How to Remove Bad Smells from Clothes After Washing

A few months ago, I started to notice that all my clothes had a weird odor to them, even after I just washed them. I washed load after load and tried one laundry detergent after the other to fix the issue. All of my efforts were for naught. I could not get rid of this lingering smell on my clothes. So, down the rabbit hole I went in search of answers.

After a lot of research and a  fair amount of  trial and error, I (finally!) cracked the secret on how to remove bad smells from clothes after washing them. As it turns out, pesky odors are a common issue that can happen for various reasons. This guide will provide a step-by-step solution to fix and prevent the problem for many loads to come!

Why Clothes Smell Bad After Washing

First things first, let’s talk about why your clothes might still smell after a good wash. It’s not you—it’s science. Oils, sweat, and bacteria from our bodies get trapped in clothing fibers, and sometimes washing isn’t enough to completely remove them. This can be especially true, if like me, you have a couple little maniacs running around finding every which way to make a mess. Add in a few other factors, and you’ve got a recipe for stink:

• Residual bacteria may be lingering in the fibers of your clothing. Odor-causing bacteria may come from an unclean washing machine or using too much/too little detergent.
• Mold and mildew stink clothes up quickly. This musty smell can be caused by leaving clothes in the washing machine for too long.
• Hard water from your home’s pipes may contain mineral deposits. These mineral deposits can trap odors in fabric.
• Detergent buildup due to insufficient rinsing or poor-quality detergent can result in odors on your clothes.

Pre-Wash Preparation: Addressing the Washing Machine

Sometimes, it’s best to start at the source.

When I learned that the washing machine could be the culprit behind persistent odors from my recently washed clothes, I was shocked. Oh, how naive I was!

But when I started to think about it, it all made sense. 

With every wash, residue from laundry detergent and fabric softener can build up in the basin, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Just like we need to clean sinks and showers even though we fill them with soapy water every day, we also need to clean our washing machines. 

With this in mind, cleaning your washing machine regularly can be an effective way to remove odor from your clothes and prevent any icky smells.

Fortunately, it’s easier to clean your washing machine than most people expect. I have found two options to be especially effective. My favorite of the two options requires two common household ingredients—distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Plus, this is a great option for both top and front-load washers. 

Here’s what to do to naturally clean your washing machine with vinegar and baking soda: 

1. Empty your machine and give it time to dry by letting it air out with the machine door open.
2. Add three to four cups of white vinegar to the basin.
3. Set your washing machine to its hottest and longest setting and let it run. 
4. When the cycle is up, add ½ cup of baking soda to the basin. Set the machine to its hottest and longest setting and run another cycle.
5. When the cycle is up, wipe the machine down with a clean cloth and white vinegar to remove any remaining residue.
6. Leave the machine door open and let the machine thoroughly dry out before using it again.

Another way to wash your washing machine is by using a commercial washing machine cleaner. You can buy numerous options on Amazon or your local home supply store. Beware of these options, though, as many use harsh chemicals to get the job done. This used to not be a concern for me, but in recent years, I’ve become a big fan of natural, eco-friendly cleaning products. 

No matter the method you choose, the most important thing to remember is that frequency counts! Regular washing machine maintenance is essential to keeping your clothes fresh and odor-free. 

Pro tip: Make it a routine! I do a quick vinegar wash every week and a deeper clean with vinegar and baking soda once a month. It keeps my washer (and my clothes) smelling fresh.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Bad Odor from Clothes

Now that you know how to tackle a dirty washing machine, it’s time to get those bad odors out of your clothes. Here’s how to remove the stink in 5 easy steps.

Use Enzyme-based Detergents

Enzyme-based laundry detergents are super effective at getting even my dirtiest clothes clean. These cleaners are natural compounds that break down organic waste. When used in laundry detergents, the enzymes break down the odor-causing particles lodged in the fibers of your clothes. 

When shopping for an enzyme-based detergent, check the ingredient list for common enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase. These help break down carbohydrates, protein-based molecules, fats, and oils. Ideally, you should have all three enzymes in the detergent you choose.

One of my favorite enzyme-based laundry detergents is the HeySunday Laundry Detergent Sheets. They come in convenient, pre-measured sheets of detergent that dissolve in the washer. What I love most is that they contain a unique mix of cleaning enzymes. While they remove odors, they also offer two scent options to choose from. I love the ocean breeze scent, but the unscented would be great for folks sensitive to scents.

Add Baking Soda and Vinegar 

If you ask me, baking soda and vinegar are miracle-cleaning products. These natural odor neutralizers can be added to your laundry to help neutralize any stubborn odors. Both are effective, but I recommend using just one to avoid any unwanted eruptions in your washing machine. (Remember those middle school science fair volcanoes? Those are made from combining baking soda and vinegar! I recommend adding a half cup to one cup of your chosen ingredient. 

