How can I make my Laundry Smell Good?

But seriously though!

Washing clothes can be a chore for sure, but do you know what’s even more frustrating?  

Clothes that don’t smell fresh after drying.

Whether it’s because you have left it in the washer for too long (haven’t we all?) or because your washer itself needs a thorough rinsing, stinky laundry is a problem we all face every once in a while. 

Below is my best advice on how to get your laundry to smell unbelievably good ! 

 I am going to break it down into two parts. First we will talk about how to remove musty odor from clothes, and then we will talk about my favorite ways to make your laundry smell good naturally.

How do you remove odor from clothes?

Laundry can be smelly for a number of reasons. Without first eliminating the root cause of the bad smell, it is pointless to talk about how to make laundry smell really good.  The first step to making your laundry smell really good is to determine the cause of the odor.  

A little science – 

Scientists have identified six volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the culprits of funky laundry smell. These compounds are caused by bacteria strains which survive the wash cycle if the clothes are washed in cold water. That is why it is super important to wash clothes in warm or hot water. 

Here are some other common reasons for that musty smell in your clothes

• Mildew
• Baby related fluids like spit up/ diaper blowouts etc
• Bodily fluids like urine, blood, or perspiration
• Environmental odors like onion, garlic, cigarette smoke, perfume
• Mold spores growing in the washer / dryer

The following is a list of things to do to avoid or eliminate odor:

1. DO wash your washing machine periodically to get rid of build up & bacteria
   

   Washing machines, especially front load washers, tend to reek of musty odors. Use our HE Washer Cleaner to clean the inside of your washing machine once every month or more if needed. Use the directions provided on the label.
   
   

2. Don’t leave clothes sitting in the washer for too long
   

   This reason is by far the most common reason for musty smelling clothes.  Here’s What to do instead  – Set a timer on your phone to make sure you switch out the clothes as soon the wash cycle is complete.
   
   

3. Don’t store clothes away for a season without proper ventilation
   

   Clothes that are stored away in boxes like coats and such during the summer develop a musty odor due to lack of proper air circulation.  This is because the humidity in the air can cause the storage box to develop moisture. If there isn’t a way for that moisture to escape, it creates an optimum environment for mildew and mold spores to grow in your clothes. Here’s what to do instead: Buy storage boxes with a ventilation flap.
   
   

4. Don’t Wash ALL of your clothes in cold
   

   Some people like to wash their clothes in cold water because it is both environmentally friendly and energy efficient. While washing in cold is a smart option for many reasons, it is always best to first read the labels of the clothes to see the manufacturer’s instructions on how the clothes should be washed. Studies have also shown that hot temperatures kill bacteria growth in clothes.
   
   

5. DO use a natural deodorizer in your wash cycle
   

   White vinegar and baking soda are the two most popular natural and inexpensive deodorizers available. Note that you only need to use one of the two to make it work and never use both together as the combination of acid (vinegar)  and the base (baking soda) neutralize its properties, essentially canceling each other out. Our laundry soap has sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) mixed with it as an easy way to eliminate those stinky odors. You can purchase our laundry soap here.
   
   

6. DON’T use too much laundry detergent
   

   Although this may seem counter intuitive, adding too much soap to your laundry causes build up in your clothes which makes it more difficult to get the bacteria causing odors out of your clothes.
   
   

7. DO use essential oils with anti mold properties
   

   Mold cannot stand essential oils. They are potent and powerful tools at our disposal to fight mold & fungus problems. While some essential oils should not be used on skin such as cinnamon, Strong essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus are skin safe and effective mold fighting superheroes. You can find NearBayou’s Euphoric Eucalyptus laundry soap or NearBayou’s Lavender Fields laundry soap here.
   
   

8. DO air out your washer after each use
   

   Mildew lives on two things – darkness & moisture. Leaving your washer closed after use gives mildew exactly what it needs to thrive. People with H.E. washers often leave the washer door open.
   
   

9. Keep it simple
   

   Use a laundry soap that consists of pure, plant-based and environmentally-friendly ingredients without residue-creating unnecessary fillers.

Now, let’s talk about ways to add some good smell to the laundry

1. Make a scent bag to store in your closet
   

   Store a sock filled with your favorite essential oil & some baking soda and keep it in your closet. The essential oils will make your clothes smell good too.
   
   

2. Use scented dryer balls
   

   Strong smelling essential oils like patchouli or peppermint will cling to your clothes if you run them in the dryer with scented woolen dryer balls. These are available in stores everywhere.
   
   

3. Scented felt 

   Throw a piece of felt scented with essential oils like bergamot, lavender or eucalyptus in the dryer with the rest of the load.
   
   

4. Do your own research first
   

   Information is free on the internet. Verify the information. Find reliable sources with great ideas and use those ideas. Talk to people and listen, I learn so much from my business partners and customers!!! Thanks for reading!

Do you have any good tips on combating that dreaded laundry odor? Please let us know in the comments below.