Vinegar to remove odors from clothes
Getting Rid of Stubborn Odors in Clothes and Fabrics
Published: 2014-03-29 - Updated: 2021-08-17
Author: Disabled World | Contact: Disabled World (Disabled-World.com)
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: Household Tips Publications
Synopsis: Information on how to get rid of various laundry odor problems in clothes fabrics and your washing machine. Baking soda can help remove pungent odors from laundry even when they linger after repeated washing. A cup of Borax and washing soda also make good odor removers for laundry, but are relatively ineffective as stain removers. For everything except pet urine smells - put white vinegar into both the fabric softener and the bleach dispenser of your washing machine, with the normal amount of laundry detergent. Run the load normally, and you should have success!
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Baking soda can help remove pungent odors from laundry even when they linger after repeated washing. A cup of Borax and washing soda also make good odor removers for laundry, but are relatively ineffective as stain removers.
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If smelly clothes cannot be washed right away try sprinkling baking soda directly on them. Wash them as they are when you have the time.
- Sweaty Smell in Clothes? Try soaking in a baking soda and water solution to rid them of the sweat smell.
- Smoky Smell? Try soaking clothes that smell of smoke in a baking soda and water solution before washing in the washing machine.
- Oily Smell? If you have clothing with gasoline, oil, or other mechanical smells, place them in a bag with baking soda. Leave the bag sealed for a day or two before washing.
Using Vinegar to Eliminate Laundry Odor
For everything - except pet urine smells - put white vinegar into both the fabric softener and the bleach dispenser of your washing machine, with the normal amount of laundry detergent. Run the load normally, and you should have success!
Also Try
- Adding a 1/2 cup of white vinegar with the detergent when you wash your clothes gets rid of any odors that tend to stick to the clothes. This trick also helps rid laundry of cigarette smell.
- Wash your clothes as you usually do, but add 1 cup of white vinegar to the final rinse. This will neutralize any odor in the clothing and will also remove any residue left in the fabric from the detergent. It will also act as an amazing fabric softener. Promptly remove the laundry when the washer has finished and either hang it to dry or place it in the dryer.
Commercial Products for Removing Laundry Smells
- Smelleze
Dirty laundry in hampers or gym bags can result in nasty, lingering odors and can damage your clothes. The Smelleze Laundry & Gym Bag Deodorizer Pouch was specially developed to fight odors caused from sweat, bacteria, smoke, cooking and other odor sources while preventing mold and mildew. Smelleze will keep your clothing smelling good until you have time to wash them.
- Smelly Washer
If your towels smell more like dirty socks, then try using a product called Smelly Washer. Smelly Washer works to eliminate the stink and leaves clothes, towels and linens smelling clean after washing.
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Disabled World is an independent disability community established in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. See our homepage for informative news, reviews, sports, stories and how-tos. You can also connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or learn more about Disabled World on our about us page.
Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never meant to substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. Financial support is derived from advertisements or referral programs, where indicated. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.
• Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World. (2014, March 29). Getting Rid of Stubborn Odors in Clothes and Fabrics. Disabled World. Retrieved January 13, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/household/tips/fabric.php
• Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/household/tips/fabric.php">Getting Rid of Stubborn Odors in Clothes and Fabrics</a>
to deodorize clothes fast |
(Image credit: Studio Laloc / Farrow & Ball )
Using white vinegar in laundry may seem like an unconventional way to remove odors and brighten your clothes – but it’s a technique that experts love.
If you’re a vintage fashion enthusiast – or you’ve forgotten about the washing in your machine for a day (or two) too long, then you have probably asked yourself how to get rid of a foisty scent permanently. However, the secret to success may be a kitchen staple that will elevate your laundry room ideas instantly.
Here’s why using white vinegar in laundry will change your washing routine for good.
Using white vinegar in laundry – the expert-approved tip that makes washing simple
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
White vinegar is great for deodorizing clothes, but its qualities don’t end there. This is how to clean with vinegar for spotless, scentless clothes – and a sparkling clean washing machine.
