How to Remove Sour Smell From Clothes

Unfortunately, many of us have dealt with sour smelling clothes at one time or another. But the good news is that many times this problem can be fixed. Read further to find out how to remove that sour smell from clothes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sour smelling clothes
• Washing machine
• Laundry detergent
• Baking soda
• Vinegar

1. Our first reaction when clothes come out of the dryer with a sour odor is to just put them all back into the washing machine and rewash them. But many times this washing method is part of what caused the sour smell in the first place. Clothes come out sour when they are overcrowded in the machine, left in the machine for too long after washing, or left in the dryer without being completely dry.
2. The first step that should be taken when rewashing sour smelling clothes is to first fill the washing machine to the highest water level. This ensures that there is enough water to circulate and dilute any dirt and offensive odors. The water temperature should be the hottest water that the clothing can withstand without damaging the fabric.
3. Next, detergent should be added to the water. Use the recommended amount according to the detergent manufacturers instructions. Add one cup of baking soda. Baking soda is widely used as an odor neutralizer and can work wonders on laundry odors.
4. When the washing machine if filled, then add clothes. Be sure that the washing machine is only about half full with clothing. This ensures that the water solution can permeate the clothing and be able to wash away the odors. If the clothes are extra sour smelling it may be a good idea to stop the machine after the agitation and let the clothes soak. By soaking, this ensures that the detergent and baking soda permeate the fibers thoroughly. Continue to let the clothes soak for about 30 minutes, then return the washing machine to the beginning and let the clothes agitate for another full cycle.
5. After agitating, let the water drain. Allow the washer to fill with rinse water then add a cup of vinegar. Vinegar is also an odor neutralizer and is a great fabric softener. The use of vinegar also helps rinse out any remaining detergent remaining from the wash cycle.
6. Place clothing into the dryer and use the hottest temperature that the fabric can withstand without shrinking or damaging. Remove clothing when they are completely dry and either hang or fold everything. Do not leave clothes in a basket for a long period of time, as this will make clothes sour smelling again if they are still damp.

Tips & Warnings

• Clothes should be completely dry when removing from the dryer to prevent them from souring again.
• When using the dryer, be sure to remove lint from the lint trap. Failure to do so could result in fire.