No one likes pulling out freshly washed clothes only to find they still carry a musty or sweaty smell. Odours usually come from bacteria, moisture, and improper storage—but the good news is, you can tackle all of them with simple household hacks. Here is a detailed guide to keeping your clothes fresh and odour-free, naturally!
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### Materials Required
– Baking soda
– Vinegar
– Lemon
– Essential oils
– Charcoal pouches
– Muslin bags
– Cedar wood blocks/chips
– Dried lavender or rose petals
– Cloves
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### While Washing
**1. Use Baking Soda:**
Add ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum or detergent slot during your wash. Baking soda neutralizes bad odours, softens water, and boosts your detergent’s cleaning power.
**2. Add White Vinegar:**
Pour ½ cup of white vinegar into the rinse cycle. Vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer, breaks down detergent residue, and leaves clothes soft without any lingering vinegar smell.
**3. Tackle Stubborn Odours with Lemon Juice:**
For especially stubborn smells, add 2–3 tablespoons of lemon juice during the wash cycle. The citric acid helps cut through bacteria and leaves a fresh, citrusy scent on your clothes.
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### While Drying
**1. Dry in Direct Sunlight:**
Whenever possible, dry your clothes outside in direct sunlight. The UV rays naturally kill bacteria and remove musty odours that dryers or indoor drying can sometimes lock in.
**2. Use Essential Oil Spray:**
Mix 1 cup of water with 5–6 drops of essential oil—such as lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree—in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz your clothes before drying for a subtle, fresh fragrance.
**3. Place Activated Charcoal Bags Nearby:**
Place activated charcoal bags around your drying area or near laundry baskets. Charcoal absorbs moisture and prevents sweaty, damp odours from settling in your clothes.
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### Storage Hacks
**1. Baking Soda Muslin Bags:**
Fill small muslin bags with baking soda and keep them in drawers or closets. They continuously absorb odours and humidity, keeping your clothes fresh.
**2. Cedar Wood Blocks or Chips:**
Add cedarwood blocks or chips to your wardrobe. They emit a clean, woody scent and naturally repel moths and insects, protecting your clothes.
**3. Natural Fragrance Bags:**
Fill small fabric bags with dried lavender, rose petals, or cloves. These natural fragrances keep your clothes smelling fresh while adding a calming scent to your wardrobe.
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By incorporating these simple and natural hacks into your laundry routine, you can enjoy fresh, pleasant-smelling clothes every time—without relying on harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. Happy washing!
https://www.freepressjournal.in/weekend/effective-hacks-to-keep-your-clothes-odour-free