Why does my shirt smell bad no matter how many times I wash it?

Author: Adele Effertz I  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

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.

Why do I smell no matter how much I wash?

Bacterial overgrowth: Body odor is primarily caused by bacteria on the skin breaking down sweat. If there is an overgrowth of bacteria on your skin, it can lead to persistent body odor even after showering (2).

Why do my shirts still smell of bo after washing?

We understand that a shirt could smell perfectly clean after washing, but with natural body odours, that smell can come back. This is often due to bacteria being able to live within the fibres and release odour molecules.

Why don't my washed clothes smell good?

The odor you perceive is bacteria, mold, and mildew. The bacteria is what causes the odor and can result from moist laundry, detergent build-up, the residue of softeners, a dirty laundry machine, and more. The good news is there are easy solutions to fix your common laundry odors.

How do you get rid of a bad smell in a shirt?

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.

7 Ways to Get RID of *STINKY* Odors in Clothes!

How do I get my clothes to smell really good?

How Can You Make Your Laundry Smell Good?
  1. Deodorize With Baking Soda.
  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.

Why do my clothes have a bad smell after washing?

Some of the most common reasons for your clothes smelling after washing are: Unclean washing machine – if you have an older washing machine or one that's not been serviced in a while, dirt can build up in your drum. This causes the smell to build up on your clothing, even after washing.

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 often should I clean my washing machine?

It's generally recommended to clean your washing machine once a month, especially if you want to prevent musty odours from forming inside the drum and keep your clothes smelling great.

How do you get permanent BO smell out of a shirt?

Items like baking soda, white vinegar, and even hydrogen peroxide are all great at combating sweat odors that have built up on clothing. These common household items can be added to the wash with smelly items to hep neutralize or destroy even tough odors.

Why does my bo smell worse than it used to?

Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.

Does shaving armpits reduce smell?

Practical recommendations regarding the most effective means of reducing axillary odor include shaving of underarm hair in men.

What does diabetes body odor smell like?

People with uncontrolled diabetes can experience a fruity or acetone-like smell (think nail polish remover) on their breath or skin. This is due to the buildup of ketones in your bloodstream, which is a byproduct of fat breakdown.

Why can I smell myself but others can t?

There are cases when people may be able to smell themselves, this is because we are so attuned to our unique body odor that any slight changes can be a bit like a slap in the face. Such as, if you have had a sweat-filled day, occasionally you may get the smell of BO drifting to your nose receptors.

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.

What detergent has no strong smell?

The Lab Co. Everyday Laundry Detergent Fragrance Free 1 litre Liquid Wash for 40 loads Unscented Non-Bio Sensitive. This product has sustainability features recognised by trusted certifications.

What is the best washing machine cleaner for bad smell?

The Calgon Hygiene Plus Washing Machine Cleaner & Limescale Remover stands out as our top pick. Its powerful formula tackles limescale, odours, and detergent buildup with ease while protecting vital components like the drum and pipes.

How do you fix smelly laundry?

Adding a cup of vinegar during a hot wash cycle can help break down buildup, soften fabrics, and eliminate odors. It's also a natural alternative to fabric softener, keeping your machine clean and your clothes smelling fresh.

How to sanitize a washing machine?

Starting the washer on its hottest cycle, allow the drum to fill with water, then add one quart of chlorine bleach to the water before allowing the cycle to complete. Repeat the process once the cycle has finished, adding a quart of distilled white vinegar to the washer drum before letting its second cycle complete.

Why does it smell when I open my legs?

Sweat is a combination of water, salt, and other chemicals. When it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it produces an odor. fungal infections: Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist areas, such as the groin area and inner thighs. They can cause a red, itchy rash and produce an unpleasant odor.

What foods make you taste the best?

According to the Kinsey Institute, fruit (especially citrus, bananas, and papayas), spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and peppermint, among others), parsley, wheatgrass, and celery up the flavor of semen. Cigarettes, caffeine, red meat, onions, and garlic make it taste worse.

What kills Virginia odor?

Taking a bath in water laced with apple cider vinegar can also fight off bacteria and toxins that lead vaginal odor and restore the pH balance of the vaginal secretionsi. Baking soda - One of the causes of vaginal odor is pH imbalance. You can balance the pH level in your body by using baking sodaii.

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