Nobody likes funky-smelling clothes, but washing them every time can be a hassle. Good thing there are still so many ways to freshen clothes without washing them. Here, we will introduce simple but effective ways to get rid of the smells from your clothes without much time spent and maintain the clothing condition. Fresh air and fabric care are all you need to eliminate odors from clothes. Check out these tips and choose the best solution that works for you.
1. Air Your Clothes Out
One of the simplest and most environmentally friendly ways to remove odor from clothes is to let the part simply ventilate. Hang your clothes in a well-ventilated place, or better yet outside and in the sun. The sunshine will kill the bacteria that causes odors and the fresh air will help get rid of it from your clothes. Never place delicate fabrics in direct sunlight to avoid fading.
Alternatively, simply remove the items from the dryer and let them hang for an hour or two where air can effectively pass by and cleanse your clothes of any stink.
2. Use White Vinegar
White vinegar is a common household item that can make smells disappear from your clothes like magic. Simply mist your clothes lightly with a solution that is half water, half white vinegar in a spray bottle. Just air dry them and with the leftover vinegar neutralizes smells.
Although the vinegar can smell a little strong at first, you truly do not need to worry about vinegar scent because it dissipates super fast. Always testing out a small area before using vinegar on delicate fabrics to prevent any damage.
3. Spritz with Vodka
Believe it or not, vodka can eliminate the odor of clothing without washing it. Pour unflavored vodka into a spray bottle and spray your clothes in the affected areas. Alcohol, like vodka, actually destroys the odor-causing compounds in fabrics so that the fabric is perfectly neutral smelling once all of the alcohol has evaporated.
This is especially beneficial to hard-to-reach areas like underarms. Vodka is colorless, odorless, and will not stain your clothing as it dries.
4. Lemon Juice for Spot Treatments
Natural Deodorizer that makes your clothes fresh by using an acid. Fill a water bottle with some fresh lemon and then spray the area where the odor is worst (like underarms or collar). Lemon juice is antibacterial, so it helps break down bacteria that cause the odors, and has a nice citrus smell.
However, pure lemon juice can have a bleaching effect so always dilute it and test an inconspicuous area of your clothes first.
5. Try Essential Oils
Whether you want to dissipate that unpleasant odor or find a great fragrance, there are some essential oils for air purifying. Fill a spray bottle with water, then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lavender or lemon), and spritz it on your clothes.
Be careful not to overdo it. A little goes a long way. Using essential oils is an effective way to remove odors from clothes and give it a fresh lasting natural fragrance.
6. Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors
Baking soda is a popular deodorizer, and so can really help with odours in musty clothes. Baking soda over clothes and let it sit for an hour or two to do the trick (overnight if smells are stubborn). In addition to providing an exfoliating component, baking soda is a natural deodorizer because it neutralizes and absorbs odors.
Let it sit there a while, shake or brush off the powder and your clothes with fresh smell powder! It is especially helpful for fabric that has either been closed up or left in damp areas.
To remove odors, you can mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to the smelly areas. Allow it to air dry and brush out for cleaner clothes.
7. Freeze Your Clothes
Take this route if you don't have time, it feels really good on your skin. If you leave your clothes in the freezer for a few hours, this will kill odor-causing bacteria as bacteria are more likely to grow in a warmer environment. All you have to do is put the clothes in a sealable plastic bag and put that in the freezer for a couple of hours.
Take them off, warm them up and even wash the musk off of your clothes that were crammed in your rubber room.
8. Fabric Freshening Sprays
They are easy to use and can eliminate odors from your clothes. These sprays are designed to refresh a garment without going through washing and it comes in different fragrances. If you need a fast way to get rid of body odors, spray your clothes lightly with the solution and allow it to air-dry.
Ensure the fabric spray is non-toxic and created for fabrics to prevent skin reactions or damage to fabrics.
9. Use a Dryer with Fabric Softener Sheets
If you have a dryer, put your stinky clothes in the dryer and tumble them with a fabric softener sheet for 10 to 15 minutes. This is an especially good way to remove wrinkles and rid any odors. The softener sheet gives a fresh scent and the warm air helps dissipate any mustiness. For best results, place a clean towel in the bag to soak up any excess moisture.
10. Brush Off Odor Traps
Lint, pet hair, or small particles can get caught in the fabric of your clothes leading to a bad smell sometimes. A lint or upholstery brush is a fast solution if you have any of these odor traps. This will ensure you remove any dirt that may be absorbing odors. Just give your clothes a few swipes and you will be amazed at how fresh they smell afterwards.
With the help of these easy methods, you can keep your clothes odorless without having to go through the hassle of washing them, thus saving time, water and energy. In addition to these natural remedies, there are plenty of solutions from vinegar and baking soda, fabric sprays to freezing that you can use in order to keep your clothes smelling fresh between washes. For more tips and tricks on keeping your wardrobe fresh,check out this helpful guide.
While these tricks can help in a pinch, nothing beats a thorough wash for fresh-smelling clothes. At Nearest Laundry, we provide top-notch laundry services in London, ensuring that your clothes come out spotless and odor-free. Whether you need regular laundry, dry cleaning, or a specialized service, we’ve got you covered.
