Can You Really Get Smells Out of Clothes Without Washing? Yes—Here’s How
Do you ever pull a dress from your wardrobe that smells musty and wonder how to get smells out of clothes without throwing them in a washer? Be it a delicate fabric, water conservation, travelling, or convenience, there is much more to avoid a complete wash cycle.
With a few innovative, science-based technologies, you can easily remove musty smells from clothes and freshen them without using a laundry machine. However, people prefer using laundry services for persistent smell or lack of time. That’s where the Love2Laundry steps in. We offer convenience, professional results, and most importantly, peace of mind when dealing with delicate fabrics and busy schedules.
In this blog, you’ll explore tips on how to get rid of mildew smells and other various techniques.
Why Do Clothes Retain Odours?
Clothing can hold scent for several reasons, including how clothes are worn, stored, or cleaned. A buildup of sweat, body oils, and bacteria can occur on clothing, particularly when it isn’t washed as soon as it’s been used.
Poor drying absorbs moisture inside fibres, providing an ideal breeding ground for mildew and mould. Also, keeping clothes in moist, sealed places with poor ventilation can cause musty odours.
Bacteria and Sweat
Sweat mixed with skin bacteria spreads onto garments, causing a persistent body odour. Unless the clothes are washed properly, the bacteria will be stuck in the fibres, continuing to smell even after drying. It’s not uncommon for people to buy second-hand clothes without washing them, but it can carry risks like bacteria or allergens.
Mould and Mildew
Wet clothing that is not completely dried will develop mildew odours because of the water retained in the garments. This provides a perfect setting for mould and mildew to thrive, resulting in a damp, pungent smell.
Residual Odours from Washing
Leftover detergent, fabric softener, or washing in cold water can leave behind odours, especially if clothes aren’t rinsed or dried properly.
How to Get the Smell Out of Clothes?
To get smells out of clothes doesn’t mean washing the garment entirely. Daily odours from sweat, smoke, mould, or storage in cotton and other fibres leave residues in clothes, making the garments feel stale. The good news is that there are a few great ways regarding how to get musty smell out of clothes, ranging from natural odour removers to steam, sun, and essential oils.
1. Sun Exposure
Hanging clothes outdoors allows UV rays to kill bacteria that cause odours and fresh air to get smells out of clothes. It’s a natural and effective deodoriser.
2. Baking Soda
To get smells out of clothes, sprinkle baking soda on them and leave it for 15 minutes. For persistent odours, seal a bag with baking soda overnight.
3. Vinegar Solution
Mix water and vinegar in equal parts in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the clothing and air dry it. This naturally neutralises odours.
4. Essential Oil Refresh
Gauge the strength of the odour and size of the clothing. Take water accordingly, mix a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil in the spray bottle, and then lightly mist the clothes. These oils get smells out of clothes and create a new, fresh fragrance.
5. The Freezer Trick
Another effective trick on how to get mildew smell out of clothes is to fold clothes, pack them in a sealed plastic bag, and freeze them overnight. The extremely low temperature inhibits the growth of bacteria.
6. Steam
Use a garment steamer or hang the clothes in the bathroom during a hot shower. Steam loosens fibres and allows trapped odours to be released naturally.
7. Charcoal or Dryer Sheets
Fold charcoal bags into drawers to get smells out of clothes, or simply rub clothes with fragrance-free dryer sheets for a quick refresh.
Learn How to Get Mildew Smell Out of Clothes
To minimise odours in the future and keep clothes fresh for longer, use these handy lifestyle hacks:
- Dry clothes after wearing: Hang them briefly before putting them away to allow moisture and odour to evaporate.
- Don’t overcrowd closets and drawers: Proper airflow prevents mildew smell.
- Use garment bags that allow air to circulate, especially for delicate or seasonal clothing.
- Store natural deodorisers: Place in cedar blocks, dried lavender sachets, charcoal bags, or anything else that may absorb moisture and keep things fresh.
Wash or Dry Clean?
While freshening techniques are great for a quick refresh, it’s also necessary to recognise when skipping a complete wash is no longer essential. It’s time for a full clean when they are dirty, worn, or clothes still smell after washing.
Delicate items and speciality garments can also lose their quality or texture. In these instances, services such as Love2Laundry provide a convenient, professional solution, such as having your clothes cleaned and cared for properly.
Love2Laundry’s Pick-Up & Delivery Services
When tricks aren’t working enough, your clothes deserve genuine care, Love2Laundry is your go-to convenience solution. We are certified dry cleaners. Therefore, we know how to carefully and expertly remove odours from any type of clothing, from fine couture to everyday wear.
Whether you desire a professional finish, a guide to washing special fabrics, or transparent pricing that suits your budget, Love2Laundry provides smooth service from pickup to drop-off.
FAQs – Get smells out of clothes
How to get rid of bad smell in clothes?
To get smells out of clothes, wash them with baking soda or vinegar in hot water. Try soaking clothes in baking soda or vinegar before washing or using laundry boosters designed for odour removal.
How to get musty smell out of clothes?
To eliminate musty smells from clothes, wash them in white vinegar or baking soda and thoroughly dry them, ideally outside in the sun. Consider soaking clothes in a vinegar and water solution before washing or using an enzyme-based laundry detergent for stubborn odours.
How to get stink out of clothes?
The answer to how to get stink out of clothes is to apply a baking soda and vinegar paste and leave it until it dries, then toss it in the washing machine.
Wrap Up!
A musty smell can be unpleasant, resulting from prolonged moisture exposure or improper washing methods. However, understanding how to get the musty smell out of clothes is crucial, as it can effectively eliminate these odours. Simple techniques to get smells out of clothes, like airing them out, using natural and appropriate cleaning agents, and washing them in a suitable condition, are worth trying at home.
For persistent odours and a professional touch, Love2Laundry offers expert cleaning and laundry services to deal with these stubborn smells without compromising the fabric quality. For reliable results and fresh, odour-free garments, Love2Laundry is your trusted partner.