Lemon Juice for Freshness

Adding citrus to your laundry works as a natural disinfectant. This natural laundry ingredient is a great bleach alternative because of its acidity and antibacterial properties. I recommend adding a quarter to half cup of lemon juice to the bleach dispenser or basin of your washing machine to help eliminate odors from clothes. 

Essential Oils for Scent

Essential oils are an amazing way to freshen up your home and also your laundry! Oils like lavender and tea tree oil are also natural deodorizers, making it more likely your clothes won’t come out of the washer with lingering odors. 

Drying in the Sun

If you live somewhere sunny, this tip is for you! Even on a cold day, the power of UV rays can kill bacteria lingering on your clothing. This, combined with the fresh air, is a great way to freshen clothes and get them odor-free. I have a clothesline in my backyard that I hang clothes on in the summer. When it’s too cold outside, I set my collapsible drying rack next to a sunny window to get the same sun-drying benefits.

Preventing Odor in Future Washes

Once your clothes are clean and fresh, the key is making sure the smells don’t come back. Here’s how:

Don’t overload the washing machine

I know it’s tempting to stuff as many things as possible in the washing machine. But please resist this urge! You want the water and detergent to circulate properly throughout the wash cycle. Overloading the machine makes it difficult for the water to move, leading to clothes filled with detergent residue, bacteria, and dirt that didn’t get fully washed out.

Use the right amount of detergent

Doing your laundry is like Goldilocks—too much or too little detergent can lead to odor retention in your clothes. Detergent residue can build up in the fibers of your clothes, trapping bacteria and other odors along the way. Avoid this by using pre-measured laundry detergent sheets or precisely measuring your detergent every time.

Remove clothes immediately after washing to prevent mildew

I struggle with this myself, especially if I start the laundry in the morning before leaving for work. Mold and mildew thrive in damp, warm environments, like your washing machine after a rinse cycle. To prevent these foul mildew smells from developing in your clothes, I recommend removing your laundry from the washer as soon as your cycle is up. Then, put them in the dryer or hang them to air dry. 

Use a fabric softener or dryer sheets to keep clothes smelling fresh

Relying on fabric softener or dryer sheets helps fight odors while freshening up your clothes. Though these items may seem like one more thing to have to buy, they can be especially useful if you’re trying to keep your clothes fresh-smelling.

Air drying vs. machine drying

Both are great for odor prevention since the UV rays of air drying and the high temperatures of machine drying kill bacteria. No matter which drying method you choose, it’s important to follow your fabric’s care instructions first and foremost.

When air drying, you want to hang your clothes in an area with good air circulation and sunlight. This will help the fabric to quickly and fully dry before you put your clothes away. I have a clothesline setup outside to use for air drying my items in the summer. You can buy sturdy clotheslines and clothespins online. During the winter, I lay my clothes out on drying mats or racks in a sunny area near a window. 

If you favor machine drying, I recommend starting the load promptly after the clothes come out of the washer to prevent mold or mildew. 

Special Considerations for Different Fabrics

Some fabrics are more likely to trap smells than others. Let’s take a closer look at two commonly smelly fabrics and how to treat them.

Synthetic fabrics trap smells more often than other fabrics. The tight weave of these synthetically made fibers is a prime place for bacteria to lodge themselves. Some synthetic fabrics you may have in your closet are polyester, nylon, elastane, and acrylic. I love my leggings just as much as the next person, so I have to be very proactive about washing them and other workout clothes properly. 

Cotton and natural fibers are usually less problematic but become a prime spot for mildew if damp for too long. Other natural fibers that may be prone to mildew include hemp, linen, silk, and wool.

Whether it is synthetic fabrics or natural fibers, my biggest recommendation is to remove them from the washing machine as soon as the cycle is done. Then, ensure they dry properly to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. If you want to go the extra mile, add vinegar or baking soda to the load before running the laundry cycle.

When to Seek Professional Help

If nothing works, it might be time to get some help. 

A professional appliance repair service can deep-clean your washing machine or troubleshoot potential issues. And if odors are coming from your home environment (like musty carpets or furniture), a home cleaning service might be worth the investment.

The issue may also be with your washing machine. If you suspect that this is the case, I recommend calling an appliance repair person to take a look at your machine. Some telltale signs that your washing machine is the issue may be leaking water, an excessively noisy cycle, clothes that are still wet after the cycle, or excess water in the machine when you’re taking your clothes out.

Final Thoughts

Bad smells in laundry can be super frustrating, but with the right steps, you can tackle the problem for good. A clean washing machine, enzyme-based detergents, and a few natural remedies can make all the difference. Trust me—your laundry days are about to get a whole lot fresher!