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

Even though you put the clean clothes in the closet, after a while they acquired a smell that makes them impossible to put on. We tell you 7 secrets to combat bad clothes odor.

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 clothes from smelling bad, you must eliminate the sustenance of germs. 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 clothes from the drum immediately after the wash cycle ends.

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

2. You are not drying your clothes properly

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

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

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

3. The culprit is the washing machine

The most common reason for bad clothing odors is probably the washing machine itself, which, 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 «odor-prone» clothes (gym clothes, underwear, socks) at higher temperatures.
• Hygiene detergents, laundry scents, perfumes or other laundry additives may provide temporary relief, but they are not a substitute for thorough cleaning and are usually not good for the environment.

4. The dryer is the origin

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

Quick Tips:

• Do not leave 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 do without it and hang the clothes outside. This is not only cheaper and more environmentally friendly, but also protects clothing.

5. Blame it on the fibers you choose for your clothes

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

Natural textiles of cotton, linen and hemp, On the other hand, they absorb odors more slowly.

6. It may be a reaction from detergent and perfumes

Another possibility, although unlikely, is that you use 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 skip the additives.

7. The problem may be the closet

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

• Are there damp spots on the wall behind the closet or inside the closet?
• If the closet is next to a cold exterior wall, It is easier for condensation to occur 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 cabinets that have not been opened for a long time. Closets should also be ventilated.
• If clothes are hung too close together or piled up, the closet can’t ‘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 closets, 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 dry coffee grounds on a saucer or in a cup in the cupboard. Coffee absorbs odors.
• Hang a bag of lavender next to the hangers.