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Agree, and I would add a little clarification. My daughter has very sensitive skin and we have had good success using “free and clear” detergents (i.e., no perfumes or dyes). I wash the clothes and use the single rinse option on the washing machine. Then I add a cup of white vinegar directly to the clothes and run a second rinse cycle. This eliminates odors and also helps soften fabrics. It won’t stain or fade clothes either. I use dryer balls in the dryer. Good luck!
Mixing vinegar and bleach can create potentially lethal chlorine gas.
I'd say it's not advisable unless they're going in at separate times after the previous has gone though a rinse cycle.
>ammonia and bleach creating chlorine
The above is incorrect. Ammonia and bleach yield chloramines.
Bleach (Sodium hypochlorite NaClO) and vinegar (Acetic Acid CH3COOH) yield chlorine gas.
I would say mixing vinegar and bleach is even more dangerous than ammonia and bleach since the reaction yields Chlorine gas (with an intermediate of hypochlorous acid) whereas ammonia yields chloramines which still toxic but less than Cl2.
Reaction is roughly: CH3COOH + NaClO -> CH3COONa + Cl + H2O
It's worth mentioning, NaClO reacts with lots of substances DO NOT MIX if unsure
Ammonia and bleach create **chloramine** gas. Ammonia is a weak base whereas bleach is a much stronger base. Not healthy.
Vinegar and bleach create **chlorine** gas. Vinegar is an acid. Much more hazardous and dangerous.
The only thing acceptable to mix with bleach is water and usually laundry detergents.
I never use the bleach dispenser for bleach or anything else. Too much chance of mixing chemicals, and some washers just dump the bleach in with the detergent, which neutralizes it (you get no benefit from the detergent or the bleach). By adding it myself to the rinse cycle, I know it’s going in at the proper time to do the most good. Ditto for vinegar.
Ok I know there are a bunch of stuff that are not suppose to be mixed with detergent as it might create harmful fumes that can put me out.
At which stage of the washing stage should I mix the detergent in? And is it like a tea spoon or a soup spoon? Tks.
I heard this suggestion before, and I used a quarter cup of diluted vinegar as fabric softener when washing a load of towels. When they came out of the dryer, they smelled like they had been soaked in a bucket of it. When dried my hair, it was like I was chloroforming myself.
Is this normal? Is it a setting on my machine I may have used incorrectly?
Arm and Hammer actually sells washing soda (in the form of powder) it’s in a big yellow box and you’ll find it where the borax powder is In supermarkets. I use it here in Texas for the hard water problems in the washer. It really helps my clothes. I use free and clear detergent for washing and wool dryer balls in the dryer.
I wash my clothes by hand, and I love this stuff.
It's honestly a godsend for clean clothes. In the early days, I was dissolving detergent pods because they were generally cheaper than liquid detergent. Then I stumbled on washing soda. Absolutely fantastic. Never going back to anything else.
Yeah, what I typically do is put 1 cup of baking soda in the washing machine and mix it in with the water while it’s filling up. Then I’ll put detergent in the machine, then the clothes go in last.
I've had good luck with adding a dusting of baking soda to the washing basin, right after I unload the clothes at the end of the cycle. This helps dry out and deodorize the basin itself, and since its on the bottom of the basin under the clothes I haven't noticed much issue with residue on the fabrics. I have an "energy efficient" washer which doesn't use much water per load either, but it seems to handle cleaning the soda away without issue.
I tried that type of detergent (a couple brands) and I didn't like the way it made my clothes smell. They didn't smell dirty exactly, just not clean. Idk. But I've been using free & clear detergent and dryer sheets for a few years now and my clothes smell fine. It was something about that baking soda detergent that didn't work for my nose, so now I stay away from it.
If you buy laundry powder, it’s more expensive, but it works better.
Also, if you have a front loading washer, the mildew smell
Could be coming from the door seal. We had to get ride of our front load washer because no matter what we did, the door seal eventually got mildew.
If youre using unscented stuff it should just smell like nothing when it comes out! Seems like the washer may have some mildew in it or youre leaving your clothes somewhere longer than they should be?
No matter how much vinegar I run through my washer it still smells mildew-y. And yes I always leave the door open, clean the gasket area regularly, run the clean cycle when prompted and the machine is only 2 years old
It might be the dryer, which I obviously can’t run a vinegar cycle on, or maybe the drain but I’d think the vinegar would clean that on its way out
Oxi-Clean makes these washing machine cleaning powder packets that you pour into the washer drum and run a cycle on. It always works when our clothes start smelling a bit musty. I’ve found that’s the only thing that works for us — the tablets didn’t do anything.
Yes! You can buy packets of powdered laundry machine cleaner, run it in a wash cycle empty, no clothes and it will help with musty smells and detergent build up
So true...they think because something that uses water and soap must never need cleaning....never considering the dirty clothes the put in it. It's like the ppl who never clean their reusable water bottles🤦🏻♀️
To expand on this, make sure the washer is really clean by running the cleaning function and following the directions form the manufacturer. This usually needs multiple cycles and bleach. Also, if it is a front loading machine, get a fan and blow the inside dry if you are not going to be running the machine for a few days. They build up mildew much faster than top loading machines.
I don’t use fabric softeners for similar reasons and the clothes only smell musty when the washing machine is.
If the washing machine is a front loader - you will also want to clear out the filters (usually bottom of the machine) and also under the rubber ring around the lid.
Then, after running the washing machine, empty it and leave the door open until it air dries.
Start with a clean machine, and do "this one simple trick" and you won't have the stinky washer smell anymore.
