Key Takeaways
After washing, a bad odor can permeate the laundry due to residual humidity, the choice of detergent, the lack of fabric softener or poor maintenance of the devices. To eliminate these stubborn odors, you can use white vinegar, baking soda or essential oils. It is essential to properly maintain the washing machine and the tumble dryer, and to adopt good hygiene practices.
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Understanding the causes of bad odors
Humidity after washing: a source of odor
The moisture that remains in clothing after washing is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold which give off bad odors. In fact, these micro-organisms feed on humidity and residues present in textile fibers. They multiply and release smelly substances.
It is therefore essential to wring the laundry and to dry it correctly to avoid the proliferation of these germs.
The role of laundry detergent in persistent odors
The choice of detergent has a great influence on the smell of the laundry after washing.
Some cheap detergents have a formulation that does not eliminate bad odors well. The residues left in the laundry will facilitate the development of smelly bacteria.
You must therefore opt for quality detergent, with effective cleaning agents.
The influence of fabric softener on the scent of linen
softener also plays a role in eliminating bad odors from laundry. It perfumes laundry and gives it a pleasant freshness.
Without softener, washed laundry risks giving off an unpleasant musty odor, conducive to the proliferation of bacteria. The use of a softener is therefore recommended.
Also read: Why My Laundry Does Not Smell Like Fabric Softener ?
How drying influences odors ?
The importance of good drying to avoid odors
Ineffective drying of laundry is a common source of bad odors. Indeed, if the laundry remains moist, it constitutes an ideal environment for the multiplication of smelly bacteria.
It is therefore essential to ensure that the laundry is completely dry after washing, to prevent the development of these micro-organisms. Drying must be done quickly, in the open air or in the machine.
Mistakes to avoid when drying
Certain bad actions when drying laundry encourage the appearance of bad odors:
- Let it dry slowly in a closed, damp room
- Let it pile up wet in the drip tray of the dryer
- Clog the dryer vent
- Overload the dryer drum
These errors create a humid environment conducive to smelly bacteria. They must therefore be absolutely avoided.
Also read:How to have laundry that smells good for a long time ?
Clean laundry smells bad: why ?
Role of bacteria
The bacteria which develop in damp laundry are the main cause of bad odors, even on clean laundry. They multiply rapidly in the presence of humidity.
Risk of humidity
If the laundry is not completely dry after washing, the residual moisture causes the proliferation of these smelly bacteria.
Choice of detergent
Poor quality detergent that leaves residue on textile fibers also encourages the growth of bacteria that causes bad odors.
No fabric softener
The lack of fabric softener, which perfumes and sanitizes laundry, can be a cause of unpleasant odors on clean laundry.
Poor maintenance of the washing machine
If the washing machine is not properly maintained, if the filter is clogged or if wet laundry is stagnating in the drum, this can cause stubborn odors even on clean laundry.
Improper maintenance of the dryer
Poor maintenance of the dryer, with accumulation of lint and water residue in the drum, the exhaust duct or the filter, also risks cause persistent odors.
Also read: How to make laundry smell soft ?
How to eliminate stubborn odors ?
White vinegar
white vinegar is very effective in eliminating bad odors from laundry, thanks to its deodorizing and antiseptic power.
It can be used as a softener, or washed separately with 1 liter of white vinegar to eliminate stubborn odors.
Baking soda
baking soda is an excellent odor absorber. It can be added to the drum of the washing machine with the detergent for a deodorizing effect.
Essential oils
A few drops of essential oils of lavender, tea tree or eucalyptus added to the laundry will have a very effective deodorizing power.
As Hoodie Blanket specialists, we highly recommend using essential oils directly on clothing to eliminate bad odors. A few drops on the inner sleeves or the hood are enough to give a long-lasting scent to a hoodie.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Natural disinfectants to deodorize laundry
You can also use lemon juice or sodium percarbonate to disinfect and deodorize laundry in the washing machine. These products eliminate the bacteria responsible for bad odors.
