Naturally eliminate odors from clothes: 9 easy techniques
Are you tired of dealing with smelly clothes that just won't freshen up no matter how many times you wash them? Persistent odors are frustrating, but with natural solutions you can tackle this common problem.
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Say goodbye to unwanted odors and hello to a fresher wardrobe with these simple, eco-friendly methods.
Why do my clothes smell?
Bad smells in clothes come from tiny particles that get trapped in the fabric. Fabrics have lots of small spaces between the threads that can hold onto smelly things.
When fabric gets wet or damp, it creates the perfect place for bacteria to grow. These bacteria eat things such as sweat and skin cells, and as they do this, they make smelly gases. This is why sweaty gym clothes or damp towels left in a pile start to stink.
Some fabrics, especially man-made ones such as polyester, are even better at trapping smells than natural fabrics (cotton for example). This is why workout clothes often smell worse than regular clothes.
The way you use and store your clothes exposes them to odor-causing substances. Here are the most common culprits:
- Bacteria are living organisms that feed on your skin cells and hair follicles in damp situations. When caught inside clothing or towels, they chew away at them until nothing is left.
- Mildew grows almost anywhere but thrives in damp situations, much like odor-causing bacteria. This fungus-like organism feeds on your clothing by breaking it down into smaller parts that it absorbs and feeds on!
- Body oils and sweat can build up on clothes over time. These natural secretions provide food for bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors.
- Food and drink spills leave residue on fabric that can start to smell if not cleaned properly. The sugars in these spills feed bacteria, making the problem worse.
- Environmental odors, such as smoke or strong cooking smells, cling to clothes. These odors can be particularly stubborn and hard to remove.
- Synthetic fabrics often trap odors more easily than natural fibers. They can hold onto smells even after washing.
- Your washing machine harbors bacteria and mildew if not regularly cleaned. With every cycle, it transfers odor to your freshly washed clothes.
Now that you know what can cause your laundry to have a stinky smell, let’s see the best ways to naturally eliminate odor from clothes.
#1 White vinegar
White vinegar’s acidic nature helps kill odor-causing bacteria and breaks down stubborn compounds that create unpleasant smells. It's effective at tackling the mildew and musty odors that plague your wardrobe.
Pros:
- Easy to find and budget-friendly
- Safe for most fabrics and colors
- Removes persistent smells such as smoke and mildew
- Naturally softens fabrics, leaving clothes feeling fresh
- Usable in both the wash and rinse cycles
Cons:
- May leave a temporary vinegar smell, which usually dissipates after drying
- Might not be as effective on strong odors
- Can cause fading on delicate fabrics, so always spot test first
How to use: add 1 cup of vinegar to your regular wash cycle along with your usual laundry detergent. For extra smelly garments, such as gym clothes, soak in a mixture of warm water and vinegar before washing.
#2 Baking soda
While some products mask odors with fragrances, baking soda neutralizes them at the source. It effectively absorbs unpleasant smells and has antimicrobial properties that combat odor-causing bacteria.
Pros:
- Affordable and accessible
- Safe for most fabrics and colors
- Usable on wet and dry clothes
- Makes laundry smell fresh and naturally softens fabrics
- Add to the wash cycle or as a pre-treatment
Cons:
- May leave a slight residue if not thoroughly rinsed
- Might require multiple applications for tough odors
- Can be abrasive on delicate fabrics
How to use: for the wash cycle, add 1/2 cup of baking soda along with your regular detergent. For tougher smells, create a paste with water and apply directly to odorous areas before washing. You can also sprinkle baking soda on dry, smelly clothes and let it sit overnight before washing.
#3 Lemon juice
Lemon juice has acidic properties that break down odor-causing bacteria and neutralize unpleasant smells in clothes. Citric acid cuts through body oils and sweat that can trap odors in fabric fibers.
Pros:
- neutralizes bad odors
- Breaks down body oils and sweat
- Brightens white clothes
- Safe for most fabrics when used properly
- Leaves a natural, fresh scent
Cons:
- May cause fading on colored fabrics
- More expensive than other options if using fresh lemons
- Scent may not last as long as chemical alternatives
How to use: add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of lemon juice to your washing machine with regular detergent. For spot treatment, mix equal parts lemon juice and water, apply to smelly areas, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before washing.
#4 Essential oils
Essential oils contain concentrated plant compounds that eliminate musty smells from clothes. For example, tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, while lavender has a fresh scent with mild antibacterial effects. Eucalyptus works well on smoke odors, and lemongrass is effective against body odor.
Pros:
- Provide a natural, pleasant scent
- Many oils have antibacterial properties
- Usable in the wash or as a spray
Cons:
- More expensive than other methods
- Some people may be sensitive to strong scents
- Oils can stain if not properly diluted
How to use: add 5–10 drops of essential oil to your laundry detergent before washing. Or mix a few drops with cold water in a spray bottle to mist clothes between washes.
#5 Salt
Salt absorbs moisture and odors from clothes. Its abrasive nature also breaks down and removes odor-causing residues on fabric fibers. Salt is effective against sweat odors and can refresh musty-smelling clothes.