Why use white vinegar in laundry?
(Image credit: Paul Raeside)
According to Parenting and Lifestyle Expert Dr. Karen Aronian , white vinegar is one of the best ways to remove odors without worrying about adding chemics to your wash.
For example, in the case of recycled pieces, the clothing may have laundry detergent, softener, dryer sheet fragrance, or personal perfume from the previous owner in the fabric. However, this can cause issues for your washing, as the odor and chemicals can bleed into your wash.
‘It can be extremely difficult to get this odor out of clothing with a basic machine or hand wash,’ Karen says. ‘The ‘perfumes and odors make the item unwearable for scent-sensitive people (especially babies). Therefore, the expert suggests turning to white vinegar.
1. Using white vinegar to get rid of odors
(Image credit: Future / © Tom Meadows)
Dr. Karen recommends creating a mixture of 1/4 of white vinegar and 3/4 of cold water before soaking your clothes in the solution overnight. In the morning, the items are ready to go and ‘rendered scentless.’
Cleaning expert Cristy Harfmann agrees. If you’re wondering how to wash towels or clothes that may have a bad odor, then adding 1/4 to 1 cup of vinegar to the washer during the last rinse cycle will get rid of the scent quickly.
‘It will remove the smells without making your clothes smell like vinegar,’ Cristy says. ‘If the smells still exist, you can replace detergent with vinegar and add it a second time in the rinse cycle,’ she says.
2. Using white vinegar to brighten your wash
(Image credit: Alessia Zanchi Loffredo/reDesign home/Ryan McDonald)
While white vinegar is best known as a deodorizer, it is also an effective brightener and softener. To brighten your clothes, Cristy suggests adding vinegar to the bleach dispenser. To soften your clothes, you should add one cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle via your fabric softener dispenser (instead of fabric softener).
3. Using white vinegar to clean your washing machine
(Image credit: Eye for Pretty Design)
Knowing how to clean a washing machine can feel like a tedious chore, but you can maintain its shine easily with this versatile ingredient.
Cristy suggests adding one cup of vinegar to an empty washing machine and running it once a month. ‘This removes soapy residue from your washing machine tub,’ she explains. It really is that quick, simple, but nonetheless effective.
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Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
How to remove smell from clothes: effective ways, means
Clothes help others to make an impression of us. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the fabric and the absence of an unpleasant odor. Being able to remove any smell from clothes is as important as taking a shower and changing clothes every day. There are proven homemade recipes to keep your things fresh.
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The fabric absorbs odors well - you might like it if you wear your favorite perfume. But such a property of clothing plays against you in the case of the smell of sweat, tobacco or dampness. We have collected the best tips on how to get rid of the smell on clothes. nine0003
How to remove the smell of sweat from clothes
The smell of sweat is an unpleasant but common problem. Despite the fact that the secretions of the human body are absolutely natural, it is unlikely that anyone will like to feel the strong aroma of sweat from themselves, relatives or colleagues.
How to remove the smell of sweat from clothes with laundry soap
We invite you to remember the glorious tradition and always keep a bar of laundry soap at home. This is a universal tool for solving many everyday problems. nine0003
In particular, it will help to remove the smell of sweat from clothes, including underarms.
Laundry soap is not suitable for bright fabrics. The color may fade.
How to remove the smell of sweat from clothes with vinegar and soda
The smell of stale clothes can be very persistent, especially if you have worn them for many days in a row without changing them. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar will help against the stubborn smell of sweat. To remove a strong smell from clothes under the arms, you need to know how to properly dilute the acid solution. nine0003
- Add 100-150 ml of vinegar to warm water and place dirty clothes in it.
- Leave the clothes to soak for a few hours and then wash them in the washing machine with a few teaspoons of baking soda in the washing powder.
How to Remove Sweat Smell from Clothes with Salt
Salt is an all-purpose home remedy for various types of stains. It will help answer the question of how to remove an unpleasant smell from clothes using an affordable and cheap remedy. nine0003
- Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in a glass of water and apply to the spots.
