Complete Guide to Eliminate Bad Odors from Clothes and Fleece Blankets

Understanding the origin of bad odors on fleece

fleece clothing is appreciated for its great softness and its strong insulating power. They offer ideal thermal protection for outdoor activities or everyday life. However, fleece can sometimes develop unpleasant bad odors. These odors can have several causes:

• perspiration: physical effort causes perspiration which permeates the fabric. Bacteria grow and give off bad odors.

• humidity: if the garment is not dried well, the humidity encourages the proliferation of smelly bacteria.

• bacteria: they feed on the residue of sweat, dirt and body oil present on the fabric.

• animal hair: dog or cat hair can become lodged in the fibers of the fleece and give off an unpleasant odor.

It is therefore essential to understand the origin of the odor in order to eliminate it effectively.

Washing fleece: a crucial step

To remove bad odors from a fleece, washing is the most important step. It is imperative to follow the instructions on the care label to avoid damaging the fabric.

• Temperature: in general, washing at 30°C maximum is recommended for delicate laundry.

• Short cycle: opt for a short program, without prolonged spinning, to protect the fibers.

• Suitable product: use a liquid detergent for synthetic textiles, without fabric softener.

• Natural drying: dry flat, in the open air, not in the tumble dryer.

Fleece must be washed regularly before odors set in. The use of suitable detergent and the correct dosage are also important to eliminate bad odors.

Also read: How to Wash and Clean a Plaid ?

Tips for eliminating stubborn odors

If, despite machine washing, the fleece retains a stubborn odor, it is possible to use some natural tips to make it disappear:

The role of white vinegar in cleaning fleece

white vinegar is very effective in eliminating bad odors, thanks to its disinfectant and anti-bacterial properties.

It can be used in two ways:

• By adding vinegar to the washing water (1 cup for 1 washing machine).

• By soaking a cloth in vinegar and rubbing the fleece before washing.

The importance of ventilation to remove odors

aeration plays a major role in eliminating bad odors. After washing, it is recommended to:

• Well wring out the fleece.

• Do it dry outside, in the open air. The sun's rays have a cleansing effect.

• Place it on a hanger in front of an open window.

Other natural solutions against bad odors

Other natural ingredients help fight bad odors on fleece:

• baking soda, with absorbent properties, to sprinkle directly on the fabric or add when washing.

• Marseille soap, with degreasing properties, to be used to pre-treat stubborn stains.

• lemon, for its antibacterial and deodorizing qualities. Lemon juice diluted in the rinse water sanitizes the laundry.

Also read: How to Have Laundry that Smells Good from Laundry ?

Prevention rather than cure: how to avoid bad  odors from washed laundry ?

To prevent the appearance of bad odors, it is recommended to adopt a few simple reflexes:

• Wash fleece regularly, at the first signs of odors.

• Avoid wearing the fleece for several days in a row without washing it.

• Be careful dry the fleece after each use.

• Care for the fleece with a water-repellent spray to avoid impregnation of odors.

• Air out the fleece outdoors when possible.

• Store the clean fleece in a perforated cover.

By adopting these fleece care habits, it is possible to effectively prevent the appearance of bad odors.

Also read: What is a fleece blanket ?

How to maintain fleece ?

To keep your fleece soft, comfortable and durable, it is essential to maintain it well, especially for delicate products such as fleece throw. Here are some useful tips:

Tips for regular maintenance

• Wash at low temperature, short cycle.

• Use a detergent suitable for synthetic.

• Do not iron to preserve the down.

• Brush gently and isolate large dirt before washing.

• Ventilate frequently.

Techniques to preserve quality and softness

• Dry flat and in the shade to keep the down fluffy.

• Water-repellent spray for waterproofing.

• Quick stain removal to prevent them from becoming embedded.

• Wash dark fleeces separately to avoid bleeding.

Ecological and economic approaches

• Wash completely but not too frequent, respecting actual wear.

• Precise dosage of detergent to avoid waste.

• Eco program of the washing machine.

• Air dry rather than tumble dry.

With these precautions, it is possible to keep your fleece in perfect condition for a long time!

Also read: Why My Laundry Does Not Smell Like Fabric Softener ?

Washing tips and tricks

Why does my laundry not smell like laundry detergent ?

• Wrong dosage of detergent, insufficient quantity.
• Laundry detergent unsuitable or of poor quality.
• Inadequate wash program (temperature too low, cycle too short).
• Overdose of fabric softener or Soupline which masks the smell of laundry.
• Laundry that has not been rinsed properly , leaving a detergent residue.
• Obstruction of the detergent dispenser preventing its diffusion.

Why does my laundry smell bad once dry ?

• Presence of bacteria which develop with residual humidity.
• Wet laundry left in the drum for too long before drying.
• Tumble dryer temperature insufficient to destroy bacteria.
• Items poorly washed initially, leaving organic residue.
• Dryer filter clogged causing bad odors.

How to remove a stubborn odor from laundry ?

