Everyone loves the feeling of fresh, clean clothes. But let's face it, doing laundry constantly can be a real chore, and it's no fun for the planet either. Did you know that according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, washing and drying clothing contributes to a staggering 120 million tons of CO2 emissions annually? Plus, all that hot water and non-stop spinning wreaks havoc on our fabrics, causing wear and tear way too soon, and forcing us into more shopping sprees than we'd like to admit!
In this blog post, we explain how to get rid of smells from your clothes without washing them. With these 6 easy non-washing methods, you can go a little longer between laundry loads. Not only will that save water and energy, but you'll also give your cherished outfits a longer life. Let's give our planet some love, one fresh outfit at a time!
How to take smells out of clothes (without washing them)
#1: Hang Them - The simplest and oldest trick in the book! Sometimes all your clothes need is a little fresh air and sunshine to remove lingering smells. Hang your garments outdoors on a clothesline or even on a hanger near an open window to let nature work its magic.
Above: This combination of solar and wind technology helps freshen your clothes!
#2: Steam Them - Steaming is not just for wrinkles – it's also a fantastic way to eliminate odours from your clothes. Use a garment steamer or hang them in a steam-filled bathroom while you're showering to release trapped smells and refresh your garments.
#3: Lemon Juice - Harness the natural power of lemons to banish stubborn odours. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and mist your clothes. Lemon's refreshing scent will neutralize smells, leaving your clothes feeling and smelling revitalized.
#4: Freeze Them - Yes, you read that right! Freezing your clothes can be an effective way to remove odours. Place your smelly clothes in a plastic bag and pop them in the freezer for a few hours. The cold temperatures will kill odour-causing bacteria, leaving your clothes odour-free.
#5: Vinegar - Vinegar is a versatile and eco-friendly deodorizer. Create a vinegar and water solution and spritz it on your clothes or add half a cup of vinegar to your laundry during the rinse cycle. Vinegar works wonders in neutralizing odours without leaving behind a lingering vinegar scent.
#6: Bicarbonate of Soda - Bicarbonate of soda (otherwise known as baking soda) is a tried-and-tested odour absorber. Make a bicarb soda paste by mixing it with water and gently rub it onto smelly areas of your clothes. Leave it for a few hours, then brush it off and enjoy fresh-smelling garments.
Now, armed with these 6 non-washing hacks, you're all set to preserve that fresh scent of your clothes while making fewer visits to the washing machine. Less laundry time and a boost to your eco-friendly credentials? It's a definite win-win situation!
What are your tips for removing smells from clothes? Share your hacks in the comments below!
FAQs
How do I remove musty smells from clothes without washing them?
Musty odours can be a real mood dampener. Sunlight and fresh air can work wonders to naturally refresh your garments, so try hanging them outside on a sunny day. Another trick is to place the clothes in a breathable bag with a sachet of dried lavender and bicarbonate of soda. Lavender's fragrance masks musty odours, while bicarb soda absorbs them.
How do I get sweat smells out of clothes?
Sweat odours, meet your match! Try applying a small amount of white vinegar diluted with water directly to the armpit area using a cloth, which helps neutralize the smell. Another solution is to sprinkle a bit of bicarbonate of soda onto the affected areas and then give the fabric a gentle shake to remove the excess.
How do I get smoke smells out of clothes?
Don't let smoky scents linger! Begin by hanging your clothes outside in an area with good airflow. Fresh air can be a powerful smoke odour eliminator. If the smell persists, try placing the clothes in a sealed container or bag with a few activated charcoal pieces. Charcoal has the magic ability to absorb and neutralize odours.
How do I get rid of perfume smells?
Perfume lingering where it's not wanted? To get rid of perfume smells, hang your clothes outdoors for a day, allowing the fresh air to dissipate the scent. You can also place the clothes in a well-ventilated area with a bowl of freshly ground coffee grounds. Coffee's strong aroma can help absorb the perfume smell.