Unpleasant odours in clothing are a common issue that can be frustrating to deal with. Whether it's perspiration, mildew, smoke, or lingering food smells, these odours can cling to fabric even after washing, leaving clothes smelling less than fresh. Factors like humidity, improper drying, and detergent buildup can also contribute to stubborn odours that won’t go away easily.
Many people turn to fabric sprays, scented detergents, or multiple washes to mask the smell, but these solutions often provide only temporary relief. To truly get rid of smell from clothes, it’s important to use the right techniques that target the root cause rather than just covering it up.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through effective methods to eliminate odours from clothes, from simple household remedies to specialized laundry techniques.
What causes odour in clothes?
Odours in clothes don’t just happen—they develop when moisture, bacteria, and residues become trapped in fabric fibres. Here are some common culprits:
- Sweat and body oils – Bacteria break down sweat, creating strong odours that cling to fabric, especially synthetic materials.
- Damp conditions – Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine or not drying them properly can lead to mildew growth.
- Smoke and food odours – Fabrics easily absorb smells from cooking, smoke, or strong fragrances, making them difficult to remove.
- Dirty washing machine – Detergent, fabric softener, and mould buildup inside the machine can transfer musty smells to clothes.
- Humid weather – Excess moisture in the air slows down drying, allowing odours to develop and linger.
- Detergent and fabric softener residue – Using too much product can leave behind a film that traps bacteria and odours in fabric.
By identifying the cause, you can choose the best method to refresh your clothes and keep them smelling clean.
General tips for removing odour from clothes
The key to keeping garments fresh is preventing odours before they set in. Here are some general tips to tackle smells at the source:
- Air out clothes after wearing – Instead of throwing worn clothes into a laundry basket immediately, let them air out to prevent bacteria from multiplying.
- Avoid overloading the washing machine – Clothes need space to be cleaned properly; an overloaded machine may not remove odour-causing bacteria effectively.
- Keep your washing machine clean – A dirty washer can transfer odours to clothes. Regularly clean the drum and detergent drawer to prevent mould and mildew buildup.
- Use natural odour eliminators – Simple household ingredients like baking soda, lemon juice, and salt can help neutralise smells before washing.
| Natural deodoriser | Why it works | How to use it |
| Baking soda | A powerful odour absorber that helps break down smells trapped in fabric. | Spot treatment: Sprinkle baking soda on affected areas, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then brush it off. Laundry booster: Add half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with detergent for extra freshness. |
| Lemon juice | Acts as a natural deodoriser due to its acidic properties that break down odour molecules. | Pre-treatment spray: Mix equal parts lemon juice and water, spray onto clothes, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before washing. Laundry additive: Add a small amount to your wash cycle for extra freshness. |
| Salt solution | Helps remove stubborn smells by drawing out bacteria and odour-causing residues. | Soak method: Dissolve half a cup of salt in cold water and soak smelly clothes for 30 minutes before washing. Final rinse: Rinse thoroughly and wash as usual to prevent salt buildup on fabrics. |
Note: Always test on a small, hidden area before applying to ensure they won’t damage delicate fabrics.
Effective washing techniques to remove odours
Using the right washing techniques ensures odours are completely removed rather than just masked.
1. Address stains promptly
Sweat and body oils can set into fabric over time, leading to persistent odours.
To prevent this, treat sweat stains as soon as possible by pre-soaking clothes in a mixture of water and mild detergent or applying a stain remover before washing. This helps break down bacteria and odour-causing residues before they become embedded in the fabric.
2. Wash clothes using hot water
Hot water is highly effective at removing odours, particularly from heavily soiled clothes like gym wear and towels.
When washing, check fabric labels to ensure heat-safe temperatures, and use at least 40°C for cotton and durable fabrics. For delicate materials, opt for a warm wash or add an antibacterial laundry additive to eliminate lingering smells.
3. Use a double rinse cycle
Detergent and odour-causing bacteria can remain trapped in fabric fibres if not rinsed properly. Running a double rinse cycle when using washing machine ensures that all soap residues and remaining odours are thoroughly removed, leaving clothes cleaner and fresher.
4. Prevent detergent and fabric softener residues
Excess detergent and fabric softener can trap bacteria in clothes, causing musty odours over time. To avoid detergent and fabric softener buildup, follow these tips:
- Choose an enzymatic or antibacterial detergent – These formulas help break down odour-causing bacteria more effectively. For a comprehensive guide on choosing the best detergent format for your needs, dive into our article Liquid vs. powder detergent vs. pods: Which is best to use?
- Measure detergent correctly – Overuse leads to residue buildup, so follow package recommendations.
- Run a cleaning cycle on your washing machine – Regularly clean the drum to remove detergent and mold buildup. See our full guide on how to remove residues on clothes.
- Use smart technology – Electrolux front loader washing machines’ SensorWash technology automatically detect dirt and soil levels to adjust the cycle duration.