- Leave on for 1-2 hours and then wash clothes as usual.
By the way, ordinary salt can also remove the smell of oil from clothes, now we’ll tell you how.
Sprinkle salt on the stain and wait 30 minutes.
Wash the product with soap by hand or with powder in the machine.
Use a salt solution (1 tablespoon to 1 glass of water) for problem areas on silk or linen clothing. nine0003
How to remove the smell of sweat from clothes without washing
The most obvious way to remove the smell of sweat from clothes is to wash them. But there are some tricks that will allow you to deal with this problem without washing. Here are a few ways:
- Try putting your clothes in the freezer for a few hours.
- Sprinkle baking soda on soiled areas and rub into a cloth. Leave overnight. Shake off the soda in the morning.
- Apply vinegar to stains. Dry your clothes. nine0038
These methods are good if you are in a hurry and cannot wait for your clothes to dry. Or, for example, the water was turned off at home. Removing the smell from clothes without washing is quite acceptable, how to apply an emergency measure. The thing will still not be completely fresh. Wash it as soon as possible.
How to remove the smell of dampness from clothes
Musty smells from clothes often appear as a result of improper storage. It is recommended to periodically air out the things that you have hung in the closet until the next season. Washed items should not be stored together with stale ones. If you find a terrible damp smell and don't know how to quickly remove the smell from your clothes, put the item in the freezer. Usually this is enough. But in more problematic cases, you can use vinegar, soda, ammonia, citric acid. nine0003
How to remove mildew smell from clothes
Unpleasant damp odor can appear on clothes as a result of infection with mold spores. This happens, for example, if you leave things for several days in the washing machine. To get rid of amber, use vinegar or soda. Proceed as follows:
- Put the item in the washing machine, add the standard amount of powder.
- Add baking soda or vinegar to water. When the machine is full, pour a glass of this solution or fill the liquid detergent compartment with it. nine0038
- Hang clothes to dry in a well-ventilated place.
Even if you know how to remove musty smells from clothes, it is better not to forget to hang things out after washing or when damp and crumpled.
How to get second hand smell out of clothes
Second hand is an economical option for those who are ready to hunt for the perfect item. Sometimes there are amazing finds. However, anyone who has ever bought used clothes knows the characteristic smell of second-hand clothes. This caustic fragrance appears as a result of processing things with formaldehyde, and it can be very difficult to remove it. nine0003
We will show you how to remove the smell of second-hand clothes from clothes if you value the habit of shopping in such stores. The method is very simple.
Washing with a long rinse and drying clothes thoroughly for at least a day can help. If the smell persists, use ammonia. Prepare a solution of 10% ammonia with water. For small things, calculate the amount of ammonia from the proportion of 20 ml per 5 liters of water. For large ones - 100 ml per 10 liters of water. Soak the item in this solution for an hour. nine0003
How to remove the smell from the closet with clothes
Closets with clothes require regular ventilation and drying. To do this, completely empty the wardrobe and dry it with a hair dryer. Periodically, you can carry out wet cleaning with a cleaner with wax for wood. Experienced housewives use soap bars, citrus peel, coffee beans to flavor the interior of the cabinet. Simply place your chosen material in woven bags and arrange on the shelves.
How to remove the smell of urine from clothes
You can get rid of the smell of baby urine with the help of folk remedies. Apply a solution of salt (1 tablespoon to 1 glass of water) or vinegar (1 teaspoon to 1 glass of water) to the stain. Wait 15 minutes and wash the item with soap.
Animal excrement is a little more complicated. A solution of hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate helps to remove the cat smell from clothes as efficiently as possible. First, treat the area with a solution of vinegar (4 tablespoons per 1 cup of water). Pour soda on top, after 5 minutes rub the area with a sponge dipped in peroxide. nine0003
How to remove the smell of gasoline from clothes
Petroleum products have very strong odors. Sometimes every visit to the gas station turns into a subsequent war with smells. If the thing is soaked with gasoline, you first need to ventilate it thoroughly. Let it hang for at least a day, preferably outdoors or in a ventilated room.
