It’s frustrating to pull freshly washed clothes out of the machine only to find they still smell unpleasant. If your clothes smell like BO after washing, you’re not alone; it’s a common problem with a range of causes. The good news is that with the right laundry habits, products, and eco-friendly tricks, you can get rid of stubborn odours and enjoy fresh-smelling laundry every time.
In this guide, we’ll explain why odours linger, how to remove odour from clothes effectively, and practical solutions to keep laundry smelling clean for good.
Why Do My Clothes Still Smell of Sweat After Washing Them?
The reason clothes smell like BO after washing often comes down to the interaction between sweat and bacteria. Sweat itself is odourless, but when it mixes with bacteria on your skin, it produces compounds that cling to fabrics.
Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are especially prone to this problem. Unlike natural fabrics such as cotton, synthetics don’t breathe well, which traps sweat and bacteria deep in the fibres. If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, the answer may be your fabric type combined with how you’re washing them.
Other factors that make clothes smell worse include:
- Overusing detergent
- Washing in cold water
- Overloading your machine
Common Washing Mistakes That Cause Lingering Odours
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One of the biggest culprits when clothes still smell after washing, is poor washing habits. These common mistakes make odours worse:
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Using the wrong detergent: Standard detergents don’t always break down the oils and bacteria that cause odours. Using the best laundry detergent for body odour, especially formulas made for sportswear or activewear, can make a big difference.
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Washing at too low a temperature: While cold washes save energy, they may not kill bacteria effectively. Warm water is more effective at removing sweat odours, though always check your care labels first.
- Overloading your washing machine: When your machine is too full, water and detergent can’t circulate properly. This means dirt and bacteria stay trapped, and detergent residue can even make odours worse.
Washing Machine and Clothes Smell
Sometimes the issue isn’t the clothes themselves; it’s the washing machine. Over time, detergent, softener, and dirt build up in the drum, seals, and detergent drawer, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. When you wash clothes in a dirty machine, the smell transfers onto fabrics.
To fix this:
- Run a hot empty cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner once a month.
- Wipe down the rubber door seals regularly.
- Keep the door open after washes to let the drum dry out.
By maintaining your machine, you’ll stop bacteria from spreading and reduce the chance that your clothes smell like BO after washing.
Why Leaving Clothes in the Washer Makes Them Smell
Even if you wash your laundry correctly, leaving damp clothes sitting in the drum too long can undo your efforts. Moisture and warmth create the perfect environment for bacteria and mildew to grow, which is why clothes still smell after washing if they’re left inside overnight.
To prevent this, remove clothes promptly and hang them in a ventilated area or transfer them straight to the dryer.
How Fabric Types Affect Odour
When it comes to removing smells from clothes, fabric choice plays a big role.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester trap sweat and bacteria easily, which makes odours harder to remove. These clothes need more frequent washes and sometimes a stronger detergent.
Natural fabrics like cotton or bamboo are breathable and release odours more easily, so they’re less likely to hold onto BO smells.
If you want to minimise future odour issues, consider choosing more natural fibres for everyday wear.
Are Detergent and Fabric Conditioner to Blame
You might be surprised, but using too much detergent or fabric conditioner can actually make laundry smell worse. Excess detergent leaves residue that traps odours, while fabric conditioners can coat fibres in a film that prevents proper cleaning.
Instead, measure detergent carefully and avoid overusing conditioner. For fresher results, swap fabric conditioner for natural alternatives like white vinegar, which softens fabrics and neutralises smells without residue.
Does Hard Water Make Clothes Smell
Yes, hard water can reduce how well detergent works. The minerals in hard water bind to detergent, preventing it from fully dissolving. This leaves residues that hold onto bacteria, causing lingering smells.
If you live in a hard water area, try adding a water softener or use a detergent designed for hard water to improve your laundry results.
Natural Ways of Removing Smells from Clothes
For eco-friendly alternatives, natural remedies are highly effective. Here are some tried-and-tested solutions:
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Baking soda: Add half a cup to your wash to neutralise odours.
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Vinegar: Works as a natural deodoriser and fabric softener.
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Bay leaves: Anecdotally used as a natural antibacterial booster when added to the drum.
- Eco-friendly scent boosters: Plant-based options made with essential oils provide freshness without harsh chemicals.
These natural fixes don’t just mask odours; they help eliminate them, ensuring clothes smell fresh long-term.
Bonus Tips for Long-Term Freshness
If you’re dealing with clothes that smell like BO after washing, follow these additional habits for lasting freshness:
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Pre-treat underarms and problem areas: Apply vinegar, baking soda paste, or an enzyme-based stain remover before washing.
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Dry thoroughly: Never store damp clothes. Air dry in fresh air when possible.
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Rotate detergents: Switching detergents occasionally prevents build-up and keeps bacteria at bay.
- Air clothes between wears: Hanging clothes out between uses helps prevent odour settling in.
Conclusion
It’s frustrating when clothes smell like BO after washing, but the solution is often straightforward. By understanding how sweat, bacteria, fabrics, detergents, and even your washing machine play a role, you can break the cycle of lingering odours.
From choosing the best laundry detergent for body odour to maintaining your washing machine and using eco-friendly scent boosters, you now have practical tools to keep your laundry truly fresh. And by avoiding common mistakes, like overloading the washer or leaving damp clothes in the drum, you’ll ensure your clothes stay clean and odour-free every time.
