HOW TO GET B.O. SMELL OUT OF CLOTHES

QUICK TIPS TO REMOVE BODY ODOR FROM CLOTHES

If you’re wondering how to get rid of armpit odor in shirts and other garments, try these quick tips to get started:

• Act fast: Don’t let sweaty clothes sit in the hamper. Let them air dry if you can’t wash them right away.

• Turn clothes inside out: This exposes the smelliest parts to the water and detergent in your washer.

• Use helpful products: Baking soda, vinegar and a good detergent are your best friends when it comes to clothing with B.O.

• Don’t overload the washer: Clothes need space to get clean.

• Dry thoroughly: Damp clothes can bring the stink right back.

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO REMOVE STRONG BODY ODOR FROM CLOTHING

Try this step-by-step guide to help remove body odor in clothes and get on with your day. Always check your care tags before you begin and try pretreatments on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment first, to be sure your fabric can handle it.

STEP 1: PRETREAT THE SMELLY SPOTS

Mix a little baking soda with water to make a paste. Rub it into the armpits or any other problem areas. Let it sit for 30 minutes. For extra stubborn smells, soak the clothes in a solution of one cup white vinegar and four cups of warm water for 30 minutes. Rinse the garments thoroughly before placing them in the washer, as vinegar isn’t good for some washing machine parts.

Note: Avoid using vinegar on delicate fabrics or items that contain elastic.

STEP 2: CHOOSE THE RIGHT WASH SETTINGS

Check the care label to determine the best wash settings for your garment. Try using warm or hot water for cottons and cold water for synthetics. Select a heavy-duty or deep clean cycle if possible.

STEP 3: USE ENOUGH DETERGENT

Whether you’re using pods, powder, sheets or liquid, make sure you use the correct amount of detergent. Too little detergent may result in pesky odors sticking around. Too much detergent may leave residue behind. Follow packaging directions to be sure.

STEP 4: DRY COMPLETELY

It’s a good idea to hang dry items until you’re sure the body odor is gone from your garments, as the heat of a dryer can set the smell, if any remains. Hanging items outside in the fresh air and sunshine can also help air out garments. Also, make sure all your items are thoroughly dry before putting them away, as any lingering moisture can reactivate body odor in clothes.

EXTRA TIPS FOR STUBBORN SMELLS

If you’re still struggling with how to get B.O. smell out of clothes, try these helpful tips:

• Repeat if Needed: Sometimes one wash isn’t enough. If odors linger on your clothes, try another round with baking soda or vinegar.

• Don’t Mix Loads: Wash especially smelly items separately.
• Clean Your Machine: If odors linger, your washer might need a clean too.

WHY DO CLOTHES HOLD ON TO BODY ODOR?

Body odor in clothes happens when sweat, bacteria, and body oils get trapped in fabric—especially in the armpit area of shirts and athletic wear. Synthetic fabrics—like polyester, nylon and spandex—are notorious for hanging onto smells, even after a wash. These fabrics can attract and hold onto oils from your skin, causing lingering odor. So if you’re finding that your favorite tee still reeks after laundry day, you may not be imagining things. Natural fibers like cotton tend to absorb and release odors more easily, while synthetics—like those used in workout clothes—can really hang onto body odors.

HOW DO YOU GET THE ARMPIT SMELL OUT OF CLOTHES?

Armpit odor is one of the toughest smells to remove from shirts, but it is possible with the right approach. For those wondering how to get rid of armpit odor in shirts, start by pretreating the underarm area with a baking soda and water paste or soak the shirt in a mix of white vinegar and water for about 30 minutes. After pretreating, rinse the shirt thoroughly before running it through a wash cycle using a heavy-duty detergent on the warmest setting the fabric can handle. Always turn shirts inside out before washing to target the source of the smell. Dry thoroughly to prevent any lingering moisture from reviving the odor.

HOW TO ADDRESS DEODORANT AND SWEAT STAINS

In your battle against body odor in clothes, you may run into similar obstacles, such as sweat stains and deodorant residue on fabric. First check your care tags and always try a pretreatment on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure your fabric can handle it. Then try these tips:

WHAT IS THE BEST ODOR ELIMINATOR FOR LAUNDRY?

When it comes to the best odor eliminator for laundry, your best bet may be to combine a few powerful odor fighters. Baking soda helps neutralize odors, while white vinegar helps break down body oils and some bacteria. It also helps to use a quality detergent designed for odor removal, and don’t forget to use the right amount—too little won’t cut it, and too much can leave residue. For the toughest cases, pretreat problem areas and consider using a deep clean or sanitize cycle if your washer has one.

HOW TO REMOVE B.O. FROM CLOTHES WITHOUT WASHING?

Sometimes you may need a quick fix to freshen up clothes without a full wash. Try spritzing the problem areas with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, then let the garment air dry. Hanging clothes in direct sunlight and fresh air can also help break down odors naturally. Fabric refresher sprays can mask smells in a pinch, but they won’t remove the source of the odor. For best results, plan to wash as soon as possible. And of course, always check your care tags first, before using the above methods, as they may not be viable for all fabric types, such as delicate silks.

THE BOTTOM LINE ON B.O.

Getting rid of the B.O. smell in your laundry doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps and the right tools, you can help eliminate body odor in clothes and get back to more important things—like not thinking about laundry.