• Rub with pure white vinegar before washing.
• Soak in water with baking soda or white vinegar.
• Add lemon juice to the rinse water to sanitize.
• Wash at a temperature higher than usual.
• Use a special strong anti-odor detergent.
• Dry in the sun which has a disinfecting power.

Why does my laundry not smell like fabric softener ?

• Wrong dosage of softener, quantity too low.
• poor quality softener poorly scented.
• Softener not distributed due to a clogged distributor.
• Extended rinse which removes fabric softener from laundry.
• Scented laundry detergent which masks the smell of fabric softener.
• Choice of program: some do not include a softener cycle.

Why laundry smells bad when drying ?

• Excess of humidity which promotes the proliferation of bacteria.
• Laundry remains wet in the drum for too long before drying.
• Dryer filter clogged which spreads bad odors.
• Residues of perspiration or food present on the laundry before drying.
• Drying temperature insufficient to destroy malodorous bacteria.

Why do my clothes smell bad even after washing ?

• Clothes worn several days without washing in between.
• Transformation of sweat into malodorous substances by bacteria.
• Encrusted spots (armpits, collar, etc.) poorly detached.
• Wash temperature too low to eliminate bacteria.
• Items forgotten damp in the drum and impregnated with odors.
• Ineffective detergent against stubborn bad odors.

Also read: How to choose a fleece blanket ?

Conclusion

Bad odors on fleece clothing and blankets can spoil the comfort of this textile, ideal for outdoor activities. Fortunately, it is possible to eliminate these odors by following the correct maintenance and washing procedures. Regular use of natural products such as white vinegar, bicarbonate or lemon effectively fights bad stubborn odors.

ventilation and air drying remain the preferred gentle methods for refreshing fleeces while preserving synthetic fibers , in particular throws and fleece blankets for example. By adopting a preventive maintenance routine, based on frequent washing and water-repellent sprays, it is possible to enjoy your fleece clothing for a long time, in complete freshness.

Aspect of maintenance	Advice	Recommended products	Additional Techniques
Washing	Maximum temperature 30°C, short cycle	Liquid detergent for synthetic textiles	Use white vinegar or baking soda for stubborn odors
Drying	Dry flat, in the open air	Avoid the dryer	Dry in the sun to disinfect
Odor Elimination	Regular cleaning to prevent odors	White vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice	Aeration and drying in the sun
Odor prevention	Wash frequently, air, dry properly	Suitable detergent and water-repellent spray	Avoid wearing several days in a row
General maintenance	Gentle brushing, light spinning	Fine comb for stains, suitable detergent	Eco program for energy saving

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about fleece odors

Why does my laundry smell bad after washing ?

Several reasons can explain the appearance of unpleasant odors on laundry after washing. A wrong dosage of detergent, an unsuitable washing program with a temperature too low or a cycle too short, or even the Leaving damp items in the drum for too long before drying may leave residue or encourage the proliferation of smelly bacteria. Also check that the filter of the dryer is not clogged and does not emit odors. Finally, make sure to remove all residue from sweat, food or stains before washing.

How to machine wash your fleece jacket ?

To machine wash a fleece jacket, it is recommended to use a maximum temperature of 30°C, a short or delicate program, and a special liquid detergent synthetic textiles . Strictly follow the instructions on the care label to avoid damaging the fabric. Choose a short spin to avoid deformation of the polar material. Finally, always dry your fleece jacket flat, in the open air, and not in the dryer, to preserve the quality of the down.

How to remove old smell from clothes ?

Several techniques make it possible to effectively eliminate the odor of old encrusted on clothes. You can rub the textile with pure white vinegar before putting it in the washing machine, or soak it in water with bicarbonate of soda. Adding lemon juice to the rinsing water will also have a sanitizing and deodorizing effect. For very stubborn odors, washing at high temperature or using a special detergent anti-odor will be necessary. Finally, sun drying is a natural way to disinfect and refresh fabrics.

How to remove a stubborn odor from clothing ?

On clothing with a stubborn odor, start by trying gentle methods such as airing or drying in the sun. You can also rub the textile with pure white vinegar before washing. To thoroughly degrease and deodorize, use Marseille soap. Adding baking soda when washing or lemon juice in the rinse water is effective. In case of very stubborn odors, opt for washing at high temperature and a powerful anti-odor detergent to eliminate the responsible bacteria.

How to clean fleece ?

To clean fleece clothing, start by gently brushing it with a clothing brush to remove lint, hair and dust. Then use a fine comb to isolate the stains before washing. Wash your fleece at 30°C maximum with a detergent suitable for synthetic textiles, without softener, and choose a short program. Perform a light spin so as not to deform the fibers. Finally, always dry your fleece flat, in the open air, and not in the tumble dryer, to keep its insulating properties intact.

What is the impact of fabric softener on fleece ?

Regular use of fabric softener on fleece clothing has several disadvantages. The softener may alter the insulating and breathable capabilities of the fabric. It can also soften excessively down. Some irritating chemical compounds can cause itching. In the long term, the quality and longevity of fleece are reduced. It is therefore better to avoid using fabric softener when caring for your fleece clothing.

Updated 2 July 2024