How to Combat Odors in Your Laundry (and Why a Laundromat Can Help)

We’ve all been there—pulling clothes out of the dryer only to catch a whiff of a stubborn odor that just won’t go away. Whether it’s sweat, smoke, mildew, or food smells, laundry odors can be frustrating to deal with. The good news? With the right techniques and resources, you can combat odors and keep your clothes smelling fresh. Here’s a guide on how to tackle laundry odors, and why using a laundromat can make a big difference in keeping your clothes clean and fresh.

Common Causes of Laundry Odors

Before we get into the solutions, it helps to understand what might be causing those odors in your clothes:

1. Sweat and Body Oils: These can cling to fabrics, especially in activewear, and cause unpleasant smells.
2. Mildew: Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine or laundry basket for too long can lead to mildew, which has a musty, unpleasant odor.
3. Smoke and Cooking Odors: Fabrics absorb smoke and cooking smells, making them hard to remove, especially from heavier fabrics like jackets and sweaters.
4. Pet Odors: Pet hair, dander, and accidents can leave strong, lingering smells on blankets, bedding, and clothing, making it challenging to get them clean.
5. Human-Related Laundry Challenges: Accidents, such as those involving bodily fluids, can lead to strong odors that are difficult to remove. Without proper treatment, these smells can persist even after washing.
6. Detergent Residue: Using too much detergent or not rinsing properly can lead to build-up, trapping odors in your clothes.

By understanding the sources of these odors, you can better tackle them using effective cleaning methods and make the most of the services at your local laundromat.

Tips for Getting Rid of Laundry Odors

1. Pre-Treat Problem Areas: If sweat stains or body oils are causing odors, pre-treat those areas with a stain remover or a mixture of water and baking soda before washing. For particularly tough stains, let the solution sit for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar: These natural deodorizers can help neutralize odors. Add a half cup of baking soda to your wash cycle to absorb odors, or pour a half cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener compartment to help break down smells.
3. Avoid Overloading the Washer: Clothes need enough space to move around in the washer. If the machine is too full, they won’t get properly cleaned, which can leave behind odors. Make sure you’re washing smaller loads to give clothes the best chance of getting clean.
4. Use Hot Water When Possible: Washing clothes in hot water (as long as the fabric care label allows it) can help kill odor-causing bacteria. For items like towels and sheets, using hot water regularly can make a big difference.
5. Opt for a Second Rinse: If you’re dealing with persistent odors, try adding an extra rinse cycle. This helps ensure that any detergent or residue is completely washed out, leaving your clothes fresher.
6. Dry Clothes Immediately: After washing, make sure to dry your clothes promptly. Leaving them sitting in the washer can lead to mildew and musty smells. If you’re air drying, ensure they’re hanging in a well-ventilated area.

How a Laundromat Can Help Combat Laundry Odors

Sometimes, no matter how many tricks you try, odors still linger. Here’s how using a laundromat can help solve your laundry odor problems:

1. High-Capacity Machines for a Deeper Clean: Laundromats typically have larger, more powerful machines than most home units. High-capacity washers allow clothes to move freely, ensuring a more thorough clean that helps remove odors. The larger dryers also help prevent clothes from drying improperly, which can cause musty smells.
2. Ozone Laundry Systems: Some laundromats, including ours, use ozone laundry systems. Ozone cleaning uses oxygen and water to naturally sanitize clothes, killing bacteria, viruses, and other odor-causing microbes without the need for harsh chemicals. This process is not only effective but also gentle on fabrics, leaving your clothes fresher and cleaner.
3. Specialized Detergents Available: Many laundromats offer a selection of high-quality detergents, including hypoallergenic and odor-fighting options, that might not be available at your local store. These detergents are specifically designed to neutralize stubborn smells and keep clothes smelling fresh.
4. Extra Large Machines for Bulky Items: Large items like comforters, pillows, and rugs can harbor a lot of odors and bacteria, but they don’t always fit well in standard home washers. Laundromats offer extra-large machines that can handle bulky items, giving them the space they need to be properly cleaned.
5. Quick Drying with Industrial Dryers: Industrial-grade dryers found at laundromats can dry clothes quickly and efficiently, reducing the chance of mildew forming due to dampness. Plus, they can handle larger loads, which is perfect for drying heavier items like jackets, blankets, and towels.

Extra Tips to Keep Clothes Smelling Fresh

1. Wash Clothes Regularly: Don’t let dirty clothes sit in your laundry basket for too long, especially if they’re damp from sweat. Washing them promptly prevents odors from setting in.
2. Clean Your Washer Regularly: Odors can sometimes come from the washing machine itself. If you’re washing at home, make sure to clean your machine every month by running an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar.
3. Store Clothes Properly: Make sure your clothes are completely dry before folding and storing them. Store them in a cool, dry place to avoid mildew and musty smells.

Conclusion

Dealing with laundry odors doesn’t have to be a constant battle. By following these tips and utilizing the services of a professional laundromat, you can keep your clothes fresh, clean, and odor-free. Whether it’s using our powerful washers and dryers or taking advantage of our ozone cleaning system, we’re here to help you enjoy clean, great-smelling clothes every time.

Next time you’re facing stubborn laundry odors, bring your clothes to our laundromat and let our machines do the heavy lifting. We’ll make sure your clothes come out smelling fresh and feeling soft, so you can skip the hassle and get back to your day!