Both baking soda and vinegar can be effective in removing laundry odor, but they work in different ways. Baking soda helps to neutralize odors by balancing the pH levels, while vinegar can act as a natural deodorizer and disinfectant.
Use baking soda and white vinegar to get rid of smells
A cup of baking soda is a great way to get rid of odors - in fact, it's one of the best. It absorbs smells by using its porous structure and neutralizing them. Distilled white vinegar is also an excellent substance when it comes to getting rid of nasty smells!
Baking soda removes stains and odors from laundry effectively. It tackles acidic compounds that cause bad smells, like urine and sweat. This power makes clothes come out of the wash smelling fresh. Since baking soda absorbs stubborn odors, it works well for deodorizing towels and getting rid of detergent residue.
Vinegar's main component is acetic acid, which helps make it an option to perform small laundry tasks. Baking soda can control overflowing suds and revitalize aged linens.
The only way to completely eliminate laundry room odors is to eliminate excess moisture. If your laundry hook-up is in a bathroom, you can use the bathroom fan, but if your laundry room is in a mudroom or basement without a fan, you need a dehumidifier — especially if you live in a region with high humidity.
My recipe for DIY Fabric Softener and Scent Booster is beyond simple. All you need to make this is epsom salts, baking soda, and essential oils. Not only are the ingredients effective, but they are also super inexpensive. What is this? I use epsom salt and baking soda in this recipe because they help soften laundry.
Take an empty bottle or container and clean it out thoroughly. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the bottle. Put 20-30 drops of an essential oil of your choice. Lavender, lemon, bergamot, and peppermint are great options.
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.
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer due to its acidic properties—and it's also something you probably have in your home. How to make an odor removal solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use this solution to wipe down surfaces or spray into the air to neutralize odors.
To help whiten white and light-colored items like clothing, sheets and towels, you can use baking soda instead of bleach for a natural laundry boost. Adding baking soda along with your detergent can also help brighten colorful fabrics and may prevent white garments from yellowing.
Borax is often confused with other cleaning agents, but it stands out due to its ability to soften water, neutralize odors, and enhance the cleaning power of regular laundry detergents. The combination of these properties makes borax a go-to solution for many households looking to elevate their laundry game.
Though scientific research directly linking Epsom salt to removing odors from couches is lacking, it has been known to deodorize musty smells around the home, as proper use makes the surface less ideal for bacteria or mold, both of which often create odor and thrive in moisture.
For our best value option, we suggest OxiClean Odor Blasters Stain & Odor Remover. Because it's hypoallergenic and sensitive-skin friendly, it'll clean your load effectively without sacrificing your skin to harmful ingredients.
Create a mixture of 2 cup of salt with 20 drops of essential oil in a jar. Scoop 2 tbsp directly into your washing machine with your laundry and run the cycle like normal. Add a drop or two of essential oil to a wool dryer ball. This will help keep clothes soft and smelling fresh!
Add about 25 drops of your favorite essential oil to 2 tablespoons of baking soda and stir to combine. Lemon and lavender are great choices, but eucalyptus is my favorite because of the refreshing scent. Pour the baking soda and essential oil mix into the water and stir. Then funnel the water into your spray bottle.
Vinegar: Add one cup of vinegar to a bucket of cold water and soak your smelly clothes for up to 30 minutes. Baking Soda: Add one cup of baking soda to your wash load with your detergent and wash in cold water. Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into your wash load to extinguish odor-causing bacteria.
The most common cause of the odor is mold and mildew. Washing machines are usually warm and humid, making them the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Some odor-causing problems are easily resolved while others may be caused because of the age of your washing machine or the extreme buildup of mold and mildew.