Banishing Laundry Odors: A Guide to Fresh, Fragrant Clothes
Laundry day is a familiar routine for most of us, but sometimes our clothes, towels, and linens emerge from the washing machine with an unpleasant odor that just won't budge. Whether it's a musty smell, lingering sweat, or a hint of mildew, getting rid of these odors can be a real challenge. Fear not! We are not going with the vinegar route, or stripping in a bathtub and carrying wet clothes across your house….
In this blog post, we'll explore effective (and tested) ways to eliminate stubborn odors from your laundry, with the help of three key products that promise to make your fabrics smell as fresh as a spring breeze (plus a dryer bonus we can’t forget about).
1. **Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent Liquid Soap*
One of the most common culprits behind lingering laundry odors is over use of detergent. A little goes a long way. I was very stubborn on this one, thinking NO WAY! But I cut back, switched to Tide Free & Gentle, and now I use maybe 2 tablespoons per load.
**How to Use:**
- Add 1-2 tbsp to your laundry and that’s it. For bigger loads, 2tbsp, smaller loads just 1 tbsp. Recommend the liquid detergent.
2. **Arm & Hammer Natural Detergent Booster and freshener Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster & Household Cleaner**
This has been the biggest help with smelly laundry! I add 1/2 cup to every load, and just sprinkle it on top of the load before starting. Previously, I tried Vinegar as all the Google searches say, but I could ALWAYS smell vinegar as soon as we got a little sweaty in a workout (talk about EXTRA gross). I also have tried other brands and none worked to help get the sweaty smell out of clothes. I feel if you do anything in this article, this is a MUST for laundry.
- You must use HOT water when using this to get the best results. If your clothes are SUPER stinky, or it's your first time, do a pre-soak.
- For extra-stubborn odors, create a soaking solution by dissolving Arm & Hammer in water and let your laundry soak before washing.
3. Downy Rinse & Refresh
I love it when clothes smell fresh, so this is the perfect addition to our laundry. I usually switch up the scents every time I buy a new bottle.
**How to Use:**
- Put this wherever your laundry says to add “softener”. This adds it at the right time, adding just a nice fresh scent to your laundry.
- Downy also offers an unscented option, which I have yet to try since I like a fresh scent.
BONUS
**Wool Dryer Balls: Natural Fabric Softeners and Odor Neutralizers**
Say goodbye to chemical-laden fabric softeners and dryer sheets. Wool dryer balls are an eco-friendly and reusable alternative that not only reduce drying time and wrinkles but also help eliminate odors. The natural fibers of the wool balls work by fluffing and separating the laundry, allowing air to circulate more efficiently. My mom actually told me about this option and now, after doing the steps above, I no longer use scented dryer sheets (which by the way, have you seen how expensive dryer sheets have gotten!)
**How to Use:**
- Toss 3-6 wool dryer balls into the dryer with your wet laundry.
- For a burst of freshness, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the dryer balls before each use.
Banishing laundry odors is no longer a daunting task. Incorporate these products into your laundry routine, and say hello to fabrics that not only look clean but also smell irresistibly fresh. Cheers to laundry days filled with the scent of success!
