Odour in Clothes That Will Not Go Away – How to Fix It
Short answer: Odour in clothes that will not go away is usually caused by bacteria and detergent residue deep in the fibres, often helped along by fabric softener and short, cold washes. The fix is a thorough wash with correctly dosed mild detergent, possibly a soak in vinegar water, and quick, airy drying.
Why the smell sticks
Sweat itself hardly smells. The odour comes from the bacteria that feed on it. If clothes sit damp in the laundry basket, or fabric softener coats the fibres, the bacteria get a hiding place that a normal wash cannot reach, and the smell comes back.
Fabric softener makes it worse
Many people use fabric softener to make their laundry smell nice, but it can do the opposite. It leaves a thin film on the fibres where sweat and bacteria get trapped, and water gets in less easily. Skip it, especially for underwear, sportswear and bamboo viscose.
Too much detergent
It sounds strange, but too much detergent can also cause odour. The excess is not fully rinsed out and stays in the fabric, where it binds dirt and sweat. Follow the dosage on the pack and choose a mild detergent. If in doubt, run an extra rinse.
Synthetics hold on to smell the most
Synthetic sportswear is often the worst, because the fibres cling to the oils from your skin. Bamboo viscose usually stays fresher, because it moves moisture away from the skin and bacteria struggle to thrive. It does not make clothes odour free, but many people notice they smell less after a long day.
How to get the smell out
Soak the clothes for about an hour in cold water with a decilitre of clear vinegar. Then wash them at the highest temperature the care label allows, with correctly dosed mild detergent and no fabric softener. Old odour may need two rounds, so repeat if you can still smell it.
Dry quickly and with plenty of air
Drying matters as much as washing. Clothes that hang close together and dry slowly can start to smell again before they are dry. Hang them with space in between, ideally outdoors or in a well aired room, and take them out of the machine as soon as the cycle ends.
Clean the washing machine too
Sometimes it is the machine that smells, not the clothes. Detergent residue and lint build up in the drawer, the rubber seal and the filter. Wipe the seal, clean the drawer regularly and leave the door open after washing so the inside can dry completely.
Prevent it with good habits
Let sweaty clothes dry before they go in the basket, and use an open basket rather than a closed bag. Wash sportswear and underwear soon after use. That goes for bamboo underwear for women and bamboo underwear for men alike, as it sits closest to the skin.
When to give up
If a garment still smells after several thorough rounds, the fibres may be so saturated that the odour cannot be removed. This happens most often with old synthetic sportswear. Try once more with vinegar and drying in fresh air before you get rid of it.
What not to do
Do not mask the smell with perfume or scent beads, as they only hide the problem and add another layer to the fibres. Do not use chlorine bleach on bamboo clothing, because it weakens the fabric, and never mix vinegar and chlorine. Stick to vinegar, mild detergent and fresh air. See also bamboo for training, bamboo socks for sweaty feet and complete washing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my clothes smell even after washing?
Usually bacteria and detergent residue are stuck in the fibres, because the wash was too short or too cold, or because fabric softener has coated the fabric.
Can vinegar remove odour from clothes?
Yes, soaking for an hour in cold water with a decilitre of clear vinegar often helps. Then wash the clothes as usual and dry them quickly with plenty of air.
Does bamboo clothing smell less than other clothes?
Many people find it does, because bamboo viscose moves moisture away from the skin. It still needs regular washing, but often stays fresher than synthetic sportswear during the day.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
