Blog

How to Get Smell Out of Clothes

We all love the feeling of fresh laundry, but sometimes our clothes seem to hold onto stubborn smells. If you’ve been searching for answers on how to remove odor from clothes or how to get rid of odors in laundry, you’re not alone. From sweaty gym gear to that musty closet smell in old sweaters, odors can cling to fabrics and leave you wrinkling your nose. Don’t worry – getting smells out of fabric is easier than you think with a few simple tricks. In this guide, we’ll show you practical methods for banishing bad odors and getting your wardrobe smelling clean again. Let’s get started, neighbor – fresh, odor-free laundry awaits!

Why Do Clothes Smell Bad?

Before diving into solutions, it helps to know why clothes develop bad odors in the first place. The culprits usually fall into a few categories:

Body oils and sweat: Everyday wear, workouts, and heat cause us to sweat. Sweat itself is odorless, but it creates a breeding ground for bacteria on fabrics. Those bacteria break down proteins and oils, leaving behind that familiar “body odor” stench that can linger in armpits or workout clothes.
Mildew and dampness: Ever forget a wet towel in the washer or leave sweaty clothes balled up in a gym bag? Trapped moisture can lead to mildew growth, which has a pungent musty odor. This “wet clothes smell” often happens in humid environments (hello, Chicago summers!) or when laundry sits too long before drying.
Other odors: Fabrics are like sponges for smells. Smoke from cigarettes or a bonfire, cooking grease from the kitchen, even strong perfumes or chemicals can all get absorbed by your clothes. And if clothes have been in storage, they might pick up a stale, old smell from lack of air circulation.

The good news is that no matter the cause – be it sweaty workouts or musty storage – you can get rid of bad odor from clothes with the right approach. Let’s tackle some common scenarios and their solutions.

How to Remove Body Odor from Clothes (Sweat Smells)

Workout clothes, athletic wear, and day-to-day T-shirts can develop a sour smell thanks to dried sweat and bacteria. If you’re dealing with shirts or gym shorts that still stink even after washing, try these neighbor-approved tips for how to get smells out of fabric plagued by body odor:

Don’t let sweat set: As soon as you can, hang up or lay out sweaty clothes to air-dry instead of tossing them in the hamper still damp. This prevents a damp pile from becoming a bacteria buffet. (If you can’t wash immediately, at least let the items dry out first.)
Pre-treat with baking soda or vinegar: Before washing, give smelly areas a little extra attention. Sprinkle baking soda on the underarms or collar and let it sit, or make a paste of baking soda and water to rub into the fabric. Baking soda is great at neutralizing perspiration odors deep in the fibers. Alternatively, soak the clothes for 30 minutes in a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water. Vinegar’s acetic acid kills bacteria and neutralizes smells (don’t worry, the vinegar scent will rinse out).
Turn garments inside out: Wash sweaty clothes inside-out. Odors lurk in the inner layers of fabric (where sweat and body oils accumulate), and flipping them helps water and detergent reach the smelly parts more effectively.
Use the right detergent & cycle: Use a quality detergent, ideally one formulated for odors or “sport” fabrics, and the warmest water safe for the material. For cotton gym shirts or socks, warm or hot water can help kill bacteria. For synthetics or activewear (polyester, nylon), use cold water (hot can damage them) but consider a longer wash or an extra rinse. A heavy-duty cycle or an extra rinse cycle can help get rid of odors in laundry by thoroughly flushing out dirt and residues.
Dry completely (preferably in sunlight): Dry clothes thoroughly after washing. Any lingering dampness can bring odors back. If possible, hang items outside on a sunny day – sunlight is a natural sanitizer and deodorizer. UV rays can help kill odor-causing microbes and leave fabrics smelling fresh. No outdoor space? A hot dryer cycle works too (just make sure the odor is gone before machine-drying, since heat can set smells if they’re still there).

These steps should significantly reduce or eliminate sweaty smells and remove body odor from clothes. Remember, timing is key – the sooner you tackle smelly laundry, the easier it is to refresh. If one wash doesn’t do the trick, don’t lose hope; try a second wash or an overnight baking soda soak. Stubborn odor molecules sometimes need a one-two punch. A little extra effort will reward you with clothes that smell like new again.

