Odors From Clothes
- DIY Solutions For Odorless Clothes
Best Way to Remove Body Odor From Clothing
For many eco-conscious consumers, keeping clothes fresh without relying on harsh chemicals or heavily fragranced products is both a health choice and an environmental one. Body odor trapped in fabrics can be frustrating, especially in activewear or natural fibers, but there are natural and sustainable methods that work effectively without compromising your values.
The first step is to recognize that odor is caused by bacteria clinging to sweat molecules in the fabric. Conventional detergents often try to mask the smell with synthetic fragrances rather than addressing the root cause. An eco-friendly approach, instead, focuses on neutralizing the bacteria and refreshing fibers naturally.
| Why Do My Clothes Develop an Odor? Several factors can contribute to smelly clothes, but the most frequent culprits are bacteria and mildew. Bacteria, microscopic organisms, thrive in damp conditions and feed on your skin cells and hair follicles. When they get trapped in clothing or towels, they break them down until they are utterly damaged! To combat these issues, it’s essential to regularly wash and dry clothes thoroughly, ensuring they are stored in a dry environment to minimize the growth of bacteria and mildew. |
Soaking clothes before washing is one of the simplest solutions. A mixture of plain white vinegar and cold water helps break down the buildup that holds onto odor. This method not only neutralizes smell but also softens fabric without the need for artificial softeners.
Baking soda is another effective option, either added to the soak or directly into the wash cycle, as it gently deodorizes and balances pH levels in the fabric. For particularly stubborn odors, a paste of baking soda and water applied directly to the problem area before laundering can make a noticeable difference.
When it comes to washing, choosing a fragrance-free, biodegradable detergent is key. These detergents avoid synthetic perfumes that can irritate skin or contribute to indoor air pollution, focusing instead on plant-based cleaning agents. Washing in warm, not hot water, helps lift oils and sweat without damaging fabric fibers.
Once clean, air-drying clothes in sunlight is both energy-efficient and naturally antibacterial. The sun’s UV rays can help reduce lingering bacteria while leaving clothes with a crisp, clean freshness that no artificial fragrance can replicate.
An eco-friendly wardrobe care routine also means thinking preventively. Washing clothes only when truly needed conserves water and energy, while allowing fabrics to breathe between wears helps prevent odor from setting in. Natural fabric refreshers, such as a light mist of diluted essential oils or plain vodka spray, can freshen garments between washes without resorting to commercial sprays packed with synthetic fragrance.
From a consumer’s perspective, the best way to remove body odor from clothing is not to cover it up but to treat it at the source with safe, natural, and sustainable methods.
By combining vinegar or baking soda soaks, fragrance-free detergents, and the natural power of sunlight, you can keep clothes smelling clean while protecting your health and the planet.
| Practice | How It Helps | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Wash Promptly | Prevents bacteria and mildew from setting into fabrics. | Aim to start laundry within 24 hours of wearing. |
| Don’t Dry On High Heat | Avoiding high heat allows the clothes to maintain their vibrant colors. | Medium or low heat is enough to get your clothes clean. 30°C cleans delicate fabrics more effectively than 40°C, which is why 40°C is preferred for your regular clothing. |
| Avoid Overloading the Washer | Enzymatic detergents break down sweat and oils more effectively. | Look for “activewear” or “sports” formulas.Use eco-friendly laundry bars. |
| Add a Booster | Baking soda or laundry boosters neutralize odors. | Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda in the drum. |
| Dry Completely, Quickly | Damp clothes breed mildew and sour smells. | Use high heat or hang in direct sunlight. |
| Rotate and Air Out | Gives fabric a chance to breathe between wears. | Hang in a breezy spot for 30 minutes. |
| Deep-Clean the Machine | Removes trapped grime that transfers back onto clothes. | Run an empty hot cycle with vinegar monthly. |
How to Get Started
Routine Check: Immediately toss sweaty or damp items into the hamper.
Smart Sorting: Group similar fabrics (heavy towels vs. delicates) so each load gets optimal agitation.
Maintenance Matters: Wipe down seals and dispensers after each wash to prevent gunk buildup.
