Airing instead of washing
Short answer: A night on a hanger by an open window removes most everyday smells. It saves a wash and extends the life of the garment. The method works best on clothes that have only been worn for a single day.
Why it works
The smell from a single day of wear sits in the moisture in the fabric, not in the fibres themselves. When the moisture evaporates, the smell goes with it. It takes moving air and a little time, but neither soap nor water. That way a garment can turn fresh again without going in the machine.
How to do it
Hang the garment on a hanger with good space from other clothes and air it in the room overnight. Do not fold it into a pile, because the moisture gets trapped between the layers. Open the window a crack so the air moves, and leave it until it feels fully dry and cool.
Why fewer washes help
Every wash wears the fibres, colours and seams a little. If you can skip one wash, the garment gets more years in the wardrobe, and you save water, power and time. It is the simplest way to extend the life of clothes, and it costs nothing to try.
Which garments suit it
Airing works best on tops and looser clothes that are not tight against the skin all day. See bamboo t-shirts for men, which can often hang until the next day after a quiet day indoors. Jumpers, cardigans and shirts are also good candidates.
Where to hang it
Choose a room with fresh air, where it does not smell of food or smoke. A bedroom with an open window is often a good spot. Avoid the bathroom right after a shower, because the air is full of moisture there and the garment dries only slowly.
How long it should hang
A whole night is usually enough, meaning eight to ten hours. If the air is cold and dry it can take less, and if it is damp it can take longer. Feel the fabric in the morning. If it is dry and smells neutral, the garment is ready to wear again.
When it is not enough
With heavy sweat, cooking smells, smoke and anything that sits directly against the skin for a long time, airing is not enough. Underwear and socks should always be washed, however fresh they seem. See bamboo underwear for men, which you wash after every wear.
Combine with a shake
Shake the garment firmly before you hang it, so the fibres loosen and air can get in. You can also smooth the fabric lightly with your hand. That small effort makes the garment smell and look fresher the next morning, without using any heat.
Care for everyday life
Make airing a regular habit rather than an emergency fix. Hang the day's clothes on a hanger when you get home, and air out the wardrobe now and then. See also bamboo clothing for women, which is easy to keep fresh in daily life with a few simple habits.
Frequently asked questions
Can you air clothes in a freezer
No. Cold halts bacteria but does not remove smell. Airing in moving air for a whole night gives a better result than a day in the freezer.
How many times can you wear a t-shirt
One to two days indoors. After that it should be washed, especially if you have sweated, been out in the heat or eaten something with a strong smell.
Does a trip to the balcony help
Yes, if there is no rain or exhaust fumes. An hour of fresh air does a lot, but do not leave coloured garments long in direct sun.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