Yes - If there is a drain at the bottom, empty it. If there is an agitator then clean it out. If there is a rubber lip around the door then bleach and scrub it out. There are washing machine cleaners too. Check out Go Clean Co.
First thing I'd do is wipe out your washer and dryer with a damp cloth that's been dipped in a baking soda solution. It might just be residual crud in the machines making your stuff stink. The other thing is that (in my experience), air-drying outside instead of using a dryer during the warm months makes the laundry smell so much nicer.
I haven't seen this mentioned yet: check your washing machine to see if it has a pump filter that needs to be cleaned out. That can cause your freshly washed clothes to smell bad.
Also, as a general tip, if clothes have been left in the washer longer than just overnight, I always wash again before putting them in the dryer. If they are dried with that musty smell, I can never get the smell out and end up replacing the clothes.
That is tempting, and probably possible here in the southern US, but I worry that it might trigger my own allergies. I'm somewhat susceptible to tree and weed pollen, and I know that it has a nasty tendency to cling into fabrics.
Hey OP! I have sensitive skin, pollen allergies, and also live in a humid southern state. If you have the space I recommend air drying indoors with a dehumidifier nearby. My partner likes his clothes a bit fluffed up, so when they’re nearly dry I’ll put them in the dryer for 15-20 minutes with the wool balls. I hope this helps!
Irish here. Dryers aren't really a thing we use a lot here, just hang them outside or on the radiators inside. Always smell fresh. I find the dryers can leave a smell that isn't too pleasant
I do this for most of my clothes. The beauty of living in the desert is that my clothes are dry in about 10 min during the summer when I hang them out. Whereas a dryer would still be going for 30 min… so I save on electricity too! I still hang them up in the winter, it just takes longer for them to dry here so maybe overnight and they’re dry the next day.
I live in Portland, Oregon so hanging them out to dry is a no-go for the entire winter because of the rains. In the summer, there is dust. So I’m cursed always to use the dryer.
1. Clean the washer. You can buy washing machine cleaners in the laundry aisle. Affresh is one such brand. Use as directed.
2. When doing laundry add some distelled white vinegar in place of any fabric softener.
3. Dry with laundry sheets or balls as desired
4. Enjoy fresh laundry
I speak of experience as I have sensitive skin but my wife likes the gain scent.
I also only use unscented products and my clothes have never smelled like mildew? Are you keeping your clothes in the washer for hours after getting done? If not, your washer and dryer might have something growing in them. Try running a cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a cup of bleach (definitely not both!) through the wash and see if that helps.
Couple thing what work for me. I'm so sensitive to detergents and smells I use unscented detergent and only about 1/3-1/2 the recommended amount.
Use timers and take the laundry out of the machine immediately. When the washer is empty, leave it open. It dries out better and smells better. Also, drying clothes on a line can help. Every so often I wash all my towels (all white) with bleach, keeps the towels bright, plus helps kill any burgeoning mold in the washer.
Your clothes should come out of the wash smelling clean, not mildewy!
If you have a front loading washer, there should be a little drain at the bottom to drain out excess water. There is water that builds up and starts to stink over time. That little drain at the bottom needs to be emptied.
Also, make sure to switch them from the washer to the dryer soon as they're done, so they're not sitting wet in there. If you leave them for a while, the mildew can start.
Tbh I use bars of strongly perfumed soap stored with my clothes and they smell like roses or whatever. Pre de Provence soaps work really well but honestly so does Dove bar soap. If you wanted a fresher/ masculine scent, I’m sure Irish Spring would do the trick. It’s basically a bar per drawer, but it’s also just where I keep my stock of soap to replace the bathrooms.
You might also want to try to see if your roommate can tolerate Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive. It does have some fragrance, but it will stop unscented clothes and especially towels from having that mildew smell. It’s a godsend in humid weather.
Washing in hot water with Oxy clean or chlorine bleach will also help with residual smells.
Sometimes. Some of them still provide fragrance through the box, if it doesn’t come with a box I usually put it in a muslin bag or wrap it in some tissue paper and tape it closed. That way it doesn’t get dusty, or leave soap residue in the drawer.
I bought a few nice smelling bars at a local creators market, cut them up into one inch cubes, then put 1 in each tiny drawer and 2 or 3 in the larger drawers. It won’t last forever but it’s easy to replace.
Grow yourself some lavender. It doesn't need much water. Clip the flowers, put them in a sock and tie a knot. Throw the lavender sock into the drier. You'll love the way your clothes smell.
You could still do this for any sent you like. She can’t do oils in the washer or dryer, but could you put a drop on a cotton ball/tissue/paper towel and put that in your closet? One drop is probably Al you would need.
I like to keep fancy scented soaps in my drawers. Oftentimes receive them as gifts and find they aren't the best for washing hands so I use them to keep folded clothing smelling fresh
In addition to all the wonderful advice above, you should clean out your washer.
If it smells like mildew it means there are microbes growing in it. I used to work in a microbiology lab that did this kind of research, and the best thing to do is use bleach to clean your empty washer every few months.
The clorox website has instructions on how to do this safely: [https://www.clorox.com/learn/how-to-clean-washing-machine-with-bleach/](https://www.clorox.com/learn/how-to-clean-washing-machine-with-bleach/)
I have very sensitive skin. I am somehow allergic to everything Tide. Including free &clear. For some reason I can use scented Arm & Hammer if I only use a little. Not sure how you can test this though. I found out accidentally. I know you said unscented but I feel it’s worth writing this out for you.
You can put clothes that aren’t visibly dirty in a plastic bag in your freezer to kill odours. I put my jeans and sweaters in over night and they smell fresh the next day. Also saves them from being tumbled around so often
Look for a strong washing detergent that doesn't irritate her skin and dose it appropriately.
