How to Remove Tough, Stinky Odors from Clothes

Stubborn odors in clothing can be frustrating. Whether it’s sweat, mildew, smoke, or cooking smells, some odors cling to fabric even after several washes. Fortunately, there are proven methods to remove these lingering scents and leave your clothes smelling clean and fresh.

Understand the Cause of Odors

Odors often come from bacteria, mold, sweat, body oils, or smoke particles trapped in fabric fibers. In many cases, regular detergent alone isn’t enough. The fabric may need deeper cleaning or odor-neutralizing agents to fully remove the source of the smell.

Wash Clothes Immediately When Possible

Letting sweaty or damp clothes sit in a laundry basket gives bacteria time to grow. The longer clothes stay unwashed, the harder it becomes to remove the odor. When possible, wash smelly clothes as soon as you can.

Use White Vinegar in the Wash

White vinegar is a natural deodorizer. It helps break down odor-causing residues and bacteria.

How to use it:

• Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar directly to the drum of your washing machine.
• Wash the clothes with hot water if the fabric allows.
• Use detergent as usual in a second wash if needed.

Vinegar is safe for most fabrics, but avoid using it on delicate items like silk or rayon.

Try Baking Soda for Extra Odor-Fighting Power

Baking soda helps neutralize strong odors and softens clothes. It also boosts your detergent’s effectiveness.

How to use it:

• Add ½ cup of baking soda directly to the drum.
• Use warm or hot water, depending on the fabric care label.
• For stronger odors, soak clothes in a mixture of water and baking soda for a few hours before washing.

Use Enzyme-Based Detergents

Odors caused by sweat and body oils respond well to enzyme detergents. These products break down protein-based stains and odors more effectively than standard detergent.

Check the label for words like “enzymatic” or “for sportswear.” These are usually designed to tackle sweat and odor deeply embedded in athletic or synthetic fabrics.

Use Borax as a Laundry Booster

Borax is a mineral compound that works well as an odor eliminator and detergent booster.

How to use it:

• Dissolve ½ cup of borax in hot water.
• Add the solution to your washing machine along with detergent.
• Wash as usual.

Borax helps clean deep within the fibers and neutralize bacteria that cause smells.

Don’t Overload the Washer

When a washer is packed too tightly, clothes don’t get rinsed properly. Odors can remain trapped in areas that don’t get fully cleaned. Always leave enough space for water and detergent to circulate freely.

Use Hot Water When Safe

Hot water kills more odor-causing bacteria than cold water. If the care label on your garment allows it, choose a warm or hot water cycle. This is especially helpful for towels, gym clothes, and socks.

Dry Clothes Thoroughly

Damp clothes can develop a musty smell, even after being washed. Make sure to dry your clothes completely after washing. Use a dryer or hang clothes in a well-ventilated area with direct sunlight when possible. Sunlight can help kill bacteria and freshen fabric naturally.

Don’t Let Clothes Sit in the Washer

Leaving clean laundry in the washer for hours causes odors to develop again. Bacteria thrive in moist, dark environments. Always transfer washed clothes to the dryer or drying area immediately after the cycle ends.

Try a Vinegar or Baking Soda Pre-Soak

For deeply embedded smells, soaking clothes before washing can help.

Vinegar soak:

• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts warm water.
• Soak clothes for 1 hour before washing.

Baking soda soak:

• Mix ½ cup baking soda with a basin of warm water.
• Soak clothes for 1–2 hours.

Rinse after soaking and wash as usual.

Consider Activated Charcoal for Storage

If odors return even after cleaning, the problem might come from how clothes are stored. Damp closets, old drawers, or poorly ventilated areas can reintroduce musty smells.

Place activated charcoal packets in your closet or drawers. They absorb moisture and help keep clothes smelling fresh.

For Smoke Odors, Air Out Clothes First

Smoke can cling tightly to fabric. Before washing, hang the clothes outside for several hours. Fresh air helps loosen smoke particles. After airing out, wash the clothes with vinegar or an odor-fighting detergent.

Final Thoughts

Tough odors don’t have to ruin your clothes. By using the right combination of natural deodorizers, proper washing techniques, and prompt drying, you can eliminate even the most stubborn smells. The key is to treat the source of the odor directly and avoid letting bacteria settle into the fabric. With consistent care, your laundry will stay fresh and clean.