So, you’ve finally decided on an outfit to wear, only to discover that fresh just-washed fragrance has been replaced with an old musty odour. If your washed clothes smell just as bad coming out of the closet as they did going into the washing machine, it may be time to re-evaluate your laundry habits.
Discover our favourite laundry hacks for keeping your clothes smelling fresh, from tips for storing clothes to unexpected cleaning products you should bring to the self-service laundromat.
How to Get That Funky Smell Out of Your Dirty Laundry
Rethink Your Washing Powder Habits
While detergent is a key ingredient to keeping your clothes smelling fresh, too much of a good thing can be bad. Overloading washing power is a common mistake many of us are guilty of, which can lead to residue remaining on clean clothes and creating a funky odour.
On the other hand, too little washing power could mean your clothes aren’t being cleaned properly. Luckily most washing powders come with a handy measuring cup; all you need to do is follow that guide correctly.
Use Baking Soda to Remove Musty Smells
Baking soda is a handy trick that will help remove odours from clothing. If you have a particularly potent set of workout clothes, soak them in cold water with a cup of baking soda. The baking soda helps break down the enzymes trapped inside the fabric responsible for creating the odour. Remember to do a spot test beforehand to ensure the baking soda won’t harm the items in any way.
Use White Vinegar to Eliminate Damp Odour
Vinegar is an excellent natural deodoriser that keeps clothes smelling fresh. Add a cupful of white vinegar to your next load, along with your usual washing powder, and that’s that. Don’t worry; your clothes won’t come out smelling like pickled onions; the vinegar smell will dissipate as they dry.
How to Keep Your Closet Smelling Fresh
Add Fragrant Objects to Your Closet
If you’re one of the millions who start their day with a coffee, you’ve already got the secret to fresh-smelling clothes sitting in your kitchen cupboard. Poke some holes in a container of coffee grounds and leave it in your closet. The fragrance will disperse throughout your wardrobe and remove any unpleasant smells.
If coffee isn’t your thing, you can do the same with bars of soap. When warm, soap releases a sweet scent into the space making your clothing and closet much more fragrant and keeping old musty odours at bay.
Switch to Wooden Hangers
If your clothes tend to acquire a damp or mouldy smell when hanging for too long, it may be a moisture issue. Consider switching to wooden hangers, as wood naturally absorbs moisture in the air to prevent dampness.
Keep Your Clothes Looking and Smelling Fresh
Don’t make your outfit decision any harder than it has to be; keep your clothes smelling fresh during and after you’ve washed them with these laundry hacks. Don’t believe us? Put these tips to the test at our Papamoa laundromat or any of our other locations and experience laundry the Liquid way.