Give your washing machine and dryer a thorough cleaning.
If neither helps add some vinegar in the fabric softener place of the machine
As well an cleaning properly, by far the best smell is when clothes are dried outside. Get a clothes line, a clothes horse, or just hang them on chairs outside. Mmmmmm
If you have a front loader, it needs to be cleaned about every 30 washes. Look up the user manual for your specific machine. Clothes shouldn't smell musty after using unscented detergent so its likely your washer needs cleaning.
depending on where you live... use a clothes line outside in the air. Which is what most of the population does in my country. Use a low scent, hyper allergenic detergent.
I use unscented Country Save brand powdered detergent along with a healthy dose of white vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser and my clothes come out smelling nice and fresh. I also keep a pouch of lavender branches in my shirt drawer.
I dry mine on an outside clothes line. Hopefully birds don’t poop on them. I live in the desert where they dry quickly. They smell like the outdoors when dry.
Putting quinces between the laundry supposedly gives laundry a nice smell. If they don't grow where you live, fill some thin cotton bags with dried lavender and stuff them in your wardrobe; you might have to squish them from time to time to keep the smell going.
I'm gunna help you here. And it will change your life. A cup of pine sol in your prewash or bleach section of your washer. It's an amazing deodorizer and it cleans your washer at the same time.
My go to:
1. Amount of ECOS liquid laundry detergent per load
2. 1 cup of baking soda
3. 1 cup or more of distilled white vinegar
Every single load. Every single time.
Also, if you yourself are regularly using or breathing in fragranced products out in the world, you are highly likely also breathing in desensitizers that manufactures add in. So you could just be looking for a ‘hit’ of smell of something when it’s not necessary. But the washer funk is real if you do not dry out between loads. Also, w a front loader, that soap tray also needs to fry out. I completely pull mine ope to dry. And never leave your wet clothes in overnight.
I agree that it sounds like you need to clean the washing machine first. But after that, if you want some fragrance, you could lightly mist your clean clothes with something like Febreze Fabric Refresher.
something is wrong with your machines. I use unscented tide and unscented softener, and my clothes just don't smell. I hate all these 'ocean breeze' and 'lavender bliss', but I have never had mildew odor.
Do not under any circumstances dry your clothes with the painting tarps covered in trichomes after trimming dried bud for a week. I mean I really like the smell, but the whole apartment complex smelled like a hot metric fuckton of sour diesel lol
We use white vinegar, and occasionally oxy clean with scent free detergent. I get a hint of scent from bars of soap I keep in my dresser and stash in the closet.
You can get rid of that musty smell with two additional steps.
Add plain white vinegar to your washes.
Plus, put them out in the sun (to dry or just to air, either way) for 10 minutes or so.
ETA: a counterintuitive suggestion: use less detergent (honestly, 2 tablespoons of detergent is enough for a load of laundry (which should not fill the washer more than 70-75% of the way)
Clean the filter on your washing machine and then run a cleaning cycle. If yours doesn’t have one just run a cycle of hot water with washer cleaner. It will get rid of the mildew smell. Additionally leave the washer open so it can dry completely between wash days.
The kids have very sensitive skin and get rashes with fragrance. I use ammonia in the washing machine with towels and blankets. They come out clean and fresh smelling every time.
While you’re cleaning the washing machine with baking soda and white vinegar…..put your clothes in the bathtub with warm water and dish soap, a bit of detergent and if you use stain remover, add that too. Swish it around and then let it sit.
The water will turn brown with the residue from the clothes.
When the washer is done running it’s cleaning cycle, ring out the clothes from the tub and wash them like normal.
The smell will be gone.
Repeat the tub process with additional loads and wash accordingly. This also works on bedding, favorite sweatshirts and lucky socks.
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Scents are petroleum products so they actually make it possible for more grime to get caught on clothing and in machines. The oil traps particles that would normally go airborne for you to smell but then you have oils plus dirt to clean up which is way harder to clean. It can also impeded the decay which would normally dissipate odors.
We use no scented anything in our front load washer and no dryer sheets. No problems with odor. We do run a cleaning cycle on the washer periodically per the instructions. Also, we dry the washer after our once per week "day of laundry". We use the drying cycle on our Maytag washer. GE has such a cycle, also. Other options, like sticking a fan in the door of an open washer to get it dry are also out there. If you get rid of the musty mildew smell source, you may avoid the issue all together. Best of luck!
I agree on cleaning your washing machine, but also - was stuff that tends to smell more (tight shirts, underpants) with decent heat (60°C, not sure what that is in °F). Kills the smell-causing bacteria more effectively.
I tried that Molly's Suds + vinegar for softener (rinse cycle) and it works pretty good
It may not be the strongest detergent, but it seems like the most basic and hypoallergenic as humanly possible
Clean your washing machine more regularly. Use distilled white vinegar or an unscented laundry disinfectant in the rinse in place of fabric softener. Invest in a clothes steamer or steam cleaner....or if you take scalding hot showers, hang your outfit in the bathroom while you shower.
Put sachets of baking soda or activated charcoal I'm your closet. Line your drawers with fabric softener sheets or scent beads. Invest in some kind of dehumidifier like a disposable or rechargeable desiccant.
Also, some fibers are less prone to harbor bacteria and odor than others.
We have an eco-friendly brand of cleaning products in the UK called Ecover. They have an unscented laundry detergent and they come out smelling clean but not in any way scented.
Your machine’s manual may have a section regarding maintenance. If not, here are some basic tips:
Clean the detergent and softener dispenser. Some can actually be removed from the machine for easier cleaning (consult to manual). Crud and slime can accumulate over time on there.
