6 Tips to Eliminate Bad Odor and Keep Your Clothes Clean

There are times when simply washing your clothes is not enough. Your clothes might give out a foul smell that is seemingly difficult to remove. Unpleasant, lingering odors can be caused by bacteria that build up in your washer. They are also caused by mold and mildew that begin to grow if you put your clothes away before they are fully dry.

The following tips will help you to eliminate those odors and finally get truly clean clothes.

  1. Clean Your Washer Regularly

    Cleaning your washer regularly is the best way to cut down on odors that attach to your clothes. While a washing machine is designed to keep your clothes clean, dirt and bacteria can begin to build up inside it. The bacteria will continue to thrive, eventually embedding themselves in your clothes during the wash cycle. This can cause them to smell moldy or full of mildew. Clean the inside of your washer by pouring in two cups of vinegar and running an empty cycle with hot water. Once the washer has finished, wipe down the inside.

  2. Dry Your Clothes Thoroughly

    Dry your clothes thoroughly before folding them and putting them away. Leaving your clothes damp can allow mold and mildew to take hold. Allow the dryer to finish its cycle and cool down process before taking your clothes out and starting to fold them. Once your clothes are completely dry, always put them away as soon as possible. This will prevent wrinkles from forming and also help to preserve the clean laundry scent for longer.

  3. Add a Little Baking Soda or Vinegar to Kill Strong Odors and Mildew

    Baking soda and vinegar are powerful odor-fighters. Adding a small amount to your laundry can help eliminate stubborn odor. Use half a cup of either vinegar or baking soda in each load of laundry to cut odors in your clothing and prevent them from building up in your washer.

  4. Change Detergents

    Part of the problem with smelly laundry can be the type of laundry detergent you use. Change detergents to see if it makes a difference in how your clothes smell. Look for a detergent that contains odor-fighting agents. Many laundry soaps contain harsh detergents that can be hard on your clothes. Read the ingredients in your detergent and choose one with milder detergents. Add baking soda and vinegar to help lift stains and prevent odors.

  5. Use Less Detergent

    In some cases, you may be using too much detergent. If your rinse cycle isn’t removing all of the detergents, it may be building up and causing odor-causing bacteria to thrive. Use less detergent so that it is easier for your washer to filter it away during the rinse cycle. It only takes a small amount of laundry soap to sufficiently clean your clothes. Don’t overdo it. Add a stain-fighting agent if necessary.

  6. Wash Clothes in Hot Water to Kill Odor-Causing Bacteria

    When your clothes begin to develop an odor, using hot water will help to destroy the bacteria. Most types of bacteria can still thrive in warm water, so it’s important to use hot water for your wash cycle. Running your clothes through an extra rinse cycle may also be beneficial.

If you are looking for the best washing tips around, visit Fresh & Clean Laundry in the Chula Vista area. You can find many laundry tips and tricks as well as some of the best washers and dryers available. Our friendly staff will help you get the most out of every load of laundry. Contact us today!

Comments are closed.