Stale-smelling clothes usually result from trapped moisture and lingering bacteria. By washing promptly, choosing targeted detergents, ensuring proper load size, and regularly freshening both garments and your machine, you’ll enjoy crisp, clean laundry every time—no mystery smells attached.
| Avoid Artificial Fragrances In Your Products Artificial fragrances in products are synthetic compounds designed to create pleasant scents. However, they can lead to unpleasant odors in clothes over time. These fragrances often mask underlying smells rather than eliminate them, trapping moisture and bacteria that cause odor. Additionally, they can break down when exposed to heat and light, resulting in a rancid or stale scent. The chemicals in artificial fragrances can also interact with sweat and other substances, further exacerbating bad odors. Opting for fragrance-free or naturally scented products can help maintain freshness and prevent the buildup of unwanted smells in fabrics. |
How To Wash Body Odor Out of Delicate Clothes
Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or fine wool require extra care when it comes to odor removal. Unlike cotton or synthetic activewear, these materials are more sensitive to harsh detergents, high heat, or vigorous scrubbing. For eco-conscious consumers, the challenge is to freshen these garments while preserving their quality and avoiding the use of chemical-heavy products.
The key is to treat the fabric gently while addressing the odor at its source. Instead of machine washing on strong cycles or using artificial fragrance sprays, start with a natural pre-soak.
| Mixing a small amount of white vinegar with cool water creates a solution that helps neutralize odor-causing bacteria without harming the fibers. Allowing the garment to rest in this solution for 15–30 minutes is often enough to loosen odor molecules trapped in the weave of the fabric. For especially delicate pieces, a shorter soak is recommended to avoid overexposure. |
When it’s time to wash, opt for handwashing rather than machine cycles. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle, eco-friendly detergent made for delicates, preferably one that is fragrance-free and plant-based.
Gently agitate the fabric with your hands to release oils and sweat, avoiding twisting or wringing, which can stretch or damage fibers. If the odor persists in specific areas such as underarms, lightly dabbing with a paste of baking soda and water before rinsing can provide targeted deodorizing power without overwhelming the garment.
Rinsing thoroughly in cool water is essential to remove any detergent residue, which can attract more bacteria if left behind. When drying, avoid direct wringing or hanging heavy, wet fabrics, as this can cause stretching. Instead, lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel and roll it up gently to remove excess moisture. Afterward, allow it to air dry flat, preferably in a shaded but well-ventilated area.
If sunlight is suitable for the fabric type, a short exposure can provide a natural antibacterial boost, though direct sun should be avoided on fragile materials like silk.
Caring for delicate clothing in an eco-friendly way also means adopting good habits to minimize odor buildup. Airing garments between wears, using breathable storage options, and wearing natural fiber underlayers can all extend the time between washes. For pieces that are particularly difficult to care for, professional eco-friendly dry cleaners that avoid harsh chemicals can be a smart alternative.
How to Remove Underarm Odor From Clothes Fast
Underarm odor, often a result of sweat and the bacteria that thrive in warm, moist environments like the underarms, can be quite persistent when it comes to fabrics.
This issue is particularly pronounced in workout gear or garments made from synthetic materials, such as polyester and spandex. These fabrics are designed to wick moisture away from the body, which is great for keeping you dry during physical activity, but they can also trap odor-causing compounds within their fibers.
Even after a thorough wash, the lingering scent can remain embedded in the fabric. This is because detergents may not fully penetrate the microscopic structure of synthetic fibers, where odor molecules can cling. Additionally, factors such as the temperature of the wash, the type of detergent used, and whether or not the item was air-dried or put in a dryer can all influence the effectiveness of odor removal.
For individuals struggling with persistent underarm odor in their clothing, there are several strategies to consider. One effective method is to pre-soak the affected garments in a mixture of water and white vinegar or baking soda before washing, as both substances are known for their deodorizing properties. Washing in hot water, when appropriate for the fabric, can also help to dissolve the oils and bacteria that contribute to odors.
Use White Vinegar Pre-Soak (Best for Odor Removal)
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 bucket or sink
- Warm water
How to do it:
- In your bucket or sink, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 4 cups of warm water.
- Submerge the smelly clothing in the mixture and let it soak for 15–30 minutes.
- Finally, wash the clothing as usual with your regular detergent.
Why it works:
Vinegar is highly effective because it neutralizes odor-causing bacteria and breaks down the residues that trap unpleasant smells in your garments.
Baking Soda & Lemon Quick Rub (For Fresh Odors)
What you’ll need:
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- Juice of ½ lemon (or 1 tbsp lemon juice)
How to do it:
- Combine the baking soda and lemon juice to create a thick paste.
