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How to Make Clothes Smell Good After Laundry?

  • Riya Yadav
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How to Make Clothes Smell Good After Laundry?
How to Make Clothes Smell Good After Laundry?

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We all like the freshly scented clothes after laundry. Whether it is the soft whiff of lavender from your shirt or the clean crisp of just a washed towel, it automatically uplifts your mood. But sometimes maintaining the freshness of your wardrobe becomes tough due to hectic schedules and busy lifestyles.If you’ve ever pulled a “clean” shirt from your drawer only to discover it smells musty or worse, still carries the faint aroma of last week’s gym session, this blog is for you. Let’s explore some simple and effective ways to keep your clothes smelling fresh and fabulous.

1. Wash Clothes Promptly After Use

If you want to keep your clothes fresh then regular washing is mandatory. Body sweat, body oils, and bacteria build up unpleasant odor in clothes and the smell gets stronger when left unattended so don’t let your dirty clothes sit for too long, especially gym clothes, socks, undergarments, etc should be washed within a day or two. 

If you are unable to wash them regularly you should at least hang them up to air instead of tossing them in a hamper; however, you can also seek professional help like Tumbledry which is India’s largest laundry and dry cleaning services which are popular for their customer centricity and eco-friendly wash. 

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2. Use the Right Amount of Detergent

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It’s tempting to use extra detergent thinking it will make clothes cleaner and smell better but too much detergent can actually trap dirt and bacteria in fabric fibers. Excess soap builds up over time, especially in high-efficiency (HE) washers, and can create a breeding ground for odor.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and don’t overload your washer. For a scent boost, try detergents that contain essential oils or are labeled “long-lasting fragrance.”

3. Add a Natural Scent Booster

If you want your laundry to have that signature “just-cleaned” smell, try adding a natural scent booster:

    • White vinegar (½ cup during the rinse cycle) eliminates odors and softens clothes.

    • Baking soda (½ cup with your detergent) neutralizes smells and enhances freshness.

    • Essential oils (5–10 drops in the rinse cycle or on dryer balls) add a personalized fragrance—lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus are popular choices.

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4. Dry Clothes Thoroughly

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Dry Clothes Thoroughly

Damp clothes are a recipe for mold and mildew. After washing, dry clothes as soon as possible preferably in sunlight if you can. The sun acts as a natural disinfectant and leaves clothes smelling crisp and clean.

If you’re using a dryer, throw in a few dryer sheets or reusable dryer balls with essential oils to add a fresh scent and reduce static cling.

5. Keep Your Washing Machine Clean

Sometimes, it’s not your clothes, it’s your washer. A smelly machine can transfer unpleasant odors to every load you do. Clean your washer every month by running a hot wash cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar and ¼ cup of baking soda. Wipe down the door seals and dispensers too.

For front-loading washers, leave the door slightly ajar after every wash to allow air circulation and prevent mold buildup. If you are not fond of washing clothes at home, then you can outsource your laundry with trusted laundry services near you like Tumbledry which are popular for their best laundry and dry cleaning services in India across 500+ locations. 

6. Store Clothes Properly

Even freshly cleaned clothes can develop odors if stored in damp, dark, or overcrowded spaces. To prevent this:

  • Use breathable storage like cotton garment bags or linen-lined baskets.

  • Place scent sachets, cedar blocks, or dryer sheets in drawers and closets.

  • Make sure clothes are 100% dry before folding and storing.

Bonus tip: periodically air out your wardrobe by opening the doors and letting fresh air circulate.

7. Try Fabric Fresheners for a Quick Refresh

Sometimes you just need a quick refresh. Fabric sprays or clothing mists can instantly lift the scent of worn-but-not-dirty clothes. You can even DIY a fabric spray with:

  • 1 cup distilled water

  • 1 tbsp vodka or rubbing alcohol

  • 10–15 drops of essential oil (lavender, peppermint, or citrus work great)

Spritz lightly and allow your clothes to air dry.

8. Use Odor-Eliminating Laundry Additives

Some clothes, especially synthetic fabrics used in gym wear trap odors more stubbornly. In such cases, consider using a laundry additive designed specifically to eliminate odors, like:

  • OxiClean Odor Blasters

  • Dettol Laundry Sanitizer

  • Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

These products target bacteria and odor at the source, especially helpful for athletic wear or towels.

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Conclusion

Making your clothes smell good isn’t just about fragrance, it’s about cleanliness, proper technique, and smart storage. By tweaking a few laundry habits and using natural scent boosters or sanitizers, you can enjoy long-lasting freshness in every piece of clothing you wear.

So next time you bury your face in a fresh T-shirt and smile at the scent, you’ll know exactly how you got there. 

FAQs

There could be several reasons:

  • Using too much detergent

  • Overloading the washer

  • Washing with cold water when hot is needed

  • A dirty washing machine

  • Not drying clothes thoroughly

To fix it, run a hot vinegar wash, reduce detergent use, and wash smelly clothes separately using an odor-fighting additive.

Try these:

  • Use sachets or scented drawer liners

  • Hang activated charcoal or baking soda bags to absorb odors

  • Place cedar wood blocks to prevent mustiness

Keep the area dry and not overcrowded

You can, but it’s not always ideal. Perfume can stain some fabrics and doesn’t last as long. A better alternative is to use fabric-safe clothing mists or essential oil sprays designed for textiles.

  • Wash them as soon as possible after wearing
  • Use a detergent designed for activewear
  • Add white vinegar or baking soda to the wash
  • Avoid fabric softener (it can trap odors in synthetics)
  • Hang dry in sunlight if possible

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.

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