How to Remove Odour From Clothes: What Actually Works and What Doesn’t

How to remove odour from clothes is one of the most searched laundry problems, and for good reason. From sweat and smoke to musty and underarm smells, bad odours can cling to fabric even after washing. Sometimes clothes smell fine when wet, only for the odour to return once dry.

If you are dealing with stubborn smells and wondering how to get the smell out of clothes properly, you are not alone. Many people unknowingly use the wrong wash settings or products, which makes odours worse over time. That is why more households now rely on professional services like Laundryheap, where clothes are treated with fabric-specific cleaning methods designed to remove odour at the source rather than masking it.

This guide explains exactly how to remove odour from clothes, what causes smells to linger, and how to prevent them from coming back.

How to remove odour from clothes effectively

To remove odour from clothes, you need to break down the bacteria and residue trapped inside the fabric fibres. Odours are not caused by sweat itself, but by bacteria feeding on sweat and oils.

The most effective methods include:

• Using the correct water temperature
• Allowing enough wash time
• Avoiding detergent buildup
• Drying clothes properly
• Treating odours before they set in

Simply masking smells with fragrance rarely works and often makes the problem worse over time.

How to get the smell out of clothes?

If your clothes still smell after washing, it usually means bacteria or detergent residue are trapped in the fabric.

Here is how to get the smell out of clothes properly:

• Wash with a deep-clean or heavy-duty cycle
• Use the correct detergent amount, not more
• Add white vinegar or baking soda occasionally
• Avoid overloading the machine
• Dry clothes fully before storing

If odours persist, professional laundering can help. Laundryheap uses controlled wash temperatures and commercial-grade cleaning processes that remove odour at the fibre level instead of covering it up.

How to remove underarm odour from clothes fast

Underarm odour is one of the hardest smells to remove because deodorant residue traps bacteria deep in the fabric.

To remove underarm odour from clothes fast:

• Pre-soak garments in warm water with white vinegar
• Rub the underarm area gently before washing
• Wash using an oxygen-based cleaner
• Avoid fabric softener, which seals in smells
• Air-dry if possible

If odour keeps returning, it often means bacteria buildup that home washing cannot fully remove. This is where professional cleaning makes a noticeable difference.

How to remove nonenal odour from clothes

Nonenal odour is the musty, greasy smell often associated with ageing fabrics. It develops over time as body oils oxidise and bind to clothing fibres.

To remove nonenal odour from clothes:

• Wash with hot water if the fabric allows
• Use oxygen bleach rather than regular detergent
• Avoid synthetic fabric softeners
• Dry thoroughly in fresh air
  

Non-enal odour is difficult to eliminate at home, which is why professional laundry services like Laundryheap are often the most effective option for older garments or bedding.

How to get the musty smell out of clothes

Musty smells usually come from clothes being left damp too long or stored in humid spaces.

To remove musty smell from clothes:

• Rewash using warm water
• Add white vinegar or baking soda
• Avoid overloading the machine
• Dry clothes immediately after washing
• Store in a dry, ventilated space

If clothes still smell musty, bacteria and mildew may already be embedded in the fabric.

How to get sweat smell out of clothes

Sweat smells linger because bacteria feed on sweat proteins.

To remove sweat smell from clothes:

• Wash soon after wearing
• Use a detergent designed for activewear
• Turn clothes inside out
• Avoid hot drying before the odour is gone

Repeated heat drying can actually lock sweat smells into fabric, making them harder to remove later.

How to get perfume smell out of clothes

Strong perfume can cling to fibres just as stubbornly as sweat.

To remove perfume smell from clothes:

• Air-dry the clothes outdoors if possible
• Wash using mild detergent
• Avoid scented softeners
• Add baking soda to the wash cycle

Perfume residue often requires multiple washes, especially on synthetic fabrics.

Remove the smoke smell from clothes without washing

If you need to remove the smoke smell without washing:

• Hang clothes outdoors in the fresh air
• Use steam from a shower
• Sprinkle baking soda and brush off later
• Use fabric deodorising sprays sparingly

For heavy smoke odour, professional cleaning is usually the only reliable solution.

Is it better to wash smelly clothes in hot or cold water?

Hot water removes odour more effectively, but only if the fabric allows it.

Use:

• Hot water for cotton, towels, and bedding
• Warm water for synthetics
• Cold water for delicates

Always check care labels first. Incorrect temperatures can damage fabrics or lock in smells.

Why professional laundry works better for odour removal

Professional laundry services use higher-grade detergents, controlled water temperatures, and proper drying techniques that home machines cannot replicate.

Laundryheap customers benefit from:

• Deep odour removal
• Fabric-safe washing
• No detergent buildup
• Consistent results

Instead of rewashing clothes multiple times, professional care removes odour efficiently and extends garment life.

Final thoughts on how to remove odour from clothes

If you are constantly wondering how to remove odour from clothes, the issue is usually bacteria buildup, incorrect washing methods, or heat damage.

To prevent odours:

• Wash effectively for the first time
• Avoid overdrying
• Use the right detergent
• Let clothes dry fully
• Use professional cleaning when needed

Laundryheap makes this process simple by handling everything professionally, saving you time while keeping your clothes fresh and odour-free.

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