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How to Make Clothes Smell Good: Ultimate Guide to Fresh and Clean Laundry!
In Australia’s varied climates, keeping clothes smelling fresh can be a personal challenge for many of us...
...mostly since we have to juggle taking care of our families -- all while having to earn a living.
Let us cut right to the chase with our clear, actionable guidance on how to make clothes smell good the easy way!
Throughout the years, we've gone through a broad range of laundry products, some surprised us while many have let us down.
Let us share with you some of the products as well as tips that made laundry errands easier while resulting in satisfyingly fresh-smelling and clean clothes!
Short Summary
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Keep laundry routines consistent and avoid overloading the washer to prevent bad odours.
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Master wash cycles by choosing the correct temperature, detergent dosage, and using pre-rinse or extra rinse cycle.
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Enhance the fresh scent of clothes using essential oils, proper drying techniques, and by maintaining fresh drawers and closets.
Topics in This Article:
The Secret to Fresh-Smelling Fabrics
The secret to fresh-smelling fabrics and making laundry smell good is something we've honed through our own laundry routine and techniques.
Opting for a high-quality laundry powder or liquid detergent that's concentrated can work wonders for achieving that clean and fresh scent with a lot less product than you might expect.
Like what the guys from Clotheslyne said on an article we read:
"Consider well-known and trusted brands. Top-grade detergents often feature technology that combats odour while deep cleaning the fabric.
They do an excellent job of penetrating your clothes at a fiber level, removing stains, and infusing the material with fresh scents that can last much longer than cheaper alternatives."
And here's a personal tip we swear by: always remove your laundry from the washing machine immediately after the cycle finishes...
...and leave the washer's door open for 24 hours to prevent moulds and mildew from growing inside.
Establishing Your Laundry Routine
A consistent laundry routine has been key for us in maintaining good laundry habits.
We've found that regular washing is essential to prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria...
...which are the usual suspects when it comes to bad odours in clothes.
We've also learned that pre-soaking laundry can be a real game-changer in removing not just stains but strong smells...
...such as body odour and perfumes too, contributing to overall fresher clothing.
Moderation is crucial, though, bear in mind that too much detergent can leave a residue that traps odours in fabrics.
It's a mistake we've made in the past but now carefully avoid by using half the recommended dose of detergent for front load washers...
...but we still follow the regular dose for top load washers due to the amount of water these types of machines use.
Load Size Matters
When we're tackling laundry, we've learned that size really does matter!
By not overloading the washer, we give our clothes enough space to move and agitate freely.
This is crucial for effective cleaning and preventing those pesky bad odours.
Overfilling the washer hampers the distribution of detergent and movement of items, which means the detergent can't fully saturate the clothes...
...and that can lead to garments that don’t come out as clean as we’d like.
As per a consumer product testing expert at Purex, Kristen Higgins:
“While running full laundry loads can save families money on water costs, it’s important not to overstuff your machine, as doing so can decrease the effectiveness of the wash, leaving behind lingering odours and faint stains.”
Mastering the Wash Cycle: Tips and Tricks
Perfecting the wash cycle has been a key component in our battle against odours.
Let us share some personal insights:
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We opt for shorter wash cycles to prevent odours from setting in, but when dealing with heavily soiled clothes, we don't hesitate to go for a longer cycle.
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Use higher water temperature if need be to kill off germs.
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We've found that increasing the agitation during the wash cycle plays a significant role in dislodging and washing away odours, separate heavily soiled clothes and use your washer's 'soiled' cycle for this.
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Based on our experience, different fabrics often demand their own specific wash settings to ensure odours are removed without damaging the material.
The Right Temperature for Smell Success
From our experience, selecting the right water temperature is pivotal for getting your laundry to smell fresh and clean.
For utmost sanitisation 90c does the job perfectly to keep clothes smelling clean but it's not recommended for coloured garments.
For coloured garments, 30c to 40c is the perfect range to activate the detergent
When it comes to delicate items, we always opt for cold wash or 30c at most to prevent any damage to the fabrics...
