How can I make my laundry smell good for a long time?

Author: Adah Swift  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Follow these eight tips to achieve incredible-smelling laundry.
  1. Deodorize With Baking Soda. Baking soda is a great way to deodorize your laundry. ...
  2. Clean Your Washing Machine. ...
  3. Do Smaller Loads of Laundry. ...
  4. Use Scent Boosters. ...
  5. Choose the Right Detergent. ...
  6. Pre-Treat Any Stains. ...
  7. Don't Let Wet Clothes Sit. ...
  8. Try Scented Dryer Balls.

How to wash clothes for long-lasting smell?

8 Easy Tips to Make Your Clothes Smell Better
  1. Switch to Luxury-Scented Laundry Pods. ...
  2. Use a Scent Booster. ...
  3. Wash Smaller Loads. ...
  4. Clean Your Washing Machine. ...
  5. Wash Sweaty Clothes as Soon as Possible. ...
  6. Don't Leave Wet Clothes In the Washer. ...
  7. Use Scented Dryer Sheets. ...
  8. Air-Dry Your Clothes Outside.

Why do my clothes never smell fresh after washing?

Over time, detergents and fabric softeners can accumulate inside the washing machine, especially if too much is used or if it's not suitable for your specific machine. This buildup can trap odors and foster bacteria and mold growth, which in turn can leave clothes smelling less than fresh.

How do I make my house smell like clean laundry all the time?

'A DIY air freshener is one of the best ways to use laundry detergent to make your home smell good,' Vanessa says. This trick could not be easier. Fill a spray bottle with warm water and a spoonful of detergent like this one from Target. Shake and spray.

How do you fix smelly laundry?

Most clothing smells can be removed with baking soda or vinegar applications, but some tough odors may require extra cleaning steps with heavy-duty liquid detergent or household ammonia. Choose a commercial odor remover like Downy Rinse & Refresh or remove odors from laundry using items straight from the pantry.

How I Get Stains Out of Vintage Fabric

How do you make your laundry smell fresh longer?

Follow these eight tips to achieve incredible-smelling laundry.
  1. Deodorize With Baking Soda. Baking soda is a great way to deodorize your laundry. ...
  2. Clean Your Washing Machine. ...
  3. Do Smaller Loads of Laundry. ...
  4. Use Scent Boosters. ...
  5. Choose the Right Detergent. ...
  6. Pre-Treat Any Stains. ...
  7. Don't Let Wet Clothes Sit. ...
  8. Try Scented Dryer Balls.

Is bleach or vinegar better to clean a washing machine?

“For removing odors, I would say vinegar.” Some people, however, prefer white vinegar because it's not as harsh as bleach. Unless, of course, your washing machine has been completely neglected, and is now a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, and you want a power cleaner.

How do people get their laundry to smell so good?

Using Fabric Softener:

Fabric softeners are specially designed to add a soft, pleasant scent to your clothes while reducing static and making them feel cozy. Simply add fabric softener to your laundry during the rinse cycle and let it work its magic.

How do hotels keep rooms smelling fresh?

A hotel scent diffuser is a device designed to disperse pleasant fragrances throughout various areas of a hotel, enhancing the overall ambiance and guest experience. These diffusers are placed in key locations, such as common areas, lobbies, hallways, and even guest rooms.

What is a natural odor eliminator for laundry?

Say goodbye to commercial fabric softeners and embrace the wonders of white vinegar. Add half a cup during the rinse cycle to soften fabrics and eliminate any lingering odors. Note: do not use vinegar and baking soda together.

What to put in laundry to make it smell good?

Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors

Another easy way to prevent foul odors from seeping into your laundry is to use baking soda. It neutralizes odors versus masking them, so it's a simple way to keep your laundry smelling good in between washes.

What is the best smelling laundry detergent?

