How To Get The Smell Out Of Clothes Without Washing?

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We’ve all been there. You grab your favorite shirt, only to find it smells less than fresh. Maybe it sat in a drawer too long, picked up food smells at dinner, or just didn’t air out properly after the last wear. Still, it’s not exactly dirty, and you’re not ready to toss it in the wash again. So, what now?

Washing clothes too often can wear them down faster, fade colors, and use up loads of water and energy. The good news? You don’t always need to reach for the detergent. If you’re wondering how to get smell out of clothes without washing, you’ve landed in the right place.

Let us help you understand why clothes smell and offer tried-and-true ways to remove odors from clothes without a washing machine.

Why Do Clothes Smell?

Before jumping into solutions, let’s look at what causes odors in the first place.

Bacteria Build-Up

Sweat and skin oils create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, especially in synthetic fabrics like spandex or polyester. These bacteria break down proteins in sweat, releasing unpleasant odors. That’s why workout clothes often stink more than others.

Mold & Mildew

Leaving clothes damp, whether in a gym bag, hamper, or closet, can invite mildew. Musty, old closet smells usually come from fabric that’s been stored without enough airflow.

Lingering Detergents

If you’ve ever noticed a “sour” smell after washing, it might be leftover detergent or softener buildup. Ironically, washing too often (or with too much soap) can backfire.

Absorbed Odors

Clothes easily soak up environmental smells like smoke, food, or body odor. If they aren’t aired out quickly, those smells can stick around.

Pro Tip: If your garments not only smell but also have stubborn marks, check out this guide on old stains removal to bring them back to life.

10 Simple Tricks To Get Smell Out Of Clothes Without Washing

Whether you’re in a hurry, traveling, or just trying to stretch the time between loads, here are practical ways to get stink out of clothes without a single rinse.

Let Fresh Air Do Its Thing

Fresh air is nature’s best hack to make your clothes odorless. Hang your clothing outside or near an open window. A few hours of airflow can remove most light odors. Nature is surprisingly good at deodorizing.

Use the Power of the Sun

Can sunlight eliminate odors from clothes? Absolutely. Its natural bacteria-killing properties work wonders. Lay your garments in direct sunlight for a few hours. Just be cautious with colored clothing, as long exposure can cause fading.

Spritz with White Vinegar

Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and lightly spray the smelly areas. Vinegar neutralizes odors and evaporates quickly, making it a solid go-to for getting rid of that musty smell after storage.

Baking Soda

Are you wondering how to get odor out of clothes that have been stored too long? Simply, sprinkle an adequate amount of baking soda over the cloth and let it sit overnight. Scrub off the excess baking soda in the morning and enjoy a fresher scent.

Steam Them Out

Steam doesn’t just smooth out wrinkles; it can also remove odors. Use a garment steamer or hang your dirty clothes in the bathroom during a hot/warm shower. The heat helps kill bacteria and release trapped smells.

Try Fabric Fresheners or Dryer Sheets

This is the quickest and easiest hack to make your clothes fresh. Spray a gentle fabric refresher (avoid anything heavy or chemical-laden) or tuck a dryer sheet in the clothing for a few hours. This is great for last-minute refreshes before heading out.

Vodka Spray Hack

Can you use vodka to remove odor from clothes? Yes, really. Unflavored vodka kills bacteria and evaporates odor. Mist it lightly onto the fabric and hang to dry. It’s especially useful for smoking or body odors.

Freeze Your Clothes

This hack might sound unconventional, but trust us, it works miraculously. Put your smelly clothing in a plastic bag and freeze it overnight. The low temperature kills bacteria that cause odor. It’s a weird trick, but it works for delicate or hard-to-wash fabrics.

Lemon Juice Refresher

Mix equal parts water and lemon/lime juice in a small spray bottle. Lightly mist clothes to leave them smelling clean and citrusy. Lemon works particularly well for neutralizing strong odors like garlic or fish.

Activated Charcoal

Charcoal to deodorize clothes? Yes, please. Place a charcoal bag in your closet or in a sealed container with your garment. Charcoal absorbs odors over time and is especially helpful for rarely-washed items like jackets or hats.

Tough Smells or Stains? Here’s When to Deep Clean

While learning how do I get smells out of clothes is a game-changer, your garments might still need a deep clean now and then, especially if you’re dealing with stubborn funk.

When it is time to wash, remember to address other fabric concerns, too. Problems like old or set-in stains or color-bleeding fabrics can also ruin the integrity of the cloth. These are common issues that show up when clothes aren’t washed or treated correctly.

In this regard, Old stains can be removed by pre-treating with a paste of baking soda and water, or dabbing with vinegar and dish soap. Let it sit, scrub gently, and rinse (when you do wash).

Conversely, for Color bleed accidents, soak affected garments in cold water mixed with oxygen bleach, not chlorine bleach. This can help reverse the bleeding before it sets.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re camping, short on time, or just trying to cut back on water use, how to get smell out of clothes without washing them? Now you have a toolkit of non-washing methods to refresh your wardrobe. From baking soda to vodka sprays, steaming to sunshine, these hacks are effective, budget-friendly, and kind to your clothes. That means you can extend the life of your favorite pieces while reducing laundry loads.

If your clothes still smell after trying these tips, don’t stress. At Laundry Matters RI, we will pick up your laundry, clean it using eco-friendly methods, and return it fresh and odor-free. Call our laundry company at 401-782-3722 or book your first pickup today, and say goodbye to stubborn smells for good.