...while still maintaining the effectiveness of the detergent's germ-killing additives and fragrance.
Detergent Dosage
Figuring out the right amount of laundry detergent to use is crucial from our experience; too little and you're left with dingy clothes...
...while too much can create a residue that traps odours.
We've made the mistake of using excessive detergent before, which led to a buildup of soap residue.
It not only harboured bacteria but also resulted in some pretty unpleasant smells.
Now, we've learned to fill the detergent cap only halfway instead of to the brim for front load washers, which helps to prevent excess suds and residues.
A capful for an average sized top load washer is more than enough, you don't need a mountain of suds, just enough suds that skim on top of the water means you've used proper amount of laundry detergent.
It's worth noting that laundry detergents have become better over the years for utmost efficiency so you don't really have to use much.
This simple adjustment has helped us find the perfect balance between detergent amount and load size.
This ensures our clothes come out smelling as fresh as a daisy.
The Power of Baking Soda in Your Wash
Baking soda has been a surprisingly effective tool in our laundry routine for freshening up fabrics.
By adjusting the pH balance, it neutralises both acidic and basic odours that cling to clothes.
We've found that it also boosts the cleaning power of laundry detergents by softening the water, allowing the detergent to more deeply penetrate fabrics.
This not only helps eliminate odour-causing bacteria and grime but also improves overall cleanliness.
As a matter of fact, this is a great way to eliminate old white clothes that have become yellow over time.
A Natural Odour Neutraliser
Aside from its culinary uses, we've discovered that baking soda is a fantastic natural odour neutraliser for laundry.
We often add a generous scoop of baking soda to our laundry (directly in the drum) to neutralise odours and enhance freshness.
For those tougher odours, like the ones that come from intense workouts or heat...
...we've found that pre-soaking the garments in a baking soda solution before washing is incredibly effective.
Boosting Detergent Effectiveness
By softening the hard water, which can be quite a nuisance, it enhances the power of our laundry detergents.
And as we've mentioned, this little trick assists with tough stain removal.
This is particularly helpful if you live in western or south Australia where tap water is pretty hard.
This also means that your clothes will come out softer and less prone to wrinkles due to the alkalinity of the water.
It also prevents the yellowing of white fabrics over time helping you get the most out of your favourite pristinely white garments!
Vinegar: The Unsung Hero of Odour Removal
Unexpectedly, we've found vinegar to be an excellent natural odour eliminator in our laundry routine and an all-round better alternative to fabric conditioners.
It not only helps to prevent colours from fading in our clothes, which contributes to their longevity and appearance...
...but we've also come up with a great homemade fabric softener or finishing solution using distilled white vinegar, water, and tea tree oil that even rivals commercial products.
A really good tip by the folks at Puracy said:
"Add a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to your laundry cycle to help neutralise stubborn odours and freshen up your clothes. For extra freshness, consider adding a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to your wash to leave your clothes smelling heavenly."
Secret Tip We Recommend!
Ingredients for Homemade Odour-Fighting Fabric Conditioner:
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1 Litre Distilled White Vinegar
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500 millilitres Distilled or Reverse-Osmosis Water
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Colloidal Silver Drops
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Pure Tea Tree Oil
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Pure Lavender Essential Oil
HOW TO PREPARE:
In a large container, simply mix the vinegar and water, add 15 to 20 drops of pure Tea Tree Oil and 3-4 full pumps (dropper) of Colloidal Silver.
Tea Tree Oil and Colloidal Silver will act as a natural preservatives with strong bacteria and odour fighting powers!
Finish it off with a tablespoon or more of Lavender Essential Oil for a relaxing boost of fragrance that you will surely love.
White Vinegar as a Fabric Softener
Distilled white vinegar has become our go-to natural fabric softener that also tackles laundry odours with ease.
As a green alternative, it softens our clothes without the need for the harsh chemicals found in commercial fabric softeners.
We simply pour half a cup into the fabric softener compartment just before the last rinse cycle, and it works like a charm.
Vinegar for a Clean Washing Machine
We've found that vinegar is not just for salad dressings; it's also a fantastic agent for washing machine maintenance, funnily enough!
