How to Remove Odor from Clothes

By Jeeves of Belgravia New York - Expert Garment Care

How to remove odor from clothes

Clothes usually smell because odor-causing bacteria feed on sweat, body oil, and trapped soil. The fix is not just “more detergent” — you need to remove the buildup, treat the source, and sometimes use a booster or sanitizer.

Start with the right approach

If the odor is from armpits, gym wear, or synthetic fabrics, treat those areas before washing. Synthetic fibers hold onto oil more than cotton, which is why mesh and athletic shirts can keep smelling even after a normal wash.

Best first move

1. Spray the smelly areas with an enzyme-based stain remover.
2. Let it sit for at least 1 hour; for stubborn odor, leave it on longer.
3. Wash as usual, using the warmest water the care label allows.

Boost the wash when odor is stubborn

For clothes that still smell after a normal cycle, add a laundry booster to help the detergent work harder. Good options include washing soda, borax, baking soda, or sodium percarbonate. These can help with odor and soil removal, especially on heavily worn items.

If you want a stronger odor-focused wash, use a detergent made for malodor or one with enzyme cleaning power. For some loads, a laundry sanitizing product that can legally claim to kill bacteria can help when bacteria are part of the problem.

Don’t sabotage the wash

Fabric softener can make odor problems worse by coating fibers and trapping residue. If your clothes keep coming out smelly, skip it.

Also, don’t let sweaty clothes sit in the hamper for days. Wash them sooner rather than later so odor has less time to set in.

After-wash support

A rinse product like vinegar or a commercial rinse additive can help reduce lingering smells in some loads. This is especially useful when clothes come out of the washer still holding a faint funk.

When the odor keeps coming back

If you have repeated odor rebloom — where clothes smell fine at first, then stink again once you warm up — the issue is usually leftover bacteria, body oil, or both. In that case, combine pretreatment, a stronger detergent, and a booster rather than relying on one step alone.

If the garment is delicate, dry clean only, or still smells after repeated washing, professional treatment may be the safest option.

Quick routine for most smelly clothes

1. Spray odor-prone areas with an enzyme pretreat.
2. Let it sit for at least an hour.
3. Wash with the warmest safe water.
4. Add a booster or odor-focused detergent if needed.
5. Skip fabric softener.
6. Use a rinse aid or sanitizer for persistent odor.