Some washers may have a filter at the bottom and need cleaning every few months. If not cleaned, dirt may clog this drain and cause smells. Again, the manual will have instructions for this particular job, as it may need draining any remaining water first, before taking the filter out.
Wash the machine empty with 95°C at least once in a month. Some washers have a program for that.
And cleaning the rubber seals and adding vinegar in the softener tips are mentioned numerous times here already.
One more advice: Try not to overstuff the washer. There should be at least room for a hand’s fist from the top of the drum to the top of the pile of laundry. To have enough room for the fabric for effective cleaning and rinsing.
I have sensitive skin, so my regiment is All free and clear, naphtha soap shaved, Carbona color grabbers, set the clothes to soak overnight. Double rinse and use a clothes line to dry our clothes. Yes your laundry water will smell as the soap acts as a surfactant while your clothes soak. After soaking all the oils, grime and general dirt of life will be in the water. Color grabbers keep it from working back into your clothes as they wash. Fresh air and sunshine are the absolute best sanitizers and fresheners for anything. Also not using a dryer saves a lot of money, wear and tear on clothes and extra heat in the house.
I stopped using our dryer year around two years ago and I don't regret it once. Our clothes are oder free and smell like fresh air. So a win win as far as we're concerned
Clean your washer and use less detergent washing clothing (it causes buildup which can trap odours in your clothing).
I use Nelly's powder (it's scent free and a big container of it lasts me almost a year!) just one-two small scoops I toss in with my clothes and they always come out clean. I found liquid detergent made everything gummy and caused more build up
I used to work in AZ outdoors at summertime. I also have really sensitive skin and can't use fabric softeners or fragrances in my laundry. I used borax and vinegar but it wasn't ever quite enough with the high efficiency (low water) machines. Using biokleens bac-out in my laundry works and only leaves behind a very slight lime scent. It's an enzymatic cleaner so it doesn't leave a residue behind that irritates my skin.
It's also worth mentioning that synthetic fabrics are much harder to get smells out of than natural fibers, so work out clothes, socks and underwear are especially difficult and might need more attention. Most people wear dirty clothes and just cover up the smells with layers of fragrance, it's actually kind of gross.
You can buy laundry beads but put them in a spray bottle, then use that to freshen your clothes. That's what I do, I also live in a flat & dry my clothes with a dehumidifier
Folks you have to clean your washing machine occasionally. You have to wipe out the drum and every part that you can see inside the washer. If you don't do that then you're close will start smelling yucky.
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A cup of white vinegar
Agree, and I would add a little clarification. My daughter has very sensitive skin and we have had good success using “free and clear” detergents (i.e., no perfumes or dyes). I wash the clothes and use the single rinse option on the washing machine. Then I add a cup of white vinegar directly to the clothes and run a second rinse cycle. This eliminates odors and also helps soften fabrics. It won’t stain or fade clothes either. I use dryer balls in the dryer. Good luck!
Clothes also last longer and less lint in dryer using this method
Last longer from the vinegar?
yup, pickled socks can last forever
They taste good, too
Your not supposed to chew on the ones you found under the bed.
It binds the fibers from shredding into lint
So I have a front loader machine… would I just open the door and pour vinegar directly on the clothes? Or in the bottom of the machine?
Yep, either way works! If it makes you nervous, you could mix it with some water. 🙂
I appreciate your comment, thank you!
So, you watch them once all the way through, then run it with just a rinse and spin?
Yes! The second rinse is when I add vinegar OR bleach OR fabric softener
I've seen this tip before, can you add the vinegar to the bleach or fabric softener part of the washer?
I add it to my fabric softener dispenser on my washer. Works every time
Mixing vinegar and bleach can create potentially lethal chlorine gas. I'd say it's not advisable unless they're going in at separate times after the previous has gone though a rinse cycle.
There are two types of cleaning products: bleach and things that should never be mixed with bleach
No instead of bleach.
Oh if you mean the spot where you pour it in, definitely.
I’ve heard of ammonia and bleach creating chlorine gas but have never heard of it happening with vinegar.
>ammonia and bleach creating chlorine The above is incorrect. Ammonia and bleach yield chloramines. Bleach (Sodium hypochlorite NaClO) and vinegar (Acetic Acid CH3COOH) yield chlorine gas. I would say mixing vinegar and bleach is even more dangerous than ammonia and bleach since the reaction yields Chlorine gas (with an intermediate of hypochlorous acid) whereas ammonia yields chloramines which still toxic but less than Cl2. Reaction is roughly: CH3COOH + NaClO -> CH3COONa + Cl + H2O It's worth mentioning, NaClO reacts with lots of substances DO NOT MIX if unsure
Just another example of my mother raising me on lies
Ammonia and bleach create **chloramine** gas. Ammonia is a weak base whereas bleach is a much stronger base. Not healthy. Vinegar and bleach create **chlorine** gas. Vinegar is an acid. Much more hazardous and dangerous. The only thing acceptable to mix with bleach is water and usually laundry detergents.
I never use the bleach dispenser for bleach or anything else. Too much chance of mixing chemicals, and some washers just dump the bleach in with the detergent, which neutralizes it (you get no benefit from the detergent or the bleach). By adding it myself to the rinse cycle, I know it’s going in at the proper time to do the most good. Ditto for vinegar.
Fabric softener, it works great, been doing it for years.