We make it a point to regularly clean our washing machine's drum, seals, and detergent compartments to prevent any odour-causing bacteria and detergent residues from building up.
Running an empty washing cycle with a cup of vinegar has become a part of our routine and has significantly reduced odour issues in my machine.
It's a simple, yet effective way to keep everything smelling fresh.
Enhancing Scent with Essential Oils
Through my own experimentation with essential oils, we've discovered they can significantly elevate the fragrance of laundry.
Here are a few of our personal favourites for imparting a fresh scent:
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Lavender, for its calming and soothing aroma.
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Lemon Myrtle, which offers a vibrant and refreshing fragrance.
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Mandarin, with its sweet and uplifting citrus scent.
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Eucalyptus, known for its crisp and clean essence.
However, we must emphasise the importance of diluting essential oils properly to prevent fabric staining and skin irritation.
Selecting the Perfect Essential Oil
Choosing the right essential oil has made a significant difference in the fragrance of our laundry.
In our experience, it's crucial to go for quality when selecting essential oils.
Some of our favourite scents that have become staples in our home include the soothing aroma of lavender, the invigorating scent of eucalyptus...
...and the refreshing fragrance of lemon myrtle, all known for their delightful and enduring scents.
CEO and founder of WashClub, Rick Rome said:
“You have to make sure that the essential oils are water-based soluble, if they are not, they can stain your clothes in the wash, and these stains are very difficult to remove. Approach this method with a lot of caution."
Creating a DIY Fragrance Spray
Creating a DIY fragrance spray has been a delightful addition to our laundry routine.
We've personally crafted a lavender linen spray using distilled water and a few drops of lavender essential oil.
Sometimes, we like to experiment by blending different essential oils to concoct a unique fragrance that's all our own.
A quick spritz on fabrics before ironing or storing away adds a refreshing touch that's simply irresistible.
Use Scent Boosters
Unlike ordinary fabric conditioners that can eventually turn towels and clothes into hydrophobic mess that won't absorb water and sweat...
...scent boosters are better alternatives to keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
Scent boosters also don't leave unwanted residues or films on clothes and inside washing machines where moulds start to grow.
Kevin (our Creative Director) swears by Downy Unstoppables In-Wash Scent Booster Beads in FRESH scent:
"I just throw in half a cap plus my dirty clothes into the washer, set and forget. It's so easy to use and my clothes always end up smelling great -- don't follow the product directions. One cap is too strong and can give everyone at home a headache!"
Drying Techniques That Lock in Freshness
Drying our clothes is just as crucial as the wash cycle for ensuring lasting freshness.
A proper drying method is key to preserving and enhancing the scents imparted during the wash.
Exposing clothes to a healthy dose of sunlight and fresh air does wonders to keep your laundry smelling great as can be.
Using a proper clothesline like the ones we recommend is a surefire way to guarantee great results.
Space long or large items apart or alternate between left and right side of the drying lines while hanging smaller or lighter items in between for optimum air circulation and sunlight exposure.
During colder months, we use heated drying solutions like towel warmers and portable radiators to efficiently dry garments...
...sealing in the fragrances without the risk of dampness compromising the scent.
If you are exclusively drying clothes indoors, might as well fire up a high performance dehumidifier for fast drying of clothes even when indoors without using a lot of electricity.
The Benefits of Air Drying
Air drying, which we often do outdoors, taps into the natural process of evaporation and fresh air to dry clothes.
We've noticed how the breeze acts as a natural assistant, promoting evaporation and whisking away moisture-laden air.
The sun also acts as a natural sanitiser and greatly helps in keeping white garments as pristine as possible.
Final Words
From establishing a regular laundry routine to finding the right products or even making your own amazing fabric conditioner...
...we've shared numerous methods to keep your clothes smelling as fresh as the Australian outback.
Remember, the secret to fresh-smelling fabrics lies not just in the washing and products you sue, but also in the careful drying and storage of your garments.
With these tips and a bit of personal experimentation, you're well on your way to a wardrobe that's brimming with freshness!