- Apply the paste directly onto the underarm area of the garment.
- Allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse the area and wash the clothing as normal.
Why it works:
Baking soda works as a natural deodorizer by absorbing odors, and lemon juice contains citric acid, which helps break down bacteria and sweat stains, leading to fresher fabrics.
Hydrogen Peroxide Boost (For Stubborn Odor)
What you’ll need:
- 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- 2 parts water
- Optional: a few drops of liquid detergent
How to do it:
- Prepare a solution by mixing 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water.
- If desired, add a few drops of liquid detergent for enhanced cleaning.
- Soak the affected areas of your clothing in this solution for 10–20 minutes.
- Rinse the items thoroughly and wash them in cold water to preserve fabric integrity.
Why it works:
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiseptic that kills bacteria effectively and lifts stubborn sweat residue, helping to restore the freshness of the fabric.
⚠️ Note: Always conduct a patch test with hydrogen peroxide on colored fabrics to avoid any potential fading or discoloration.
Enzyme Laundry Detergent (For Synthetic or Workout Clothes)
Regular detergent may not be sufficient for activewear, as they often contain specific sweat compounds that cause persistent odors.
Switching to an enzyme-based detergent formulated for sportswear can be a game-changer — it works to break down sweat proteins and oils effectively.
For optimal results, wash your activewear on a cold or warm setting, avoiding hot water to protect the elasticity of the fabrics.
Sun Drying (Natural Deodorizer)
After washing your clothes, consider air drying them in direct sunlight whenever feasible.
The UV rays from the sun not only help eliminate bacteria but also naturally freshen the fabric, providing an additional layer of protection against odors.
Quick Fix (No Wash Option)
If you’re pressed for time and need a quick remedy:
- Create a mix of equal parts vodka and water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spritz the underarm areas of your clothing and allow them to dry.
The alcohol in vodka acts quickly to neutralize odor-causing bacteria, making it an ideal emergency solution for when you need fresh-smelling clothing in a flash.
Remove Smell From Clothes Without Washing
Bad odors can cling to clothes due to various factors such as sweat, smoke, food residue, or even mustiness in the fabric. However, you don’t always need to do a full wash to refresh them. Here are quick, innovative, no-wash methods that can neutralize odors effectively using common household items that you likely already have at home.
Steam It Out
Best for: Light odors and wrinkled clothes
How to do it:
- Hang your clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower.
- Ensure all windows and doors are closed to keep the steam in.
- Let the steam accumulate and fill the room for about 10–15 minutes.
- The steam will work to loosen odor molecules trapped in the fabric and help relax the fibers.
Bonus tip: For added freshness, use a handheld garment steamer. Add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to the water tank. This will not only help in odor elimination but also leave a pleasant fragrance on your clothes.
Vodka Spray (The Instant Deodorizer)
Best for: Sweat or smoke smells
What you’ll need:
- 1 part vodka (plain and the most cost-effective version)
- 1 part water
- A spray bottle
How to do it:
- Combine vodka and water in the spray bottle.
- Lightly mist your clothes, focusing particularly on areas prone to odor, like underarms or collars.
- Allow the clothes to air dry for 5–10 minutes.
Why it works: Vodka contains alcohol that kills the bacteria responsible for generating unpleasant odors. It evaporates quickly without leaving any residue or strong scent behind, making your clothes smell fresher.
Baking Soda Freshening Treatment
Best for: Musty or damp-smelling clothes
How to do it:
- Lay your clothes flat on a surface or hang them up.
- Generously sprinkle baking soda over the area that smells (or place the clothing in a large paper bag with a few tablespoons of baking soda).
- Allow it to sit for about 15–30 minutes, then shake or brush off the baking soda.
Why it works: Baking soda is known for its natural odor-absorbing properties. It effectively absorbs and neutralizes odor molecules, leaving your fabric smelling fresh.
Air It Out in Fresh Air
Best for: Mild odors and natural fabric types
How to do it:
- Hang your clothes outside in a shady and breezy spot for a few hours.
- The combination of fresh air and sunlight works to kill bacteria and eliminate stale smells.
Tip: Be cautious with delicate or dark fabrics. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause fading or damage to the garment.
Dryer Sheet or Essential Oil Refresh
Best for: Quick freshness before wearing
How to do it:
- Toss your garment into the dryer with a dryer sheet or a clean cloth that has a few drops of essential oil.