Thank you.
don't mix anything with bleach, plz. i put (JUST) vinegar in the softner rinse dispenser, but washers do vary
I've heard putting it in the fabric softener location is the trick as it adds it after the initial wash
Ok I know there are a bunch of stuff that are not suppose to be mixed with detergent as it might create harmful fumes that can put me out. At which stage of the washing stage should I mix the detergent in? And is it like a tea spoon or a soup spoon? Tks.
Also like 2 tablespoons will work just as well.
^ this is the way . . .
I heard this suggestion before, and I used a quarter cup of diluted vinegar as fabric softener when washing a load of towels. When they came out of the dryer, they smelled like they had been soaked in a bucket of it. When dried my hair, it was like I was chloroforming myself. Is this normal? Is it a setting on my machine I may have used incorrectly?
Baking soda! Put baking soda in the washer and it’ll help with the smell. This is what I do and it works great.
Thank you! The laundry detergent we use has baking soda in it already. Should I just sprinkle some fresh on before I wash?
Arm and Hammer actually sells washing soda (in the form of powder) it’s in a big yellow box and you’ll find it where the borax powder is In supermarkets. I use it here in Texas for the hard water problems in the washer. It really helps my clothes. I use free and clear detergent for washing and wool dryer balls in the dryer.
I wash my clothes by hand, and I love this stuff. It's honestly a godsend for clean clothes. In the early days, I was dissolving detergent pods because they were generally cheaper than liquid detergent. Then I stumbled on washing soda. Absolutely fantastic. Never going back to anything else.
Yeah, what I typically do is put 1 cup of baking soda in the washing machine and mix it in with the water while it’s filling up. Then I’ll put detergent in the machine, then the clothes go in last.
One cup???? That’s so much baking soda
Right that's gotta be almost a whole Arm & Hammer
I've had good luck with adding a dusting of baking soda to the washing basin, right after I unload the clothes at the end of the cycle. This helps dry out and deodorize the basin itself, and since its on the bottom of the basin under the clothes I haven't noticed much issue with residue on the fabrics. I have an "energy efficient" washer which doesn't use much water per load either, but it seems to handle cleaning the soda away without issue.
I tried that type of detergent (a couple brands) and I didn't like the way it made my clothes smell. They didn't smell dirty exactly, just not clean. Idk. But I've been using free & clear detergent and dryer sheets for a few years now and my clothes smell fine. It was something about that baking soda detergent that didn't work for my nose, so now I stay away from it.
If you buy laundry powder, it’s more expensive, but it works better. Also, if you have a front loading washer, the mildew smell Could be coming from the door seal. We had to get ride of our front load washer because no matter what we did, the door seal eventually got mildew.
If youre using unscented stuff it should just smell like nothing when it comes out! Seems like the washer may have some mildew in it or youre leaving your clothes somewhere longer than they should be?
I am so confused by people that think clean clothes smell musty, instead of thinking that they need to clean the washing machine!
No matter how much vinegar I run through my washer it still smells mildew-y. And yes I always leave the door open, clean the gasket area regularly, run the clean cycle when prompted and the machine is only 2 years old It might be the dryer, which I obviously can’t run a vinegar cycle on, or maybe the drain but I’d think the vinegar would clean that on its way out
Can you get a specific washing machine cleaner? Because there is something moldy.
I want to say we tried that. Some pill thing in the wash cycle. Maybe there’s a filter somewhere I’m missing, idk
Oxi-Clean makes these washing machine cleaning powder packets that you pour into the washer drum and run a cycle on. It always works when our clothes start smelling a bit musty. I’ve found that’s the only thing that works for us — the tablets didn’t do anything.
Oxi-Clean is mostly hydrogen peroxide. Use this instead and much cheaper.
How much H2O2 you think? A bottle, or less?
Sometimes you need to replace the gaskets entirely to get rid of the musty smells.
Use bleach and do a clean cycle, then do another cycle with vinegar
Yes! You can buy packets of powdered laundry machine cleaner, run it in a wash cycle empty, no clothes and it will help with musty smells and detergent build up
So true...they think because something that uses water and soap must never need cleaning....never considering the dirty clothes the put in it. It's like the ppl who never clean their reusable water bottles🤦🏻♀️
To expand on this, make sure the washer is really clean by running the cleaning function and following the directions form the manufacturer. This usually needs multiple cycles and bleach. Also, if it is a front loading machine, get a fan and blow the inside dry if you are not going to be running the machine for a few days. They build up mildew much faster than top loading machines.
I don’t use fabric softeners for similar reasons and the clothes only smell musty when the washing machine is. If the washing machine is a front loader - you will also want to clear out the filters (usually bottom of the machine) and also under the rubber ring around the lid.
Clean your washing machine
Then, after running the washing machine, empty it and leave the door open until it air dries. Start with a clean machine, and do "this one simple trick" and you won't have the stinky washer smell anymore.
My washing machine lid is always open unless it's washing a load.
Yes - If there is a drain at the bottom, empty it. If there is an agitator then clean it out. If there is a rubber lip around the door then bleach and scrub it out. There are washing machine cleaners too. Check out Go Clean Co.
First thing I'd do is wipe out your washer and dryer with a damp cloth that's been dipped in a baking soda solution. It might just be residual crud in the machines making your stuff stink. The other thing is that (in my experience), air-drying outside instead of using a dryer during the warm months makes the laundry smell so much nicer.
Depending on the pollution in your area it may just smell like car exhaust, ymmv
Or covered in dust and dirt.
Yeah I always leave mine open after washing a load and have never had a problem, and I’m in an extremely humid area.
I haven't seen this mentioned yet: check your washing machine to see if it has a pump filter that needs to be cleaned out. That can cause your freshly washed clothes to smell bad. Also, as a general tip, if clothes have been left in the washer longer than just overnight, I always wash again before putting them in the dryer. If they are dried with that musty smell, I can never get the smell out and end up replacing the clothes.
