The Ultimate Guide To Removing Underarm Odor From Clothes

Underarm odor is a common problem that many of us face. It can make your clothes smell bad and even ruin your favorite shirts. But don’t worry! There are simple ways to remove these odors and keep your clothes smelling fresh. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to remove underarm odor from clothes. We will also introduce you to some great odor removal products that can help you maintain freshness in your wardrobe.

Why Do Clothes Get Underarm Odor?

The underarm odor comes from sweat. When you sweat, bacteria on your skin break down the sweat and produce a smell. This smell can get trapped in your clothes, especially in the underarm area. Over time, this odor can become very strong and hard to remove, even with regular washing.

Sometimes, using regular detergent isn't enough to eliminate the odor. The smell can stick to the fabric fibers, making your clothes smell even after they've been washed. This is why it's important to know the right methods and odor removal products to keep your clothes fresh.

Step 1: Pre-Treating the Odor

The first step in removing underarm odor from clothes is to pre-treat the affected areas. This means treating the smelly parts of the clothing before you put them in the wash.

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is a powerful odor eliminator. It helps to neutralize the smell and can also help to remove stains. To use baking soda:

1. Make a Paste: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to make a thick paste.
2. Apply to the Underarms: Spread the paste on the underarm areas of the clothing. Make sure to cover the entire area where the odor is strongest.
3. Let it Sit: Leave the paste on the fabric for about 30 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to absorb the odor.
4. Rinse Off: Rinse the paste off with water before washing the clothes.

Using Vinegar

Vinegar is another great option for pre-treating odors. It works by breaking down the oils from sweat that trap the smell in your clothes.

1. Soak in Vinegar: Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a large bowl or sink.
2. Soak the Clothes: Submerge the smelly clothes in the vinegar solution and let them soak for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse and Wash: After soaking, rinse the clothes with water and then wash them as usual.

Using Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is acidic, which helps to kill the bacteria that cause underarm odor. It’s a natural odor removing cleaner that can leave your clothes smelling fresh.

1. Mix Lemon Juice and Water: Combine equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray on the Underarms: Spray the solution onto the underarm areas of your clothes.
3. Let it Sit: Allow the lemon juice to sit on the fabric for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse and Wash: Rinse the area with water and then wash the clothing.

Step 2: Washing The Clothes

Once you’ve pre-treated the clothes, the next step is to wash them properly. Using the right washing techniques is crucial for getting rid of stubborn underarm odors.

Hot Water Wash

If the fabric of your clothes can handle it, washing them in hot water is very effective. Hot water helps to kill the bacteria that cause the odor, which is something cold water can’t always do.

1. Check the Care Label: Before washing, always check the care label on your clothes to make sure they can be washed in hot water.
2. Use a Strong Detergent: Choose a detergent that is designed to fight odors. These detergents often have special enzymes that break down the sweat and oils that cause smells.
3. Add a Booster: Boosters like baking soda or vinegar can be added to the wash to help neutralize odors even more.

No-NonScents Long-Term Odor Control 30-45 Days

To keep your clothes smelling fresh after they’ve been washed, consider using No-NonScents Long-Term Odor Control 30-45 Days. This product helps to maintain freshness in your closet or drawers for up to 45 days. Simply place it where you store your clothes, and it will absorb any lingering odors, keeping your clothes smelling clean.

Step 3: Drying The Clothes

Drying your clothes correctly is just as important as washing them. Proper drying can help eliminate any remaining odors and prevent new ones from forming.

Sun-Drying

Drying your clothes in the sun is one of the best ways to get rid of odors. The sun’s UV rays kill bacteria and help to freshen up your clothes naturally.

1. Hang Clothes Outdoors: If possible, hang your clothes outside in direct sunlight.
2. Turn Inside Out: Turn the clothes inside out before hanging them up. This prevents colors from fading while still allowing the UV rays to work on the odor.
3. Let Them Dry Completely: Make sure the clothes are completely dry before bringing them inside. Damp clothes can develop musty odors.

Avoid Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners might make your clothes feel soft, but they can also trap odors in the fabric. Instead of using a fabric softener, try adding a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar helps to soften clothes naturally without trapping odors.

Step 4: Using Odor Control Products

Even after washing and drying, some odors can linger in your clothes or your home. This is where odor removal products can help.

No-NonScents Long-Term Odor Control 60-90 Days - Gym Bags Odor Eliminator - 60 Kit

For stubborn odors, especially in gym clothes, try No-NonScents. It's a 60-day odor eliminator for gym bags. This product controls odors for up to 90 days. It's perfect for keeping workout clothes and gym bags fresh.

Simply place the odor eliminator in your gym bag or with your workout clothes, and it will absorb odors, leaving everything smelling clean.

Step 5: Checking And Repeating If Necessary

After going through all the steps, it’s important to check your clothes for any remaining odors. If you still notice a smell, don’t worry! You can repeat the process to ensure that all the odor is removed.

1. Smell Test: Take a whiff of the underarm area of your clothes after they’re dry. If they still smell, go back and repeat the pre-treating and washing steps.
2. Be Patient: Sometimes, it may take a couple of washes to completely remove stubborn odors, especially if they’ve been there for a long time.

Preventing Underarm Odor In The Future

Now that you know how to remove underarm odor from clothes, let’s talk about how to prevent it from happening in the first place. By taking a few simple steps, you can keep your clothes smelling fresh and avoid having to deal with strong odors.

Wear Breathable Fabrics

One of the best ways to prevent underarm odor is to wear clothes made from breathable fabrics. Natural fibers like cotton and linen allow air to circulate, which helps to reduce sweating. Less sweat means less odor, so choose clothes that help keep you cool.

Use Antiperspirant

Using a good antiperspirant can help reduce the amount of sweat you produce, which in turn reduces the bacteria that cause odor. Apply antiperspirant before bed so it has time to work overnight. This can help keep you dry and odor-free the next day.

Wash Clothes Immediately

Don’t let sweaty clothes sit around for too long. The longer sweat sits on your clothes, the more time bacteria have to multiply and create odor. Try to wash your clothes as soon as possible after wearing them, especially if you’ve been sweating.

Use An Odor Removing Cleaner

Using an odor removing cleaner in your regular laundry routine can help keep odors at bay. These cleaners are designed to break down the bacteria and oils that cause smells, so your clothes stay fresh longer.

Look for a cleaner that is safe for your fabrics and easy to use with your regular detergent. By adding this step to your laundry routine, you can prevent odors from building up in your clothes.

Store Clothes Properly

How you store your clothes can also impact how they smell. Make sure your clothes are dry before putting them away. Also, consider using an odor eliminator like No-NonScents Long-Term Odor Control 30-45 Days in your closet or drawers. This will help keep your clothes smelling fresh even while they’re in storage.

Conclusion

Removing underarm odor from clothes doesn’t have to be a difficult task. You can keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean with the right steps and the help of odor removal products. Pre-treat the odor. Wash the clothes. Use an odor remover to keep them fresh.

Whether you’re dealing with everyday odors or trying to keep your gym clothes fresh, these tips will help you keep your wardrobe in top condition. So go ahead and try these methods today, and enjoy the confidence of wearing clothes that smell as good as they look!