- Run the dryer on low heat for about 10–15 minutes.
Alternative: If you lack access to a dryer, you can seal the garment with a scented cloth in a bag for about an hour, allowing it to infuse with the pleasant scent without heat treatment.
Vinegar Mist
Best for: Strong and lingering odors such as body or food smells
What you’ll need:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 3 parts water
- A spray bottle
How to do it:
- Mix the vinegar and water in the spray bottle.
- Lightly spray the smelly areas, avoiding soaking the fabric.
- After spraying, hang the garment to dry completely.
Why it works: Vinegar is effective at neutralizing odor-causing bacteria and breaking down trapped smells within the fabric. Once it has dried, the vinegar scent will dissipate, leaving your clothes odor-free.
Utilizing these methods allows you to refresh your clothing quickly and efficiently without extensive washing, making your garment care routine simpler and more sustainable.
How To Use Baking Soda To Remove Odors From Clothes?
Baking soda is one of the most effective and eco-friendly ways to get rid of unwanted odors in clothing, unlike heavily fragranced detergents or sprays that only cover up smells. Baking soda works by neutralizing the acids and bacteria that cause odor in the first place. It’s gentle on fabrics, safe for sensitive skin, and kind to the environment, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers.
The simplest method is to add baking soda directly to your wash cycle. When loading your laundry, sprinkle about half a cup of baking soda into the drum along with your clothes before starting the wash. It works alongside your regular detergent to boost freshness, balance pH levels, and soften fabrics naturally.
For deep-set odors that cling to fabrics even after washing, pre-soaking is a powerful solution. Fill a basin or bucket with cool or lukewarm water and dissolve half a cup of baking soda into it. Place the clothes in the solution and let them soak for several hours, or even overnight for stronger odors. After soaking, wash as usual with your regular detergent. This method is particularly effective for clothes with sweat, mildew, or smoke smells.
Baking soda can also be used for quick, in-between refreshes without a full wash.
Sprinkling a light layer of dry baking soda directly on problem areas, such as underarm spots or collars, helps absorb odors. Leave the powder on for a few hours before brushing or shaking it off. This works especially well for clothing items that can’t be washed often, like jackets or delicate fabrics.
Another eco-friendly trick is to combine baking soda with vinegar during the wash. Adding half a cup of baking soda to the drum and half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle creates a natural deodorizing system that eliminates even stubborn odors. The two ingredients balance each other out, leaving clothes fresh without harsh chemical residues.
From a sustainability perspective, baking soda offers a safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to maintain fresh clothing without relying on artificial fragrances or chemical-heavy fabric sprays. By using it in washes, soaks, or as a dry deodorizer, you can keep your wardrobe odor-free while protecting both your health and the planet.
Easy Ways To Eliminate Odors From Clothes
Fighting odors is all about stopping bacteria and mildew before they settle in. A little shake, a splash of vinegar or baking soda, plus good sunshine and airflow, and your wardrobe will stay invitingly fresh, no harsh chemicals or endless washes needed!
| Tip | Why It Works | Friendly Hack |
|---|
| Shake ’Em Out | Busts loose dirt and sweat before washing. | Give each item a 10-second shake outdoors. |
| Pre-Soak in Vinegar | Vinegar neutralizes odors and breaks down grime. | Mix ½ cup white vinegar with warm water. |
| Use Odor-Fighting Detergent | Special enzymes target bacteria that cause smells. | Experiment with zero waste products that contain essential oils and natural ingredients. |
| Baking Soda Boost | Raises pH to prevent bacteria growth. | Pour ¼ to ½ cup directly into the drum. |
| Dry in Sunlight | UV rays kill bacteria and freshen fabrics naturally. | Hang shirts and socks out to dry on a sunny day. |
| Air-Dry Between Wears | Letting clothes breathe stops mildew from settling. | Hang on a chair or over a shower rod. |
| Refresh with Fabric Spray | Instantly freshens between washes. | DIY: mix water, a few drops of essential oil, and a splash of vodka. |
Opt for zero-waste laundry bar soaps instead of plastic laundry detergents
Many popular laundry detergent brands are formulated with harsh chemicals that linger on your clothing, leading to unwanted odors over time.
Choosing an eco-friendly laundry soap can effectively tackle these smells without sacrificing performance!