Then rinse with water. Let it dry and then wash with laundry soap. After that, you can run the clothes in the washing machine, but separately from other things. If the fabric allows, set the maximum temperature. nine0003
If you encounter diesel fuel, take soda. How to save a thing and remove the smell of diesel fuel from clothes?
- Soak clothes in a saturated solution and leave for 4 hours.
- Machine wash with good detergent and fabric softener.
- Arrange an extra rinse.
- Air dry.
How to remove the smell of cigarettes from clothes
After a long stay in a smoky room, getting rid of the smell of tobacco becomes a paramount task. Washing clothes in a typewriter at the highest temperature and pre-soaking in a solution of vinegar and soda for an hour will help to cope with it. To completely remove the smell from clothes, after performing these procedures, things must be thoroughly dried. nine0003
By the way, table vinegar helps both with the stench from cigarettes and, if necessary, to remove the smell of perfume from clothes. Only in this case, you need to rinse the item in the solution after washing - 1 glass per 5 liters of water. Spare no water after that, to remove the vinegar flavor as well.
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How to get rid of the smell of sweat on clothes
Have you washed your clothes, but you still smell? It may be just a slight smell of dampness or the smell of sweat, but this can make you feel very uncomfortable. The smell on clothes is annoying, but it can be easily removed without much hassle. Here are some tips on how to remove sweat odor from clothes with home remedies, as well as how to remove sweat odor from clothes without washing. nine0003
How to remove the smell of sweat from clothes
Sometimes it happens that even after washing the smell of sweat on clothes could not be removed. To make it go away completely, you can use the proven home remedies that we have described below.
Baking Soda is a great way to get rid of odors, plus baking soda can brighten up your clothes. If you take your clothes out of the washing machine and they smell bad, throw them in around 90 grams of soda in the washing machine and add some regular powder. So your clothes will smell much fresher and more pleasant. If the smell is very stubborn and does not go away, before you wash off the smell of sweat, you can soak your clothes in a solution of water with soda overnight.
Vinegar - You can use vinegar in the same way as baking soda. Pour some vinegar along with your laundry detergent, or soak your clothes overnight in a solution of three parts water to one vinegar before washing them. nine0003
Remember: never mix vinegar and bleach. This can lead to a reaction with the formation of chlorine gas, which is very toxic.
How to give clothes a pleasant smell for a long time
After you get rid of the smell of sweat on clothes, the question arises - how to keep a fresh and pleasant smell for a long time?
Use a scented powder to prevent unwanted odors.
When your clothes dry, give them plenty of room to dry. Avoid overloading with clothes in a small space.
Make sure your clothes are completely dry before storing them in the closet. If damp things get into a closet or drawer, mold can form on them.
Try to wear a tank top under your clothes whenever possible. It will take the brunt of the sweat, and the clothes on its surface will avoid the smell of sweat on it and stay fresh longer. nine0003
Always iron clothes before putting them away. The steam and hot air from the steam generators kill bacteria and help remove odors from clothes.
How to Remove Sweat Smell from Clothes Without Washing
Sometimes your clothes only smell a little, but they are clean and you may feel like a waste of water washing them all the way. Here's how you can get rid of a slight smell without using a washing machine. nine0003
Hang your clothes outside or on your balcony for a few hours. The weathering process itself can make the smell much better. Sunlight also kills bacteria, so this method is especially effective during the warmer months. If your clothes are multi-colored, be aware that the sun can affect the color. White clothes usually look better after sun exposure.
Put the clothes in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer. The odor is usually caused by bacteria released from sweat. The cold temperature helps to destroy bacteria, thereby making the smell less noticeable. nine0003
If you're looking to save a little time and keep your clothes smelling great for a long time, take a look at Philips' handheld steamers Steam&Go Plus, which can easily get rid of odors and bacteria even in an upright position, as well as reduce wrinkles and creases in order.
Our advice on how to remove bad odors and sweat from clothes will help you stay in a good mood and not worry about what others think of you.