How to Neutralize Dryer Sheet Smell
The scent that remains on clothing from dryer sheets combined with perfumes, scented shampoos and body lotions can be overwhelming. You want your clothes smelling clean and fresh, but you don't want them to overpower every other scented product you use. Neutralizing the dryer sheet smell on your clean clothes is possible without rewashing, and these methods won't make you late for work. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Odor neutralizing spray
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Sandwich-sized zipper bag
- Hangers
- Garment bag with zipper closure
Instructions
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For an immediate neutralizing effect, lightly spray your clothing with a fabric safe odor-neutralizing spray. This works well if you are dressed and notice the dryer sheet smell sticking to your clothing. There are good odor eliminators available at supermarkets and large department stores in the laundry aisle. You can also use a neutralizer that eliminates all scents, including human scents, that's available at outdoor stores or the hunting and fishing department of department stores. The fabric sprays that hunters use will give you a fresh start and add no new scent.
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If you notice the offensive scent before you are dressed, fill a small spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water and spray it on your clothes. Spray all of the seams and collars thoroughly to neutralize the scent lingering there. Let the clothes dry naturally outside or in a warm part of the house.
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To remove the dryer sheet smell when you are planning to wear clothes the next day, place a cup of baking soda in a zipper style lunch bag. Cut a 1-inch hole through both sides of the bag above the baking soda and hang it on a metal hanger. Hang your clothing on a plastic hanger and place both hangers in a garment bag. Zipper the garment bag closed and leave it hanging until the morning. The baking soda will absorb the scent left behind on the fabric.
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Tips & Warnings
Rewashing clothes isn't an efficient manner to remove a scent, but it will remove it if you have the time and use a scent-free detergent and dryer sheet.
If the dryer sheet smell lingers in the dryer, place a hand towel soaked in white vinegar in the dryer and run the dryer for 20 minutes.
Test the fabric for colorfastness in a hidden area before applying any spray products.
