Odour in Clothes That Will Not Go Away – How to Fix It
Short answer: Odour in clothes that will not go away is caused by bacteria and detergent residue hiding deep in the fibres, often helped along by fabric softener and short, cold washes. The solution is a thorough wash with a correctly dosed mild detergent, possibly a soak in vinegar water, and quick, airy drying.
Why the smell sticks around
Sweat itself does not smell much; it is the bacteria living off it that do. If clothes sit in the laundry basket while still damp, or if fabric softener lays a film over the fibres, the bacteria get a safe haven that a normal wash cannot reach. Synthetic sportswear is the worst; bamboo viscose stays fresher because it carries moisture away, as explained in bamboo for training.
How to get the smell out
Soak the garment for an hour or so in cold water with a decilitre of clear vinegar, then wash it at the highest temperature the care label allows, with a correctly dosed mild detergent and no fabric softener. Dry it quickly with plenty of air around it, ideally outdoors. Repeat if necessary; an old smell can take two rounds.
Prevention: the good habits
Let sweaty clothes dry before they go into the basket, drop the fabric softener entirely, and clean your washing machine monthly with an empty hot wash. Choose materials that do not hold on to odour: bamboo underwear for men, bamboo underwear for women and bamboo socks for sweaty feet are a good place to start. The rest of the routine is set out in the complete washing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my clothes still smell after washing?
Because bacteria and detergent residue sit deep in the fibres. A short, cold wash with fabric softener does not remove them, it rather seals them in.
Does vinegar help against odour in clothes?
Yes. Soaking in cold water with clear vinegar dissolves bacterial deposits and residue, so the following wash can finish the job.
Does bamboo clothing smell less than synthetic clothing?
Yes, as a rule. Bamboo viscose carries sweat away instead of holding on to it, so bacteria have poorer conditions than in polyester.