How to Get Smell Out of Wet Clothes (Mildew Odor)

That sour, mildewy odor from clothes that sat wet too long is unmistakable – and yuck! Maybe you left a load in the washer overnight, or you tossed damp swimsuits in a bag and forgot. The result is mildew or bacterial growth that makes fabric stink. Here’s how to get rid of odors in laundry when mildew strikes:

Re-wash with vinegar or oxygen bleach: Don’t just mask the smell – you need to kill the mildew. Run a fresh wash cycle for the smelly items. Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash water (or into the fabric softener dispenser during rinse) to neutralize the odor at its source. Soaking clothes in a vinegar solution for 30 minutes before rewashing can also do wonders for tough mildew smells. Alternatively, use an oxygen bleach detergent or additive (like color-safe OxiClean) in the wash to help eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Use hot water if possible: For white towels, socks, or cotton clothes that can handle it, wash in hot water. Heat helps kill mildew spores and bacteria. (Always check care labels first – for delicates or colors that can’t take heat, stick with warm water and the vinegar or oxygen booster.)
Dry in fresh air and sun: After washing, dry the clothes thoroughly. The ideal is to hang them outside in sunlight. Sun and fresh air are your allies for removing that last bit of musty smell. The sun’s UV rays help disinfect and literally “air out” the fabric. If outdoor drying isn’t feasible, use the dryer on a high heat setting appropriate for the fabric, and make sure everything is bone dry before you fold it away.
Check your washing machine: Sometimes the washer can be part of the problem. If you consistently notice mildew odors, your machine might need a cleaning (mold can build up in gaskets or detergent drawers). Run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to freshen up the machine itself, so your clean clothes don’t pick up any funk.

By following these steps, that awful wet-clothes smell should disappear. Mildew odor can be stubborn, but a combination of vinegar’s odor-neutralizing power and proper washing will usually do the trick. Just remember to avoid letting wet laundry sit around in the future – prevention is key to keeping that musty smell out of your clothes.

How to Remove Odors from Clothing Without Washing

What if you have a garment that you can’t easily wash, or you need to refresh clothes in a pinch? There are ways to remove odors from clothing without a full wash. Try these quick fixes to get smells out of fabric when laundry isn’t an option:

Fresh air cure: Hang the item outside on a breezy day. Sometimes the simplest solution is best – a few hours of fresh air and sunlight can whisk away smoke, cooking smells, or general “funk” from clothes. Even hanging clothes near an open window can help if outdoor space is limited.
Baking soda treatment: Just as it helps in the wash, baking soda can work dry. Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes or on a garment (for example, inside a smelly jacket), then seal the item in a large zip-top bag or clean bin. Let it sit overnight or longer. The baking soda will absorb odors; afterward, shake or brush it off and enjoy the improved smell.
Fabric refresher or DIY spray: Use a store-bought fabric refresher spray (like Febreze), or make your own by mixing equal parts water and vodka in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the clothing. The vodka (which is odorless when dry) will kill bacteria and neutralize odors without leaving a scent. You can add a drop of essential oil to the mix for a light fragrance if desired. Hang the garment to dry after spraying.
Freeze it: It sounds odd, but placing clothing in a sealed plastic bag and sticking it in the freezer for a day or two can help with odor. The extreme cold kills many odor-causing bacteria. This trick is popular for raw denim jeans (to avoid over-washing) and can work on smelly hats or shoes too. Just let the item thaw and air out a bit before wearing.
Steam and heat: If you have a garment steamer or even a hot shower, the steam can refresh clothes. Hang the item in a steamy bathroom or use a steamer to help release odors from the fibers. Similarly, tossing a dry (or mostly dry) garment into the dryer on a medium heat setting with a dryer sheet or wool dryer ball for 10 minutes can add freshness. (Use this sparingly on dry-clean-only items – when in doubt, test with low heat or stick to air drying.)

These no-wash tricks are handy for suits, coats, vintage pieces, or any items you’d rather not put through a full wash cycle. They’re also great time-savers when you need an outfit to smell fresher fast. Just remember that if odors are deeply embedded (think underarm smells on a well-worn shirt), a proper wash or professional cleaning may still be necessary eventually. But for mild odors or interim freshening, you now have plenty of options besides the washing machine.

How to Get the Smell Out of Old Clothes

Old or stored clothes – like that vintage coat from a thrift shop or the sweaters you packed away last season – often come with a distinctive musty odor. How to get the smell out of old clothes usually requires removing built-up odors from long storage. Here’s what you can do:

Give them a good wash (with boosters): If the fabric is washable, run it through a cycle with an odor-fighting strategy. Use a cup of vinegar in the rinse or a half-cup of baking soda in the wash along with your detergent. These natural deodorizers will help eliminate old smells. For whites or colorfast items, an oxygen bleach soak before washing can also break down deeply embedded odors.
Sunshine refresh: After washing (or even if the item can’t be washed), hang the clothes outside on a sunny, dry day. Sun and fresh air will help lift that stale “attic” smell from the fabric. Even a day or two of airing out can make a huge difference for old garments.
Use odor absorbers in storage: Once you’ve freshened the clothes, help keep them that way. Store them with natural odor absorbers like cedar blocks, charcoal sachets, or even a box of baking soda nearby. Make sure clothes are completely dry before storing, and avoid sealing them in air-tight plastic which can trap moisture and smells. A breathable garment bag or cotton sheet over them will allow air circulation and prevent mustiness.
Spot-treat vintage or delicate pieces: For antique fabrics or non-washable items (like a vintage fur coat or a delicate dress), try the no-wash methods above (airing out, vodka spray, etc.). If the smell persists, consider taking the item to a professional cleaner who has experience with vintage clothing. They have special techniques (even ozone treatments for odors) to revive old garments without damage.