Our Laundry Soap bar consists of natural ingredients and is organic & skin sensitive, so no more harsh hands after using chemical detergents. Now, you can get the smell & have soft hands after every wash.
DIY Solutions For Odor-Free Clothes
| 3 Basic Natural Ingredients You Need To Remove Odor Baking Soda: Baking soda is a mild alkali that neutralizes acids and bases, so it actively absorbs and eliminates odors rather than just masking them. Vinegar: Vinegar’s acetic acid breaks down odor-causing bacteria and dissolves residues. It rinses clean without leaving a smell once garments dry. Incorporating about half a cup of white distilled vinegar during a standard wash cycle can significantly help in removing odors, such as body odor caused by the accumulation of laundry detergent. Lemon Juice: The citric acid in lemon juice cuts through oils and bacteria, and the natural citrus fragrance gives a bright, clean scent. Drying clothes in sunlight naturally can eliminate odors! The sun’s UV rays are effective at removing various smells, particularly from sweat-stained items that harbor odor-causing bacteria. |
What You’ll Need:
1 cup distilled or filtered water
2 tablespoons vodka or rubbing alcohol (helps the spray dry quickly and prevents mold)
10–15 drops essential oil (choose any you love—lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, or a citrus blend all work great)
A clean spray bottle (ideally glass)
How to Make It
Combine Liquids: Pour the water and vodka (or alcohol) into your spray bottle.
Add Fragrance: Drop in 10–15 drops of your chosen essential oil, start with 10, then sniff and add more if you’d like it stronger. Preferably, lavender as it has a gentle smell & usually reacts well with fabrics.
Shake Well: Screw the cap on tight and give it a good shake to mix everything.
Hold the bottle about 8–10 inches from your garment and give it a quick spritz—one or two sprays per section is plenty.
Incorporating these straightforward habits into your laundry routine makes all the difference between fresh, inviting clothes and that dreaded musty funk. By washing worn items promptly, choosing the right detergent, avoiding overloaded loads, and giving both garments and your machine regular TLC, you’re nipping odor-causing bacteria in the bud.
A few simple additions, like baking soda boosters, vinegar rinses, and quick air-drying in sunlight, add extra protection without harsh chemicals. Ultimately, keeping your wardrobe smelling its best comes down to consistent care: treat your clothes with a little attention, and they’ll reward you with crisp, clean freshness every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
To eliminate musty smells from clothes naturally, start by washing them with a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Add one cup of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
This combination neutralizes odors effectively. After washing, dry the clothes outdoors in the sun if possible, as sunlight helps kill bacteria and freshens fabrics. If the smell persists, soak the clothes in a solution of water and lemon juice for an hour before washing again. Ensure clothes are completely dry before storing to prevent future mustiness.
To remove odors from clothes without washing, try these natural methods. First, hang the garments outside in fresh air and sunlight for a few hours, as this helps eliminate smells. You can also use baking soda by placing it in a breathable bag or container near the clothes; it absorbs odors effectively. Another option is to spritz a mixture of water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio) lightly on the fabric, then let it dry.
Lastly, placing dryer sheets or essential oil-infused cotton balls in your closet can help keep clothes smelling fresh between washes.
To remove mildew smell from clothes, start by soaking them in a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water for about 30 minutes. This helps neutralize the odor and kill mildew spores.
After soaking, wash the clothes in hot water with a regular detergent and add half a cup of baking soda to boost odor removal. If the smell persists, repeat the process or use a specialized mildew cleaner. Dry the clothes outdoors in sunlight, as UV rays help eliminate odors. Ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew from returning.
Yes, Tangie’s Laundry Soap Bar can effectively remove odors from clothes. Made with natural ingredients, it helps break down dirt and grime while neutralizing unpleasant smells. To use, simply wet the affected area, rub the bar soap directly onto the fabric, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. For a deeper clean, you can grate the soap and add it to your washing machine.
Its gentle formula is suitable for various fabrics, making it a great choice for tackling odors without harsh chemicals. Regular use can help keep clothes smelling fresh and clean.
To eliminate armpit odor from clothes, start by treating the affected areas with a mixture of baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply it directly to the stains and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing. Washing the clothes in hot water with a quality detergent can also help remove odor. Adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle neutralizes smells effectively.
For persistent odors, soak the clothes in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar for an hour before washing. Ensure clothes are completely dry before storing to prevent odor recurrence.
