How to Get Stink Out of Clothes

Ever wonder why your clothes smell musty even after a fresh wash? You’re not alone. Many people face the same issue, pulling laundry from the washing machine only to find lingering odours that weren’t there before.

This happens because trapped sweat, body oils, bacteria, food stains, detergent residue, mildew, and even deodorant buildup can all get embedded deep into the fabric over time.

Regular washing might not always be enough; however, one of the most common questions people ask is, “How do I get the smell out of clothes after washing?” That’s because standard laundry routines don’t always eliminate the odour-causing bacteria and viruses. 

Whether it’s activewear, gym clothes, towels, or everyday outfits, your fabrics need more than just detergent; they need a trusted laundry disinfectant, such as Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant - Crisp Linen.

Continue reading to learn how to get your clothes to smell good after every wash.

What causes laundry odour

Lingering odours in clothes after washing are usually caused by trapped bacteria, body oils, or detergent residue, and they are very hard to remove in just one wash. These smells may stay due to several different reasons, like using too little detergent, overloading the washer, improper drying, or a washing machine that needs cleaning.

How to get rid of laundry odour: A step-by-step guide

Here's how to wash and refresh your clothes to keep them smelling fresh

Phase 1: Read the care label

Before addressing any odours, take a moment to check the care label on your clothes. Whether it’s activewear, towels, cotton tees, or delicate fabrics like silk and wool, each material reacts differently to washing methods and products. This step helps you pick the right approach to remove odours without damaging the fibers or dulling the fabric’s quality.

Phase 2: Sort and prep smelly laundry

Prepping clothes carefully before washing makes a big difference. You can turn garments inside out to expose areas where odours are trapped, like underarms and inner linings.

Sort clothes by fabric type and odour strength to keep sweaty gym wear, musty towels, and lightly worn clothes separate. Avoid mixing heavily scented items with delicate fabrics to prevent cross-contamination and ensure each load gets the right treatment.

Phase 3: Use laundry disinfectant

It’s wash time, but be gentle. Your clothes might look clean, yet they can still hold onto musty smells, sweat, body oils, odours, and bacteria. Use a mild detergent instead of harsh products to clean effectively without harming the fabric.

Apply a trusted, fabric-safe laundry disinfectant to help kill viruses and bacteria, such as Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant - Crisp Linen. This product is gentle on fabric, killing 99.99% of bacteria and viruses that detergents may leave behind*, which can be the culprit of odours being trapped in fabrics. 

Phase 4: Air dry

Air-drying clothes in sunlight helps kill odour-causing bacteria by using the sun’s UV rays and natural airflow. UV radiation helps eliminate bacteria and microbes on fabric surfaces, while fresh air removes the remaining moisture that can lead to unpleasant odours.

^*vs detergent alone; Always read and follow the label.

FAQs

Why does your laundry smell musty even after drying?

A musty smell in clothes typically originates from trapped moisture, which promotes the growth of mold or bacteria. This often happens due to damp laundry or buildup inside the washing machine.

Can drying methods affect clothing odour?

Yes, the way clothes are dried can significantly impact their scent. Inadequate or slow drying, especially in humid environments, traps moisture in fabrics, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth and leading to unpleasant, musty odours.

Does a dirty washing machine cause smelly clothes?

Yes, a dirty washing machine can definitely cause your clothes to smell bad. Residue from detergent, dirt, lint, and mold or mildew can build up inside the machine, leading to unpleasant odors that stick to clothes even after they’ve been washed.

Can washing clothes in cold water cause them to smell?

Yes, washing clothes in cold water can sometimes leave odours behind. That’s because cold water may not always be as effective at rinsing away dirt, oil, and detergent residue, which can harbour bacteria. Try using Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant - Crisp Linen, which leaves a crisp linen fragrance behind, while killing 99.99% of viruses and bacteria that detergents leave behind^*.