Even after I wash my clothes they still stink?
When I put my clothes in the washing machine and turn them on, then when their done I put them in the drier and once that's done I smell it and It smells still the same and gross. What do I do?
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Expert Comments
There are a few possible reasons why your clothes still smell bad after washing them, and each one is easy to fix:
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- A dirty washing machine. Dirt and bacteria can easily build up in a washing machine over time, which can leave your clothes feeling smelly. Cleaning your washing machine on a regular basis can prevent this.
- Using too much detergent. You might think more detergent equals more clean, but this isn’t actually true. Excess detergent might not get fully rinsed out, which traps moisture in your clothes. This can cause a moldy or mildewy smell.
- Waiting too long to dry clothes. If you let your wet clothes sit in the washer before transferring them to the dryer, they can get a moldy smell that won’t go away even after they’re dry.
- Not using hot enough water. Cooler water temperatures are good for protecting delicate fabrics, but the don’t work as well on super sweaty clothes. If the labels on your smelly clothes say it’s okay to use warm or hot water, this may do the trick.
It all starts out with good laundry detergent. Using a proven brand like Tide will help your clothes smell as good as you want them to. Dryer sheets also assist in eliminating odors. It's important to ensure that your washing machine is clean, as well. Clean your washer with vinegar, baking soda, and hot water to keep it clean and odorless.
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The best way to deodorize clothes is to wash them after each wear. It's easier to remove odor when there isn't a build-up of bad smells. Think about it this way: it’s easier to keep a stove grease-free if you wipe it down daily, and the same thing is true with your clothes. When you do have strong odors, add a cup of vinegar to your load. Vinegar is a natural, amazing deodorizer, and it's highly effective!
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