Sweaters still smelling even after washing? Avoid this problem by using these tips
It is never pleasant to open the washing machine door and discover that the clothes that have just been washed do not smell fresh. And this problem seems to occur more often in the case of heavy clothing - those with thick fabrics like winter sweaters. There can be many causes for this, starting with the washing machine itself.
There are a number of tips we can use to avoid odors from persisting in sweaters. These odors include sweat, smoke or even the musty smell that clothing get when kept in humid and closed conditions for long periods of time. Read on to find out how:
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If you have finished the laundry but your sweater has not come out smelling fresh, then try this remedy, for which you will need:
- A bowl or basin
- Hair shampoo, or alternatively Marseille soap
- (optional) an essential oil of your choice
How to proceed:
- Fill the bowl with cold water;
- Soak the sweater in the water;
- Add two teaspoons of shampoo, or alternatively, take the Marseille soap and rub it gently on the sweater, especially on the problem areas (armpits, neck, etc);
- You can add 5-10 drops of an essential oil of your choice, directly into the water;
- Leave to soak for half an hour;
- Gently rinse the sweater, without rubbing it, just squeezing the fabric in your hands;
- Spread the sweater flat on a drying rack, or on a shelf that you have previously covered with clean towels so that they absorb any excess moisture.
There are also those who use - instead of shampoo or soap - a little vinegar (half a glass) diluted in a lot of cold water. This is not a remedy to be used too often, especially with delicate garments.
In general, then, to make sure that wool laundry is done properly:
- Make sure to remove woolen items from the drum as soon as the wash is finished;
- Do not use too much fabric softener when washing woolen items;
- Always use delicate wash cycles;
- Do laundry of only woolen garments as indicated on their labels;
- Allow to air dry, and lay flat whilst drying.
And if you want to intensify the scent of your clothes even more, you can use homemade clothes deodorizers (as long as they do not contain alcohol).
