Like it or not, sometimes our laundry comes out of the dryer still smelling like our laundry detergent. No matter how this happened, maybe it was unintentional or maybe you used scented laundry detergent, many people wouldn’t be too happy about this turn of events.
Because even if you like the scent of your laundry detergent, most people don’t want that scent to be too strong. And this unfortunate situation will probably lead you straight into the question… how do you remove the laundry detergent smell from clothes?
We’re going to share how you can do that today, but we’re also going to dive deep into the topic of laundry and how it should smell.
How Do You Remove The Laundry Detergent Smell From Clothes?
You have two options for quickly removing a detergent smell from your laundry. Number one, you could mix baking soda with warm water, pour that solution into a container filled with cold water where you’ll wash your laundry, and let your clothes sit in the solution all night. Number two, mix together water and vinegar, and let your clothes soak overnight in that instead. It really depends on which you prefer, baking soda or vinegar.
How Do You Keep Laundry From Smelling Like Detergent?
The answer to this depends on whether or not you’re using scented detergent to wash your laundry. If you are using scented detergent then choosing a no-scent detergent instead will solve your problem. If you’re not using a scented detergent then the answer is a bit more complex.
Typically, if your no-scent detergent is leaving a smell behind after the wash cycle is complete then it means you’re simply using too much. In this case, just begin to watch how much detergent you’re using a bit more closely, and even if you’re using the amount suggested on the package, consider using a bit less.
Another common issue that might be causing your laundry to smell this way is simply that excess detergent has built up in your machine over time. A good cleaning will solve this problem, just run an empty cycle in your machine with some vinegar and baking soda mixed in.
How Can You Make Sure Your Laundry Smells Fresh?
Starting with the very beginning, one of the best ways to keep your laundry smelling fresh is to never let unpleasant smells stick to them in the first place if you can help it.
The best way to achieve this is by washing your laundry as quickly as you can, because the longer they sit the more stubborn the smells will become. And store your laundry in hampers with holes, this will provide extra air flow and prevent odors from sticking to the clothing.
The next thing you can do is make sure you’re washing your clothes in the most optimal way. For instance, did you know that cold water doesn’t always lead to fresh smelling laundry? Because it doesn’t.
It’s best to use warm water to wash your laundry instead of cold, a good target temperature would be 90 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 43 degrees Celsius).
And after the load is done washing, make sure to put it in the dryer as quickly as you can since leaving it in the washer too long could make your clothes smell like mildew.
It’s very important that you should also always leave your washer door open for about an hour after you wash your laundry in order to let the washer air out. This will help you avoid, you guessed it… mildew!
You are probably wondering though, couldn’t I keep my laundry smelling good by using scented detergent. Those scents are always nice, and it would overwhelm any potential bad smells my clothes might possess.
You’d be half right, the smells of scented detergents are normally pleasant as long as they aren’t too strong. But these detergents aren’t your best option if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or young kids in the home. Because these scented formulas often have chemicals inside them that can cause serious skin irritation.
And not only that, but many scented detergents aren’t well-made and won’t actually get your clothes clean. But since the clothes would smell nice, you’d never know it! So most people agree that it’s best to avoid scented detergents.
What Can I Use Instead Of Scented Detergents?
But if you can’t use scented detergents then what exactly should you be using? Thankfully there are many options out there for alternatives to scented detergents, you just have to choose the one that appeals the most to you.
First of all, you could simply choose a no-scent detergent. These types of detergents are normally a lot softer and contain less harsh chemicals than their scented counterparts. Just do you research and find a high quality one.
Other options include using some homemade detergents. Things like baking soda and vinegar have long been known as great laundry cleaners in their own right. And you could look into more unique options as well, such as soap nuts, dish washing liquid, or even shampoo!
And if you’d like a particular kind of scent added to whatever detergent you decide to use, then you could always choose an essential oil to add in small amounts to each cycle. This way you get a scent, but through a more natural path which means you wouldn’t have to worry about harmful chemicals.
In Conclusion!
Throughout the course of this article, you’ve learned the answer to the all important question… how do you remove the laundry detergent smell from clothes? And you’ve also learned how to keep that smell from appearing in the first place.
So hopefully you’re feeling satisfied with the information you’ve learned, especially the portions of the article aimed at making your laundry smell the best it can. Because the best feeling in the world is pulling fresh laundry out of the dryer and enjoying the perfect scent! And now you can do just that.
