how to remove body odor from clothes without washing

When my daughters were growing up, there came a time when I returned to work full-time. After that, it was everyone for themselves when it came to laundry. I was still responsible for the household laundry, such as linens, but my girls had to learn early how to do their own laundry. As a result, there were a few times when the problem of clean laundry arose, mornings when it was time for school but there were no clean clothes to wear. Those mornings became lessons in planning ahead. (For specific tips on helping a teen learn to do their own laundry, read this article.)

My daughters had to learn how to improvise. It is amazing how clever we can become when we have to. There isn’t always time jump into the car, drive to the closest department store, and buy a new outfit. (Sadly, my husband actually did this a few times when his laundry basket was overflowing.)

It may seem ironic that the best way to plan ahead is to stock up on emergency household supplies. People who are organized enough to think ahead and buy the necessary items aren’t usually caught in that dilemma. Nonetheless, let’s assume that you are organized and also want to plan ahead for those “crunch” moments. Here is a list of items to keep on hand. (The best part of this list is the items they are common and you probably have them already.)

If you don’t have time to wash an item you are about to wear and it doesn’t smell fresh, one easy trick is use a dryer sheet. No matter what the dryer sheet brand or fragrance, it is bound to smell better than the unwashed clothing you want to wear. The important thing is to get the clothes mixed up with the fabric sheet.

If you have a dryer, throw the item you want to wear in and let it tumble with three or four dryer sheets. You may end up smelling like “spring flowers” or “mountain air,” your garment will be wrinkle-free, and you won’t offend anyone with dirty laundry smell!

If you can plan ahead (Of course not! You wouldn’t be in this predicament in the first place if you could!) buy “linen” scented dryer sheets and keep a box around for these emergencies.

Air fresheners like Febreze don’t help rid your dirty clothes of odor, but they do mask it. This is alright as a temporary fix, especially if you are going to an outdoor event.

This method is simple: Just spray the air freshener over the clothing, both front and back. Let it air out for at least ten minutes before putting the garment on.

Vinegar has a low (acidic) pH level, which actually removes odors in clothing. The proportions are 1:1, vinegar to water. Note: Do not use dark vinegar (red wine or balsamic).

Start by turning the garment inside out. Next, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Before you spray the entire item, test the vinegar solution on inconspicuous area, such as a lower seam that is hidden from view. Squirt a small amount on the fabric. If the color does not run or change appearance, it is safe to use throughout the entire piece.

Spritz the vinegar onto the clothing without worrying that you will smell like the vinegar; the vinegar scent will dissipate as it dries. Next, hang the clothing up to dry and air out, preferably outdoors. An open window, bathroom shower, or a spacious closet will also work.

Take your problem outdoors and hang unwashed clothing in the air and sun. Sometimes this is the simplest solution there is.

Body sweat produces bacteria. When you don’t have time to wash a shirt, turn it inside out, hang it up, and leave it in the wind on a sunny day. Sunlight can kill bacteria that causes odors. If this isn’t possible, taking a shirt out of the closet to air can also reduce the problem.

The baking soda technique is easy. Simply mix baking soda and water into a nice paste and apply to the smelliest areas of your clothing. Turn the item inside out and work the paste into the area. Then allow it to dry thoroughly.

Once the area has dried, take a stiff brush and vigorously brush away any white residue. Your clothing will have a nice, fresh smell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP2tcO_NwpE

Another method is to forego the paste and place the clothing into a plastic garbage bag. Add a half cup of baking soda to the bag and close it up. Vigorously shake the two together. Leave the bag undisturbed for about 10 minutes and then remove the item and shake off the baking soda.