High Temperature Washing Tips
Washing at 90°C will kill the bacteria causing bad odors and eliminate them completely. This can be done from time to time in case of stubborn odors.
Improved drying techniques
Drying laundry well, in the open air or in a tumble dryer at high temperature, will prevent unpleasant odors linked to humidity from reforming.
Also read: How to perfume your laundry in the dryer ?
The importance of dryer maintenance
Clean the dryer to remove odors
Regular cleaning of the dryer helps eliminate odors: the filter, the exhaust duct and the drum must be cleaned with a descaler and a disinfectant to eliminate all residues causing odors.
Keep the dryer clean to prevent bad odors
After each drying, think of:
- Empty the condensation water container
- Clean the lint filter
- Leave the dryer door open to ventilate and dry it
These maintenance actions will prevent the appearance of bad odors linked to the accumulation of humidity and residue in the dryer.
At The Oversized Hoodie®, we know how frustrating it can be to notice unpleasant odors on your favorite clothes. This is why we emphasize the importance of properly maintaining your household appliances and adopting rigorous laundry hygiene.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Also read: 10 Tips to Eliminate the Smell of Sweat on Your Clothes
Actions to adopt to avoid bad odors in the future
To prevent the appearance of bad odors on linen, it is recommended to adopt good hygiene practices:
- Dry the laundry thoroughly after washing, do not leave it damp
- Use a quality detergent with good degreasing power
- Add scented softener when washing
- Regularly maintain the washing machine and tumble dryer
Conclusion
Bad odors from laundry are mainly due to the development of bacteria favored by humidity. Proper drying, the use of suitable products and regular maintenance of the devices will help avoid these inconveniences. White vinegar, baking soda or essential oils will help eliminate stubborn odors. By adopting good hygiene practices, it is possible to keep laundry scented in all circumstances.
| Cause of Bad Odors | Solutions | Recommended Products | Maintenance Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moisture after washing | Ensure complete drying | White vinegar, Bicarbonate | Clean the dryer regularly |
| Laundry residue | Use quality detergent | Laundry detergents with effective cleaning agents | Regular maintenance of the washing machine |
| No fabric softener | Use a scented fabric softener | Softener, Essential oils | Air dry or tumble dry |
| Bacteria and mold | High temperature washing | Vinegar, Bicarbonate, Essential oils | Regular cleaning of the dryer and machine |
| Poor maintenance of devices | Regular cleaning and maintenance | Descaler, Disinfectant | Clean filter, drum, ventilation grille |
FAQ
Why does my laundry smell bad after washing ?
This could be due to residual moisture, poor quality detergent leaving residue, or lack of fabric softener.
Why does laundry smell bad once dry ?
The humidity during drying favored the proliferation of smelly bacteria. Care must be taken to ensure complete drying.
How to get rid of the smell of poorly dried laundry ?
By washing it again at high temperature, with white vinegar or baking soda in addition for a powerful deodorizing effect.
Why poorly dried laundry smells bad ?
Residual humidity allows the multiplication of bacteria which release malodorous substances.
Why does my laundry not smell like laundry detergent ?
Lack of scented fabric softener and cheap laundry detergent residue may be the cause.
How to remove a stubborn odor from laundry ?
With a dedicated deodorizing wash, at high temperature, with the addition of white vinegar or baking soda.
How to remove bad odors from laundry ?
By disinfectant and deodorizing washing techniques: quality laundry detergent, white vinegar, bicarbonate, essential oils. And by completely drying the laundry.
Why do my clothes smell bad even after washing ?
Due to residual moisture or the use of detergent which leaves residue on textile fibers.
Why does my laundry smell bad in my closet ?
The humidity and lack of ventilation allowed bacteria to develop and give off bad odors. Laundry must be washed and completely dried before storing, and ventilated regularly.
