1. Sunbathing Your Clothes
The simplest way to get rid of unpleasant odors on clothes is to hang them outside in the sun for a few hours. The sunlight will help dissipate any lingering smells, leaving the fabric clean and ready to wear. Just be careful not to leave colorful garments out too long, as the sun’s rays can cause fading.
If it’s not particularly sunny, you can still air out your clothes by hanging them near an open window or in a well-ventilated area. It might take a bit longer, but the fresh air will eventually remove the odors.
2. Steam Ironing
A steam iron is not just for removing wrinkles! It’s also an effective way to get rid of odors in fabrics. The high-temperature steam works similarly to sunlight, neutralizing unpleasant smells. Simply move the iron around the affected areas for about a minute to freshen and deodorize your clothes. Avoid using this method on fabrics that are prone to wrinkling or on leather garments.
3. Vodka to the Rescue
Yes, you read that right! Vodka can be used to eliminate odors from fabrics. Pour some vodka into a spray bottle and spritz it onto the affected areas. The strong scent of the vodka will overpower the unpleasant smells, and once it evaporates, your clothes will be odor-free and ready to wear.
4. White Vinegar
If you’re concerned about the smell of alcohol on your clothes, you can opt for white vinegar instead. Vinegar is a well-known natural cleaner and deodorizer. Spray it onto the fabric, and the unpleasant odors will be a thing of the past. Rest assured, the vinegar smell will dissipate once it dries.
5. Scented Fabric Sprays
If you’re not comfortable with the previous methods because they don’t leave a pleasant fragrance on your clothes, you can always turn to scented fabric sprays readily available in supermarkets. These sprays are designed to eliminate odors and leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon is a natural deodorizer and freshener. Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with 200ml of water in a spray bottle and spritz it onto your clothes, especially the smelly areas. Hang them to dry, and the lemon juice will not only remove the odors but also leave a subtle citrus scent.
7. Essential Oils
Essential oils are another natural way to get rid of musty odors without having to wash your clothes. While they may not kill bacteria, their pleasant scents can effectively mask unpleasant smells. Just be cautious when using essential oils on light-colored fabrics, as they may leave stains.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a powerhouse when it comes to eliminating odors. Mix it with a little water to form a paste, and apply it to the smelly areas of your clothes. Once the paste is dry, simply brush it off, and the odors will be gone along with it.