With a bit of patience, even decades-old odors can be lifted from fabrics. The key is to neutralize the smell (through washing or absorbing methods) and then let everything air out. Soon your “new-to-you” thrift finds or stored seasonal clothes will be back in rotation, odor-free and ready to wear.

Tips to Prevent Lingering Odors

By now, you’ve got a toolbox of methods for deodorizing laundry. But as any clean-obsessed neighbor will tell you, preventing odors in the first place makes life much easier. Here are some quick tips to keep clothes from getting smelly:

Wash sweaty items promptly: Try not to let sweaty workout gear or damp clothes sit for days. The sooner you wash or at least rinse and dry them, the less time odors have to set in. Even rinsing swimwear or gym clothes in the sink and hanging them up until laundry day helps.
Don’t let wet laundry sit: We’ve all forgotten a load in the washer before. Set a timer or use an app reminder to switch laundry to the dryer, so clothes aren’t stewing in a damp washer for hours. If it does happen, a quick rewash with vinegar (as mentioned above) will save the day.
Avoid excess detergent: It sounds counterintuitive, but using too much detergent can leave residue that traps odors. Follow the recommended amounts; for extra smelly loads, add boosters (baking soda, vinegar) rather than just more soap. And always ensure clothes rinse clean.
Keep your washer clean: Every month or so, run an empty hot wash with a cup of white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner tablet. This prevents mildew buildup in the machine that could transfer smells to your laundry. Also, leaving the washer door open after use helps dry it out and prevent musty odors.
Store clothes smartly: Make sure clothes are completely dry before you put them away. In humid climates (like Chicago in the summer), consider a dehumidifier or moisture absorber in closets. And give stored clothes a little air – open the closet now and then, or don’t pack clothes too tightly, so they can “breathe.”

A little vigilance goes a long way. By adopting these habits, you’ll find that your laundry stays fresher day-to-day, and you’ll have to do fewer emergency odor treatments. Your future self (and your nose) will thank you!

When to Get Extra Help with Odors

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a stubborn smell just won’t quit – or life gets busy and we can’t find the time for extra laundry cycles. Don’t fret, neighbor: that’s when it might be time to call in a little help. Here are a few scenarios where professional laundry services can save the day:

Stubborn odors that won’t go away: If you’ve tried washing and DIY remedies and that funky smell still lingers (looking at you, mystery thrift store odor or deeply embedded smoke smell), a professional cleaner might have stronger treatments. They can do deep soaking, use commercial-grade deodorizers, or even ozone treatments to break down smells that home methods can’t tackle.
Delicate or valuable items: For pieces you truly care about – that silk blouse from grandma or a tailored suit – you may not want to experiment at home. A professional dry cleaner or laundry service can handle these with care, ensuring the odor is removed without harming the fabric.
No time or laundry access: Busy schedule? Broken washer? Mountains of laundry after a trip? Handing off your smelly pile can be a huge relief. Consider using a convenient wash & fold service or scheduling a pickup & delivery laundry service. At SpinCycle Laundry here in Chicago, for example, our team will wash, deodorize, and fold your clothes for you – a real time-saver for a hectic household.
Heavy-duty loads: Some items (big blankets, sports gear, etc.) are just easier to clean with commercial machines. You can always swing by a self-service laundromat – for example, SpinCycle’s facility – and take advantage of the large, high-efficiency washers and dryers. Sometimes a larger machine and a thorough, extended cycle are what you need to vanquish tough odors from bulky items.

Think of your local laundry professionals as part of your clean team – we’re your neighbors in the fight against funky laundry, and happy to help when you need it. The bottom line is that no odor is truly “forever.” With the right approach (and occasionally an assist from the pros), you can rescue your favorite clothes from the stink and enjoy that fresh laundry smell again.

Fresh and Clean – You’ve Got This! Odors might be stubborn, but they’re not invincible. With a little elbow grease (and maybe some white vinegar and baking soda), you can get smell out of clothes and keep your wardrobe smelling wonderful. Remember to act quickly, be patient with tough smells, and don’t hesitate to use the tips and services available to you. In the end, nothing beats pulling on a freshly cleaned, sweet-smelling shirt – it’s one of those simple joys of life. And if you ever need a hand, SpinCycle is here in Chicago to lend our laundry expertise. Here’s to clean, odor-free clothes and a happier closet! Happy laundering!