Exposure to certain elements, chemicals, and smoke makes clothes smell musty, sometimes, even after being washed. In cases like these, it becomes critical to know how to remove the smell from clothes without washing them, as repeated washing can damage the clothing.
This article will discuss methods and remedies to remove your clothes’ smell without washing them.
10 Ways to Take the Smell Out of Clothes Without Washing
Sometimes, you want to go out and find that your clothes have a horrible smell, and you may not have the time to wash them, which is why the focus here is on keeping the smell out of clothes without washing them.
However, you’ll often find these methods more effective if you wash your clothes as usual afterward. This is because washing keeps our clothes neater, fresher, and healthier.
Method 1: Air drying
The most straightforward method for addressing smells on your clothes without washing is to hang your clothes outside your closet just after you’ve worn them to air them out. Before storing your clothes back in your wardrobe, it is best to air them out for a day.
If you do this, the smell will reduce within a day, but a thick smell might require a couple of days to freshen up.
Method 2: Sun drying
Sun drying is better than air drying for getting smells out of clothes without washing. Most clothes’ odor will be quenched in the presence of sunlight by just hanging the smelling clothes or spreading them on the clothesline, as you would typically do.
Leave them for a couple of hours and come back, picking them up from the clothing line.
Method 3: Spraying of Vodka
Spraying vodka on your clothing is another good way to get the smell out of clothing without washing it because it is high in alcohol. Follow these simple steps below to use vodka to get rid of the smell from your clothes:
Step 1: Fill a spraying bottle with plain vodka for easy application and spray on your clothes. Using a sprayer that produces a fine diffused spray is recommended rather than a strong directional one.
Step 2: Leave the clothes to dry for a day or two before returning them to the closet or wearing it again.
Note: Before using vodka on your clothing, try it on an inconspicuous clothing area first to ensure it won’t damage your clothes.
Method 4: Spraying of white vinegar
White vinegar is one household ingredient that will always come in handy to get rid of clothes’ smell without washing. So, if you want to get rid of the smell of your clothes using white vinegar, follow these simple steps below:
Step 1: Spray your piece of clothing with a jug of half white vinegar and half water, and like the vodka approach,
Step 2: After spraying, air out the clothes for a day before returning the clothing to your storage room or re-wearing it.
Note: To guarantee vinegar won’t affect the texture, try it on an inconspicuous area of that clothing.
Method 5: Freeze the clothes
This is another method to get rid of smells from your clothes without washing them. It’s thought that cold temperatures can kill odor-causing bacteria.
Here’s how to go about it in a simple guideline below:
Step 1: Fold your clothes and put them in a bag.
Step 2: Pop open the freezer and put it in for about twelve hours. The stinky smell on your clothes should be gone by the time you get them out.
Method 6: Cloth Steaming
Steaming your clothes is another way to get a lousy odor out of your clothes. Before steaming a cloth, remember to check the clothing label to see if you can steam them.
Note: Some clothes, such as softened cowhide, cannot be steamed, and you should turn clothing with sensitive embellishments back to the front before steaming.
Method 7: Using Anti-odour Spray
Anti-odour spray helps remove bad odors from your clothes while adding a pleasant smell. These sprays contain chemical ingredients that obliterate the pH of bad odors. Once you spray your smelling clothes and air dry them, you will be able to eliminate the unpleasant odor, and your clothes will smell great.
Method 8: Putting The Clothes In The Dryer
Tossing your clothes in the dryer is another good way of getting bad odor out of your clothing. You must add a fabric softener sheet and a clean towel before drying. The fabric softener sheet will add a pleasant smell, and the towel will help absorb moisture and unpleasant odors. Throw them in the dryer with your clothes and run them for about ten minutes.
Method 9: Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is another household ingredient you can use to get rid of the smell of your clothes without washing them. Follow these simple steps below to use baking soda to get rid of the smell of your clothes:
Step 1: Place your musty clothes in a large plastic bag and add some baking soda.
Step 2: Give the bag a good shake so that the baking soda covers all of your clothes, and then leave it to sit for ten minutes.
Step 3: Remove your clothes and brush off the baking soda.
Or you could use this other method.
Step 1: Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water to form a thick paste
Step 2: Apply the paste directly to the musty regions on your clothes.
Step 3: Allow it to dry and harden before brushing it off.
Note: You can repeat the process until the smell fades completely.
Method 10: Using Essential Oil
Essential oil usually helps to overpower any unpleasant odors on your clothing. You can use any essential oil you prefer, but lavender, grapefruit, and lemon essential oils may be more effective at removing musty odors.
Also, essential oils can be overwhelming and difficult to remove if you add too much; always use a few drops when mixing with a water bottle.
Here’s how to go about applying an essential oil to your clothes below:
Step 1: You have to take your favorite essential oil and add a few drops into a spray bottle full of water.
Step 2: Spray your clothes with the sweet-smelling solution and let them dry. Spray enough oil until the smell is out of your clothes.