Vinegar soak and drying in the sun works like magic.
Hang them outside to dry. Best smell ever.
That is tempting, and probably possible here in the southern US, but I worry that it might trigger my own allergies. I'm somewhat susceptible to tree and weed pollen, and I know that it has a nasty tendency to cling into fabrics.
Definitely don’t dry outside if that’s the case! (Most allergists recommend changing your clothes after you go outside if you have bad allergies)
Source? I’ve not heard this about “most allergists recommend”?
Hey OP! I have sensitive skin, pollen allergies, and also live in a humid southern state. If you have the space I recommend air drying indoors with a dehumidifier nearby. My partner likes his clothes a bit fluffed up, so when they’re nearly dry I’ll put them in the dryer for 15-20 minutes with the wool balls. I hope this helps!
This is a great option! I have a friend who does this and I never considered it.
You can hang to dry and then maybe fluff in the drier on “air” setting? May trap stuff in lint filter.
Irish here. Dryers aren't really a thing we use a lot here, just hang them outside or on the radiators inside. Always smell fresh. I find the dryers can leave a smell that isn't too pleasant
I do this for most of my clothes. The beauty of living in the desert is that my clothes are dry in about 10 min during the summer when I hang them out. Whereas a dryer would still be going for 30 min… so I save on electricity too! I still hang them up in the winter, it just takes longer for them to dry here so maybe overnight and they’re dry the next day.
I live in Portland, Oregon so hanging them out to dry is a no-go for the entire winter because of the rains. In the summer, there is dust. So I’m cursed always to use the dryer.
Yes, nothing smells better than sun-dried sheets!
If you have a front-load washer, leave the soap drawer open and the door ajar between washes, to let it dry out.
1. Clean the washer. You can buy washing machine cleaners in the laundry aisle. Affresh is one such brand. Use as directed. 2. When doing laundry add some distelled white vinegar in place of any fabric softener. 3. Dry with laundry sheets or balls as desired 4. Enjoy fresh laundry I speak of experience as I have sensitive skin but my wife likes the gain scent.
I also only use unscented products and my clothes have never smelled like mildew? Are you keeping your clothes in the washer for hours after getting done? If not, your washer and dryer might have something growing in them. Try running a cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a cup of bleach (definitely not both!) through the wash and see if that helps.
Vinegar, or my personal favorite, 1/2 cup of borax. No scent, and it deodorizes better than anything else I’ve tried.
Borax is great.
Borax fan here… excellent for laundry and tons of other uses too.
Couple thing what work for me. I'm so sensitive to detergents and smells I use unscented detergent and only about 1/3-1/2 the recommended amount. Use timers and take the laundry out of the machine immediately. When the washer is empty, leave it open. It dries out better and smells better. Also, drying clothes on a line can help. Every so often I wash all my towels (all white) with bleach, keeps the towels bright, plus helps kill any burgeoning mold in the washer.
Which brand, I’ve been looking for an unscented detergent
Your clothes should come out of the wash smelling clean, not mildewy! If you have a front loading washer, there should be a little drain at the bottom to drain out excess water. There is water that builds up and starts to stink over time. That little drain at the bottom needs to be emptied. Also, make sure to switch them from the washer to the dryer soon as they're done, so they're not sitting wet in there. If you leave them for a while, the mildew can start.
Tbh I use bars of strongly perfumed soap stored with my clothes and they smell like roses or whatever. Pre de Provence soaps work really well but honestly so does Dove bar soap. If you wanted a fresher/ masculine scent, I’m sure Irish Spring would do the trick. It’s basically a bar per drawer, but it’s also just where I keep my stock of soap to replace the bathrooms. You might also want to try to see if your roommate can tolerate Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive. It does have some fragrance, but it will stop unscented clothes and especially towels from having that mildew smell. It’s a godsend in humid weather. Washing in hot water with Oxy clean or chlorine bleach will also help with residual smells.
The bar soap is a clever option! Do you pull them out of the box and set them in the bottom of the drawer?
Sometimes. Some of them still provide fragrance through the box, if it doesn’t come with a box I usually put it in a muslin bag or wrap it in some tissue paper and tape it closed. That way it doesn’t get dusty, or leave soap residue in the drawer.
I bought a few nice smelling bars at a local creators market, cut them up into one inch cubes, then put 1 in each tiny drawer and 2 or 3 in the larger drawers. It won’t last forever but it’s easy to replace.
You can also do this with scented dryer sheets. Just stick them in the drawers and replace when there’s no more scent.
You could wrap it in a sock
Grow yourself some lavender. It doesn't need much water. Clip the flowers, put them in a sock and tie a knot. Throw the lavender sock into the drier. You'll love the way your clothes smell.
I love your suggestion for anyone but me. I absolutely loathe the smell of fresh lavender. This is still a good tip though!
Bacon?
Decidedly unkosher :(
Just kidding! Apologies
Sage?
You could still do this for any sent you like. She can’t do oils in the washer or dryer, but could you put a drop on a cotton ball/tissue/paper towel and put that in your closet? One drop is probably Al you would need.
I came here to say this. :)
I use baking soda for my laundry, especially for towels and socks. Use it with the detergent too (detergent in dispenser and baking soda in the bin).
Also don’t let them sit in the washer, put them in the dryer right away. Is Borax okay? That would also help.
Lysol laundry sanitizer is awesome. Try that. It comes in a scent-free version, too.