How to deal with specific odours
Different odours require different treatment methods. Below is a guide on how to tackle specific smells, from musty mould to lingering pet odours.
Mould odours
Mould and mildew develop when clothes are stored damp or exposed to humid conditions, leaving a musty smell. To remove it:
- Wash clothes with vinegar or oxygen bleach to kill mould spores.
- Sun-dry garments to let UV rays naturally neutralise bacteria.
- Store clothes in a dry, ventilated area to prevent mustiness from returning.
Sweat smell
Sweat trapped in fabric, especially synthetic materials, can cause stubborn odours over time. To eliminate it:
- Soak athletic wear in white vinegar or baking soda before washing.
- Use an enzymatic detergent designed for sportswear to break down bacteria.
- Wash in hot water (if fabric allows) to kill odour-causing germs.
- Air-dry in sunlight to refresh and deodorise.
Smoke odours
Clothes easily absorb cigarette smoke, kitchen fumes, or fire-related odours, making them difficult to remove. To freshen them:
- Air out clothes outdoors before washing to help release trapped smoke particles.
- Add vinegar or activated charcoal to your laundry cycle to neutralise odours.
- Use a long wash cycle with an odour-removing detergent.
- Steam or tumble-dry with dryer sheets to refresh fabric.
Pet odours
Pet fur, dander, and occasional accidents can leave unwanted smells on clothing. To keep your garments fresh:
- Shake off fur and pre-soak in baking soda water before washing.
- Use a pet-safe detergent with antibacterial properties.
- Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralise odours.
- Dry thoroughly and store pet-worn clothing separately to prevent lingering smells.
Learn more washing tips from Electrolux:
Post-wash care tips to keep clothes fresh
Washing is just one step—proper drying and storage prevent odours from returning.
Use a clothes dryer
A tumble dryer ensures clothes dry thoroughly, preventing musty smells caused by lingering moisture—especially in humid or rainy conditions.
Electrolux dryer can keep fabrics fresh and well-cared for with these advanced functions and techniques like:
- Sensors – Measure and adjust drying times to reduce wear and tear.
- ReverseTumbling – Reduces wrinkles and prevent clothes from tangling for easy and quick ironing.
- Fast cycle – Quickly dry small loads within 30 minutes for urgent use.
Discover the popular Electrolux dryers here :
- ReverseTumbling reduces wrinkles up to 1/3*.
- Sensors adjust cycles to reduce wear and tear.
- ColourCare reduces fading by up to 80%*.
- ReverseTumbling reduces wrinkles up to 1/3*.
- Sensors adjust cycles to reduce wear and tear.
- ColourCare reduces fading by up to 80%*.
Learn more drying tips from Electrolux for optimal results:
Sun-drying clothes
Outdoor drying in direct sunlight is a natural and effective way to neutralise odours. UV rays kill bacteria and mold spores that cause bad smells.
How to maximise sun-drying:
- Hang clothes directly in sunlight for at least a few hours.
- Turn dark-coloured fabrics inside out to prevent fading.
- Ensure proper airflow by spacing garments apart on the line.
Proper storage
Even freshly washed clothes can develop a musty smell if stored improperly. Use breathable storage solutions to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
Best storage practices:
- Use cotton garment bags or mesh storage bins instead of plastic containers.
- Place scented sachets (like lavender or cedarwood) in wardrobes to maintain freshness.
- Ensure clothes are completely dry before folding and storing.
Keep your clothes fresh with the right care
Eliminating odours from clothes requires the right washing, drying, and storage techniques. Pre-treating stains, using natural deodorisers, and washing with hot water help remove smells at the source. Proper drying—whether in the sun or with a dryer—prevents musty odours, while breathable storage solutions maintain long-lasting freshness.
For an effortless solution, Electrolux front load washing machines and washer dryers offer advanced features to combat odours effectively:
- Sanitize and hot temperature cycles – Remove bacteria and deep-set odours for a fresher clean.
- UltraMix technology – Thoroughly dissolves and activates detergent and softener in advance, preventing residue buildup that can trap odours.
To ensure thorough drying and fabric care, Electrolux dryers include:
- ReverseTumbling – Reduces wrinkles to make ironing quick and easy.
- SmartSensors – Measures and adjusts drying time to ensure even drying, preventing damp spots where odours can linger.
Explore Electrolux dryers and washing machines below to find the perfect solution for faster, more efficient drying and ultimate garment care.
- No more visible detergent residue with UltraMix*.
- HygienicCare removes 99.9% allergens and germs*.
- EcoInverter motor uses 50% less energy*.
- No more visible detergent residue with UltraMix*.
- HygienicCare removes 99.9% allergens and germs*.
- EcoInverter motor uses 50% less energy*.
- ReverseTumbling reduces wrinkles up to 1/3*.
- Sensors adjust cycles to reduce wear and tear.
- ColourCare reduces fading by up to 80%*.
Watch Electrolux washing machines and dryer reviews from our real customers for more informed decision.