Why do clean clothes smell bad? 7 possible reasons and their solutions

It has happened to all of us at some time that we are going to put on a recently washed shirt or a clean blouse, but the garment surprises us with a unpleasant smell.

Although you put the clean clothes in the closet, after a while they acquired a smell that makes it impossible to put them on. we tell you 7 secrets to combat the bad smell of clothes.

Why clean clothes smell bad and how to avoid it

Unpleasant odors arise when bacteria or mold multiply on textiles. The metabolic processes of microorganisms produce, among other things, sulfur-containing compounds, that we perceive through its bad smell.

If you want to prevent your clothes from smelling bad, you must eliminate the germs’ livelihood. The entire process must be hygienic and humidity must be avoided at all costs.

1. You leave clothes in the washing machine for too long

If the clothes smell bad after washing, it is recommended to remove the clothes from the drum immediately after the end of the wash cycle.

When clothes are left inside with the door closed, germs start to proliferate right away. Never leave wet clothes in the washing machine.

2. You are not drying clothes well

Hang clothes outside to dry quickly and completely. If it is warm enough outside (around 15 degrees) and there is no pollen that you are allergic to, the clothes can be dried outside.

If clothes and textiles remain wet for too long, unpleasant odors will be generated. These tips will help:

shake the clothes before hanging it up.Always hang clothes at a distance enough each other.If you tend indoors, ventilate the room well so that moisture can escape.

3. The culprit is the washing machine

The most common reason for bad smells from clothes is probably the washing machine itself, that, for whatever reason, doesn’t do its job as hygienically as it should.

The following questions may help with the solution of the problem:

Does the drum smell bad? Have deposits formed inside? Is the detergent drawer clean? Are the input and output drawers clean? Has the lint filter been cleaned? Could parts of the machine be calcified?

A thorough cleaning of the washing machine never hurts. It will not only improve the smell of clothes, but also extend the life of the machine. Here we tell you how to clean the washing machine with baking soda and vinegar.

Quick tips:

Always leave the washing machine ajar after washing to allow moisture to escape.Do not always wash at low temperatures, although that is more ecological, wash at least once a month at more than 70 ºC. That kills germs.Wash “odour-prone” clothing (gym clothes, underwear, socks) at higher temperatures.Detergents for hygiene, fragrances for clothes, perfumes or other laundry additives may provide temporary relief, but they are not a substitute for thorough cleaning and are generally not good for the environment.

4. The dryer is the origin

If you use a dryer, that could also be the culprit. Germs can also multiply in a dryer that has not been cleaned for a long time and the odor is transferred to clothing.

Quick tips:

Do not leave the clothes in the dryer when the process is finished. It’s a good idea to leave the dryer door open. some time after drying.A very simple remedy for a moldy dryer is to dispense with it and hang the clothes outside. This is not only cheaper and more environmentally friendly, but also protects the clothing.

5. The fault lies with the fibers you choose for your clothes

Textiles with a high plastic content, such as polyester and acrylic, are considered more prone to odors because they provide a good home for certain types of bacteria.

The natural textiles of cotton, linen and hemp, on the other hand, they absorb odors more slowly.

6. It could be a reaction of the detergent and the perfumes

Another possibility, although unlikely, is that you are using perfumes, deodorants, or other body products that enter the machine through your clothing and react with detergent and additives (softeners, stain removers, etc.), and a bad smell is produced.

If you suspect this may be the case, the only way to eliminate the cause is to experiment, try a different detergent and omit the additives.

7. The problem may be the wardrobe

The cause of the bad smell is probably not in the washer or dryer, but in the closet. To verify this, look at the following aspects:

Are there damp spots on the wall behind the cabinet or inside the cabinet?If the cabinet is next to a cold exterior wall, it is easier for condensation to form inside. If this is the problem, it is advisable to improve the insulation of the wall and frequently ventilate the closet and the room. Mold is more likely to develop in closets that are not opened for a long time. Cabinets should also be ventilated.If clothes hang too close together or are bunched up, the closet cannot ‘breathe’ either. Go ahead and take the opportunity to clean and get rid of the clothes you don’t wear.

To avoid humidity in the cabinets, you can take the following measures:

At least once or twice a year, thoroughly clean the closet with warm water and a vinegar-based cleaner.Place dried coffee grounds on a saucer or in a cup in the cupboard. Coffee absorbs odors.Put a bag with lavender hanging next to the hangers.