Our top picks for the best-smelling laundry detergents of 2025
  • Best Overall. The Laundress Signature Detergent Classic. Read more.
  • Coolest Laundry Care Brand. Dedcool Dedtergent Xtra Milk. Read more.
  • Best Woody Scent. Snif Rain Check Everything Wash. Read more.

How to remove bad smell from washing machine?

Baking soda and vinegar:

For both top-load and front-load washers, start by adding 1/4 cup of baking soda directly into the washer drum. Then, pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser. Run a hot wash cycle without any laundry.

What does vinegar do for laundry?

By adding vinegar to your laundry, you can remove tough stains, eliminate odors, and even soften your clothes. It's a safe and effective way to boost the cleaning power of your detergent while also being eco-friendly. So go ahead and add some vinegar to your next load of laundry for cleaner, fresher-smelling clothes.

What is the best essential oil for laundry?

What Are the Best Essential Oils To Use in Your Laundry?
  • Lavender - The Soothing Staple. ...
  • Lemon - Citrusy Clean. ...
  • Tea Tree - The Fresh Defender. ...
  • Eucalyptus - Breezy and Bold. ...
  • Peppermint - Cool and Invigorating. ...
  • Rosemary - Naturally Nostalgic. ...
  • Orange - Zesty and Bright. ...
  • Bergamot - Sophisticated and Soothing.

How to make laundry detergent smell last longer?

How To Make Your Laundry Scent Last
  1. Make Sure the Washing Machine is Clean. You can't have great smelling laundry without a clean foundation! ...
  2. Pair with a Matching Fabric Softener. Now that you've selected your laundry scent, it's time to add a scent-boosting fabric softener. ...
  3. Don't Let Wet Laundry Sit.

Why does the Ritz Carlton smell so good?

The Ritz-Carlton Signature Scent Experience

Air Aroma is often asked, why does the Ritz Carlton smell so good? Bespoke fragrances are designed for individual properties to ensure a connection to the unique cultural and natural facets of each area.

How do 5 star hotels smell so good?

Five-star hotels maintain their appealing scent by using high-quality fragrance systems and ensuring consistent and thorough cleaning practices. They often choose luxurious and sophisticated scents that are specifically designed to evoke a sense of comfort and elegance.

How do hotels get their towels to smell so good?

Subtle fragrance enhancements: Some hotels add subtle fragrance enhancements to elevate the pleasant scent of their towels. For example, they may use scented sachets or keep natural essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus in their storage area.

How do I make my washing smell nice for longer?

How can I make my clothes smell fresh all the time? To maintain consistently fresh-smelling clothes, consider using a quality detergent, adding fabric conditioner, and incorporating scent boosters like Lenor Unstoppables. Ensure clothes are thoroughly dried, and your washing machine is clean.

Why does my laundry never smell good?

Sometimes the source of unwelcomed odors is your washer itself. When your washing machine is dirty, it means it will breed bacteria, mildew, mold, dirt, and also smell. These can be transferred to your clothes each time you put them in the washer.

Do dryer sheets make clothes smell better?

Yes, scented dryer sheets do make laundry smell better, though they can't camouflage the odor of stinky, sweaty clothes or towels. That has to be tackled in the washing machine with detergent.

What is the best thing to run through a washing machine to clean it?

Use a combination of white vinegar and baking soda to naturally clean your washing machine; pour half a cup of baking soda into the drum followed by two cups of vinegar in the detergent dispenser, then run a hot wash cycle. For stubborn grime and odors, consider commercial washing machine cleaners.

What is better than bleach for laundry?

Distilled White Vinegar Is a Natural Clothes Whitener

One of the best bleach alternatives for laundry is distilled white vinegar. The reason why it works so well is because it can clean, remove stains, whiten clothes, and protect other colors. All you need to do is pour a cup of it in with your normal detergent.

Can I run my washing machine empty to clean it?

Running your washing machine empty can be particularly beneficial under certain conditions. For instance, if you're transitioning from washing heavy fabrics, like towels, to lighter items, an empty cycle can help prepare the machine and eliminate any residue.

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