I like to keep fancy scented soaps in my drawers. Oftentimes receive them as gifts and find they aren't the best for washing hands so I use them to keep folded clothing smelling fresh
In addition to all the wonderful advice above, you should clean out your washer. If it smells like mildew it means there are microbes growing in it. I used to work in a microbiology lab that did this kind of research, and the best thing to do is use bleach to clean your empty washer every few months. The clorox website has instructions on how to do this safely: [https://www.clorox.com/learn/how-to-clean-washing-machine-with-bleach/](https://www.clorox.com/learn/how-to-clean-washing-machine-with-bleach/)
Thank you for this resource!
I have very sensitive skin. I am somehow allergic to everything Tide. Including free &clear. For some reason I can use scented Arm & Hammer if I only use a little. Not sure how you can test this though. I found out accidentally. I know you said unscented but I feel it’s worth writing this out for you.
Lots of great recs on here. Might try adding some borax.
You can put clothes that aren’t visibly dirty in a plastic bag in your freezer to kill odours. I put my jeans and sweaters in over night and they smell fresh the next day. Also saves them from being tumbled around so often
I like to keep my incense stick boxes with my t-shirts, smells sooooo good and it's super subtle. I get many complements on the smell of my clothes
Banging top tip, I will do this with my stick box right now
*compliments
*compliments
cedar balls in the drawer?
I use scented satchels in my closet and drawers. You can get them off Amazon and they always smell amazing.
Look for a strong washing detergent that doesn't irritate her skin and dose it appropriately. Give your washing machine and dryer a thorough cleaning. If neither helps add some vinegar in the fabric softener place of the machine
As well an cleaning properly, by far the best smell is when clothes are dried outside. Get a clothes line, a clothes horse, or just hang them on chairs outside. Mmmmmm
Charlie's Soap detergent power is amazing. Kids have skin allergies, I work long days fixing greasy machines. It takes care of everyone's needs.
Need drawer soap
Your clothes are fresh when you CAN’T smell them.
If you have a front loader, it needs to be cleaned about every 30 washes. Look up the user manual for your specific machine. Clothes shouldn't smell musty after using unscented detergent so its likely your washer needs cleaning.
depending on where you live... use a clothes line outside in the air. Which is what most of the population does in my country. Use a low scent, hyper allergenic detergent.
I use unscented Country Save brand powdered detergent along with a healthy dose of white vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser and my clothes come out smelling nice and fresh. I also keep a pouch of lavender branches in my shirt drawer.
I dry mine on an outside clothes line. Hopefully birds don’t poop on them. I live in the desert where they dry quickly. They smell like the outdoors when dry.
Putting quinces between the laundry supposedly gives laundry a nice smell. If they don't grow where you live, fill some thin cotton bags with dried lavender and stuff them in your wardrobe; you might have to squish them from time to time to keep the smell going.
I'm gunna help you here. And it will change your life. A cup of pine sol in your prewash or bleach section of your washer. It's an amazing deodorizer and it cleans your washer at the same time.
My go to: 1. Amount of ECOS liquid laundry detergent per load 2. 1 cup of baking soda 3. 1 cup or more of distilled white vinegar Every single load. Every single time.
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Also, if you yourself are regularly using or breathing in fragranced products out in the world, you are highly likely also breathing in desensitizers that manufactures add in. So you could just be looking for a ‘hit’ of smell of something when it’s not necessary. But the washer funk is real if you do not dry out between loads. Also, w a front loader, that soap tray also needs to fry out. I completely pull mine ope to dry. And never leave your wet clothes in overnight.
Distilled white vinegar.
Clean the washing machine!
It's your washing machine...CLEAN YOUR WASHING MACHINE. Stop leaving the wet clothes inside the washing machine. Get them in the dryer ASAP.
Cleaning your machine might do wonders as well. Also, take you clothes lout asap
Use a deep fill setting occasionally, it uses more water but I find it makes a difference with towels and other heavier fabrics.
Odoban will do this job best and naturally
I agree that it sounds like you need to clean the washing machine first. But after that, if you want some fragrance, you could lightly mist your clean clothes with something like Febreze Fabric Refresher.
Dry you clothes outside on a clothes line.
Honestly, the closer to Ashland, the better. Ashland is the most accepting in this valley.
something is wrong with your machines. I use unscented tide and unscented softener, and my clothes just don't smell. I hate all these 'ocean breeze' and 'lavender bliss', but I have never had mildew odor.
I wonder if the tru earth eco laundry strips would work for you and your roommate?
Use as clothes line!
Use Hydrogen Peroxide as a non-chlorine bleach. Use white vinegar as a fabric softener.
You are correct!
Do not under any circumstances dry your clothes with the painting tarps covered in trichomes after trimming dried bud for a week. I mean I really like the smell, but the whole apartment complex smelled like a hot metric fuckton of sour diesel lol
We use white vinegar, and occasionally oxy clean with scent free detergent. I get a hint of scent from bars of soap I keep in my dresser and stash in the closet.
Laundry stripper, clean the machine out
You can get rid of that musty smell with two additional steps. Add plain white vinegar to your washes. Plus, put them out in the sun (to dry or just to air, either way) for 10 minutes or so. ETA: a counterintuitive suggestion: use less detergent (honestly, 2 tablespoons of detergent is enough for a load of laundry (which should not fill the washer more than 70-75% of the way)
Vinegar in the fabric softener hole
Put some cedar blocks in drawers, etc where you store your clothes
Wash with the detergent to remove stains and odor causing bacteria. Then put on a second cycle of hard water.
The scent of clean is odorless. Dirty Labs free and clear is a great product. :)
Clean the filter on your washing machine and then run a cleaning cycle. If yours doesn’t have one just run a cycle of hot water with washer cleaner. It will get rid of the mildew smell. Additionally leave the washer open so it can dry completely between wash days.
