There are few things worse than putting on a clean shirt and noticing that it smells a little bit musty. It is embarrassing and can also be pretty inconvenient if you’re trying to get ready for work or an important meeting. And once your clothes start to smell bad, it can be challenging to get rid of the scent.
But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re going to share 15 hacks that will help keep your clothes smelling fresh all day long. So these tips will come in handy if you’re dealing with a case of BO or just want to avoid washing your clothes daily. Let’s get started!
15 Hacks That You’ve Been Waiting For
1. Hang Your Clothes Outside: If you have the space and weather for it, hanging your clothes outside can be a great way to eliminate any stale smells. Sunlight and fresh air will help keep your clothes smelling crisp and clean. Also, if possible, try to avoid bringing damp clothes back inside – this can often make them smell musty.
2. Use Dryer Sheets: Tossing a dryer sheet into the wash or with your wet laundry before drying can also do wonders for keeping your clothes smelling good. Not only will they add a pleasant scent of their own, but they’ll also act as an additional barrier between fabrics that may be prone to absorbing odours.
3. Add Essential Oils: Adding a few drops of essential oil to your laundry detergent and directly onto your clothes can help keep them smelling great. Popular choices include lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree oils. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
4. Try Fabric Softener Sheets: If you don’t want to use dryer sheets but still want the same scent and fabric-softening benefits, try using fabric softener sheets instead. These work best if you hang them up in closets or drawers with your clothing – they’ll slowly release their scent and freshen up any stale smells.
5. Air Out Your Clothes Before Wearing: Taking a few minutes to air out your clothes before putting them on can also help keep them smelling fresh throughout the day. If you’re in a rush, this might not be possible – but if you can spare the extra time, it’s definitely worth doing.
6. Use Baking Soda: Adding baking soda to both your laundry detergent and directly onto your clothing can help absorb any lingering odours that may be stuck to the fabric fibres.
7. Pre-Treat Stains Before Washing: Treating stains as soon as possible is one of the best ways to keep them from setting into your clothing and creating an unpleasant smell over time. Whether you choose to use a store-bought stain remover or a DIY solution such as baking soda and water, the sooner you tackle that stain, the better.
8. Wash in Cold Water: Opting for cold-water washes can also help keep your clothes from developing musty smells over time. Hot water breaks down fabric fibres more quickly, making them much more prone to absorbing odours.
9. Use a Vinegar Rinse: Adding ½ cup of vinegar to your final rinse cycle can also help freshen up your clothing and remove any unpleasant odours. Just be sure not to use it on delicate fabrics – vinegar is quite harsh and may cause damage if misused.
10. Line Dry Whenever Possible: Line drying your clothing is one of the best ways to keep them smelling great, but you can also use commercial dryers. Not only does it help preserve fabric fibres, but it also helps kill any bacteria or odour-causing microbes that may be present in the fabric.
11. Separate Your Laundry: Separating your laundry into categories based on colour and material can also help keep odours from transferring between items. For example, towels and jeans should always be washed separately – otherwise, you risk having your jeans take on a musty smell over time.
12. Store Clothes Properly: How you store your clothes can also affect their scent over time. Keep items folded neatly in dressers or closets, and never leave damp clothing in a pile. This will help keep them smelling fresh, even when they’re not in use.
13. Use Odor Absorbing Bags: Odor-absorbing bags can also be a great way to keep your clothes smelling fresh in between washes. These bags are filled with activated charcoal that helps remove any lingering smells from the fabric fibres and can even be used for shoes or other accessories as well.
14. Try a Fabric Mist: If you find that your clothes still have an unpleasant scent after washing and drying, try using a fabric mist – these products are designed to add an extra layer of deodorizing protection against odours.
15. Change Your Habits: Lastly, one of the best ways to keep your clothes smelling fresh is to simply change your habits. If you tend to sweat a lot, make sure you shower regularly and wear clothing designed to wick moisture away from the body. Doing this will help reduce any unpleasant smells that may be present in your clothing over time.
Closing Thoughts
These 15 hacks should help you keep your clothes clean and smelling fresh no matter how much wear and tear they’re exposed to. With just a few simple changes, you can ensure that your wardrobe stays odour-free all year long!