Have you been unable to do the laundry and the shirt you were planning to wear smells like sweat? Have you pulled a garment from the back of the closet and it smells damp? There are alternatives to deodorize clothes without washing them, such as the dryer. Find out how remove bad smell from clothes in the dryer and save other tricks that could also help you.
Why do bad smells appear in clothes?
Our clothes are exposed to numerous factors that cause them to not smell like they did when we took them clean out of the washing machine or dryer. Dirt, sweat or humidity They are the main agents that impregnate our clothes with an unpleasant smell.
It doesn't take intense activities like going to the gym or cooking for this to happen. Often, humidity due to poor drying generates these odours, especially when we store the garment in the wardrobe without it being completely dry. Likewise, a poorly ventilated and/or humid wardrobe can facilitate the appearance of mould on the clothes, which also generates unpleasant odours.
Another common culprit is the buildup of residue from products such as detergents or fabric softeners, which can adhere to textile fibers and, when in contact with moisture, contribute to the development of odors. Luckily, these problems can be solved with the proper use of the dryer and other complementary methods that I will share below.
How to remove bad smell from clothes in the dryer
If odor is the only problem that prevents you from wearing a garment, it is not always necessary to wash it. high dryer temperatures They are able to eliminate the bacteria responsible for bad odor, allowing you to wear your clothes again with confidence.
Here's how to do it correctly:
- Previous preparation: Before putting clothes in the dryer, make sure they are dry to the touch; otherwise, the bad smell may persist.
- Scented sponge trick: Dip a sponge into a bowl of water and a capful of fabric softener. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, remove the excess water without wringing it out and put it with the clothes in the dryer. This technique helps to perfume the clothes and eliminate any lingering odors.
- Set up a short program: Use a cycle of approximately 15-20 minutes. This will be enough to eliminate bacteria and bad odors without subjecting the clothes to unnecessary wear.
Also, be sure to regularly clean the lint filter, as a buildup can affect the effectiveness of the dryer and even cause odors in your clothes.
Other methods to eliminate bad odors without a washing machine or dryer
If you don't have a dryer or prefer to try other solutions, here are some effective alternatives to remove odors from your clothes without having to wash them:
- Ventilation: Hang the clothes in a ventilated place. If the odours are not deeply impregnated, they will disappear within a few hours.
- Using steam: Take advantage of the steam generated during a hot shower. Place your clothes near the bathroom while you shower so that the fibers absorb the steam and release odors. Afterwards, air the clothes outdoors to dry completely.
- Sodium bicarbonate: Sprinkle baking soda on the areas where the bad smell is strongest (armpits, necks, etc.). Leave it to act for at least 30 minutes and then shake it off. Baking soda neutralizes odors by absorbing the molecules responsible for them.
- Lemon spray: Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas of clothing and place in a ventilated place to dry.
Is the dryer the cause of bad odors?
Sometimes the problem isn't with the clothes, but with the dryer itself. Deposits of moisture, lint and detergent residue can be fertile ground for bacteria and mould, which cause bad odours. To fix this, follow these steps:
- Clean the lint filter: After each use, remove accumulated lint to prevent blockages and bad odors.
- Empty the water tank: If your dryer has a collection bin, empty and clean it regularly to prevent mold growth.
- Dry the drum: Wipe the inside with a damp cloth and leave it open to dry completely.
- Disinfects: Occasionally wipe with a cloth dampened with white vinegar or a disinfectant solution to remove any lingering bacteria.
Keeping clothes fresh and odor-free doesn't have to be complicated. With these tricks and care tips, not only will You will eliminate the bad smell from your clothes but you will also extend the life of your dryer and optimize its performance. Spending a few minutes cleaning and deodorizing will make a big difference in your daily life.