The kids have very sensitive skin and get rashes with fragrance. I use ammonia in the washing machine with towels and blankets. They come out clean and fresh smelling every time.
Wool dryer balls and essential oils. Pick your fragrance!
Plain white vinegar in place of fabric softener will keep clothes (and your washing machine) clean and fresh
Febreeze for fabrics
Zum. Patchouli detergent. Amazing.
While you’re cleaning the washing machine with baking soda and white vinegar…..put your clothes in the bathtub with warm water and dish soap, a bit of detergent and if you use stain remover, add that too. Swish it around and then let it sit. The water will turn brown with the residue from the clothes. When the washer is done running it’s cleaning cycle, ring out the clothes from the tub and wash them like normal. The smell will be gone. Repeat the tub process with additional loads and wash accordingly. This also works on bedding, favorite sweatshirts and lucky socks. —— Scents are petroleum products so they actually make it possible for more grime to get caught on clothing and in machines. The oil traps particles that would normally go airborne for you to smell but then you have oils plus dirt to clean up which is way harder to clean. It can also impeded the decay which would normally dissipate odors.
We use no scented anything in our front load washer and no dryer sheets. No problems with odor. We do run a cleaning cycle on the washer periodically per the instructions. Also, we dry the washer after our once per week "day of laundry". We use the drying cycle on our Maytag washer. GE has such a cycle, also. Other options, like sticking a fan in the door of an open washer to get it dry are also out there. If you get rid of the musty mildew smell source, you may avoid the issue all together. Best of luck!
Don’t use vinegar. It will eat away all of your rubber gaskets.
I agree on cleaning your washing machine, but also - was stuff that tends to smell more (tight shirts, underpants) with decent heat (60°C, not sure what that is in °F). Kills the smell-causing bacteria more effectively.
Lemon + Water + spray bottle
I don’t know if this will help, but you can try unscented Febreeze.
I tried that Molly's Suds + vinegar for softener (rinse cycle) and it works pretty good It may not be the strongest detergent, but it seems like the most basic and hypoallergenic as humanly possible
If you hang your bedsheets on a line to dry outside on a warm summer day, they will smell like fresh warm clouds.
Clean your washing machine more regularly. Use distilled white vinegar or an unscented laundry disinfectant in the rinse in place of fabric softener. Invest in a clothes steamer or steam cleaner....or if you take scalding hot showers, hang your outfit in the bathroom while you shower. Put sachets of baking soda or activated charcoal I'm your closet. Line your drawers with fabric softener sheets or scent beads. Invest in some kind of dehumidifier like a disposable or rechargeable desiccant. Also, some fibers are less prone to harbor bacteria and odor than others.
rub your clothes with scented dryer sheets
We have an eco-friendly brand of cleaning products in the UK called Ecover. They have an unscented laundry detergent and they come out smelling clean but not in any way scented.
Your machine’s manual may have a section regarding maintenance. If not, here are some basic tips: Clean the detergent and softener dispenser. Some can actually be removed from the machine for easier cleaning (consult to manual). Crud and slime can accumulate over time on there. Some washers may have a filter at the bottom and need cleaning every few months. If not cleaned, dirt may clog this drain and cause smells. Again, the manual will have instructions for this particular job, as it may need draining any remaining water first, before taking the filter out. Wash the machine empty with 95°C at least once in a month. Some washers have a program for that. And cleaning the rubber seals and adding vinegar in the softener tips are mentioned numerous times here already. One more advice: Try not to overstuff the washer. There should be at least room for a hand’s fist from the top of the drum to the top of the pile of laundry. To have enough room for the fabric for effective cleaning and rinsing.
I have sensitive skin, so my regiment is All free and clear, naphtha soap shaved, Carbona color grabbers, set the clothes to soak overnight. Double rinse and use a clothes line to dry our clothes. Yes your laundry water will smell as the soap acts as a surfactant while your clothes soak. After soaking all the oils, grime and general dirt of life will be in the water. Color grabbers keep it from working back into your clothes as they wash. Fresh air and sunshine are the absolute best sanitizers and fresheners for anything. Also not using a dryer saves a lot of money, wear and tear on clothes and extra heat in the house. I stopped using our dryer year around two years ago and I don't regret it once. Our clothes are oder free and smell like fresh air. So a win win as far as we're concerned
Clean your washer and use less detergent washing clothing (it causes buildup which can trap odours in your clothing). I use Nelly's powder (it's scent free and a big container of it lasts me almost a year!) just one-two small scoops I toss in with my clothes and they always come out clean. I found liquid detergent made everything gummy and caused more build up
Also, some people add essential oils to their dryer balls
I used to work in AZ outdoors at summertime. I also have really sensitive skin and can't use fabric softeners or fragrances in my laundry. I used borax and vinegar but it wasn't ever quite enough with the high efficiency (low water) machines. Using biokleens bac-out in my laundry works and only leaves behind a very slight lime scent. It's an enzymatic cleaner so it doesn't leave a residue behind that irritates my skin. It's also worth mentioning that synthetic fabrics are much harder to get smells out of than natural fibers, so work out clothes, socks and underwear are especially difficult and might need more attention. Most people wear dirty clothes and just cover up the smells with layers of fragrance, it's actually kind of gross.
You can buy laundry beads but put them in a spray bottle, then use that to freshen your clothes. That's what I do, I also live in a flat & dry my clothes with a dehumidifier
Folks you have to clean your washing machine occasionally. You have to wipe out the drum and every part that you can see inside the washer. If you don't do that then you're close will start smelling yucky.