:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-557475315-3412994437734a8ab8d87a8e7c684766.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "9 reasons why your laundry doesn’t smell quite right")
There’s nothing like crawling into fresh sheets after a long day and being wrapped in that clean laundry smell. It’s one of life’s simple pleasures. But sometimes the fresh scent has disappeared all too quickly and seems to get smaller with each passing load. You’ve been using additives such as fragrance enhancers and the fabric softener you’ve sworn by for years, but something isn’t right.
There are a number of reasons why your laundry might not smell quite right, but instead produce clean clothes (or so we think) that have a less pleasant smell. Here, the laundry pros share their top tips for maximizing every load and how to give your laundry a big scent boost to keep it smelling great.
- Morgan LaLonde is the Laundry Brand Manager for Hot tub.
- Maria Gagliardi (AKA Dr. Laundry) is an in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox.
Neglecting to wash your washing machine
We’ve said it before: loving one a clean washing machine is the most important rule for fresher laundry. “Clothes washers, especially high-efficiency models, trap residual detergent, fabric softener, and dirt within the inner workings of the clothes washer – in the tub, hoses, and pump where water is not completely removed from the washer after the cycle is complete . complete,” explains Gagliardi. It creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and ultimately transfer to your laundry.
For those who clean their washing machine regularly and are still bothered by the sink smell, you may be missing one important part: the cleaning cycle. These monthly maintenance visits can help remove dirt buildup that can be a safe haven for odor-causing bacteria. Both Gagliardi and LaLonde recommend cleaning the machine once a month or every 30 cycles. You can do this by running a cleaning cycle on your empty washing machine bleachusing a washing machine tablet, or sodium carbonate. Consult your washing machine manual for the best course of action for your appliance.
Make sure you keep your cleaning schedule organized as well. “If you notice that your laundry doesn’t look as clean as usual and/or is giving off an odor, it could be a sign that you’re due for a cleaning,” says LaLonde. Even if it is a few days or weeks earlier than you expected.
Getty Images
Do not run a bleach load once a week
You can extend the time between washing machine washes (whether a deep clean or a cleaning cycle) while keeping your laundry fresh by perform bleach loads once a week, Gagliardi says. Items like bleach-safe socks, napkins, towels, shirts, etc. can all be thrown in the washer and help achieve your laundry’s fragrance goals.
Forgot to change the temperature
Would you rather not go the bleach route? Instead, increase your water temperature. “If you normally wash with cold water, also consider running a warm or hot water cycle occasionally to slow the build-up of dirt and detergent,” says LaLonde. Hot water kills the bacteria that can cause odors.
Skipping a detergent
Some substances are obviously not safe from bleach, but there are other additives that can provide similar bacteria-fighting benefits. Liquid detergents are an effective tool for deodorizing with every load because they remove odor-causing bacteria, not just cover them up. But there are times when already clean items just need an extra boost. Fabric sanitizing sprays (Gagliardi recommends Clorox Fabric Sanitizer Aerosol) are great for a refresh between washes. A disinfectant spray not only helps with preservation odor-causing bacteria control, but it can also cause your garment to experience additional wear and tear before it ends up in the basket.
Overload
It’s tempting to overcrowd the machine, especially when you just want to get done with this particular job. But overloading the machine is a way to sabotage your pursuit of freshness. “Overloading a washing machine can cause the laundry to smell,” says LaLonde. “This is because it can prevent the cargo from being properly cleaned.” For a front-loading washing machine, a good rule of thumb is to leave about 6 inches of space from the top of the drum to the load.
Leave wet clothes on
Of course, there’s also the obvious odor factor that comes with letting your wet laundry sit before taking it to the dryer. Move your laundry quickly (whether to the dryer, drying rack or… air dry) not only keeps it smelling fresh, but also helps prevent deep wrinkles, says LaLonde.
Also wash wet clothes, bathing suits, sportswear and damp towels as quickly as possible to prevent odor-causing bacteria from entering.
Do not pre-treat stains
Treat stains and odors as soon as you notice them so they don’t soak in. Add a small amount of liquid laundry detergent that contains stain-fighting enzymes or a stain remover on the area and rub it in. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing. Pre-treat other odor-prone areas, such as the armpits where deodorant and musty odors accumulate.
Closing the door
With so many ways to keep laundry fresh, many of which simply revolve around machine maintenance, there’s one more trick we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention. Luckily for you, this is probably the easiest thing of all: leave your washing machine door open between uses. LaLonde says it allows your laundry basket to dry out between uses, which is an essential element in maintaining freshness.
Overdo it with dryer balls and essential oils
The washing machine is not the only option to make clothes smell nice. Use the dryer to add fragrance. Scented dryer balls add a fresh scent to laundry. Adjust the scent by adding a few drops essential oils to the dryer balls to keep the laundry smelling clean for longer.