Pros:
- Inexpensive and readily available
- Safe for most fabrics
- Absorbs moisture and odors
- Can soften hard water, improving overall wash quality
Cons:
- Not as effective on strong or set-in odors
- Leaves a residue if not rinsed thoroughly
- Unusable for dry cleaning or delicate fabrics
How to use: dissolve 1/2 cup of salt in a sink or bucket of hot water. Soak smelly clothes for several hours or overnight before washing as usual. Or add 1/4 cup of salt directly to your wash cycle along with regular detergent.
#6 Vodka
Vodka's high alcohol content kills odor-causing bacteria on clothes and evaporates quickly, leaving no scent. Vodka neutralizes strong odors such as cigarette smoke and body odor from clothing that can't be immediately washed.
Pros:
- Leaves no residue or scent
- Kills odor-causing bacteria
- Effective on a wide range of odors
- Safe for most fabrics
Cons:
- More expensive than other natural methods
- May not be readily available in all households
- Not for large loads of laundry
How to use: fill a spray bottle with undiluted vodka and lightly mist smelly areas of clothing. Let the garment air dry completely. For stronger smells, soak the affected area in vodka for 15–20 minutes before air drying.
#7 Herbal sachets
Herbal sachets contain dried aromatic plants that absorb odors and impart a natural fragrance to clothes. Lavender, rosemary, mint, and cedar chips are common herbs to use. Sachets keep clothes fresh while in storage.
Pros:
- Natural and chemical-free
- Pleasant, long-lasting scent
- Effective for odor prevention
- Reusable and eco-friendly
Cons:
- Less effective against strong odors
- Scent may be too subtle for some preferences
- Requires regular replacement to maintain effectiveness
How to use: place herbal sachets in drawers, closets, or directly in garment bags with clothes. For a stronger effect, gently crush the sachet to release more oils before use. Replace sachets every 3–6 months or when the scent fades.
#8 Air drying
UV radiation from sunlight penetrates fabrics and destroys odor-causing bacteria and microorganisms. This process effectively eliminates musty smells and prevents mildew growth on damp clothes. Sunlight also helps dry out moisture, a common source of persistent odors.
Pros:
- Free and readily available
- Kills odor-causing bacteria and mildew smell
- Naturally bleaches and whitens fabrics
Cons:
- Not feasible in areas with limited sunlight
- Extended exposure can fade or damage certain fabrics
- Effectiveness depends on the weather
How to use: hang clothes outside in direct sunlight for several hours. Turn smelly garments inside-out to expose areas prone to odor. Avoid leaving delicate or colored fabrics in strong sunlight for extended periods to prevent fading.
#9 Wool dryer balls
Wool dryer balls are made from 100% natural wool without the synthetic chemicals or artificial fragrances commonly found in dryer sheets.
Wool dryer balls separate and fluff clothes in the dryer, increasing hot air circulation. This improved airflow reduces drying time and eliminates odors from clothes.
Pros:
- Safe, eco-friendly alternative to chemical fabric softeners
- Faster drying process due to improved airflow
- Natural fabric softening effect
- Reusable for months, cost-effective
Cons:
- Limited deodorizing power (but adding essential oils to wool dryer balls boosts their ability to remove smells).
How to use: add 3–6 wool dryer balls to your dryer load. For enhanced odor removal, apply a few drops of essential oil to each ball before use. Wool dryer balls work for multiple loads and typically last several months.
Eliminate odor from clothes FAQ
How can I remove armpit odor from my clothes?
To remove odor, pre-treat armpit areas with white vinegar or baking soda paste before washing. Use a heavy-duty detergent and add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. Air dry in sunlight to eliminate remaining odors.
What is the best natural solution for sweaty clothes?
The best natural solution for sweaty clothes is vinegar. Soak sweaty clothes in a mixture of water and white vinegar for 30 minutes before washing. Use baking soda in the wash cycle. Air dry in sunlight to kill odor-causing bacteria and remove residual smells.
How can I make my laundry routine more eco-friendly?
To make your laundry routine more eco-friendly use Smart Sheep natural laundry products.
- To remove stains from your clothes, get our stain stick.
- For the washing machine, get our detergent strips.
- For the dryer, our wool dryer balls work magic.
- To add a fresh scent to your laundry, spritz wool dryer balls with our scenting spray.
How do you get barbeque smell out of clothes?
To remove barbeque smell from clothes, first place them outside in the fresh air and sunlight. Then soak in a vinegar-water solution before washing. Use wool dryer balls spritzed with scenting spray in the dryer to fight stubborn smells.
Why do my clothes still smell after washing?
Clothes remain smelly after washing when odor-causing bacteria survive in fabric fibers. Wet clothes left in piles or machines breed more bacteria. Oils and sweat build up over time, trapping smells and improper drying leads to mildew odors. Detergent residue attracts dirt, creating a cycle of persistent odors. Clean your machine regularly and dry your clothes thoroughly to prevent this issue.
How do I stop my clothing from absorbing smells?
To prevent clothing from absorbing smells, store them in a dry, well-ventilated area. Use cedar blocks or activated charcoal in closets to absorb odors. Wash clothes promptly after wear, especially sweaty items.
Further reading
How to use dryer balls for down jackets
How to add essential oils to dryer balls
Can you use wool dryer balls and dryer sheets together?
Why is the dryer making my clothes smell burnt?
Will essential oils on my dryer balls stain clothes?
