The fresh laundry smell that will not come, clothes still smell

Short answer: If clothes smell after washing, it is almost always down to leftover sweat, too much detergent, a dirty machine or moisture that stays in the fabric. Do not overfill the drum, clean the machine, use less detergent and make sure the laundry dries fully. The smell usually goes after that.

Why clothes smell after washing

When clothes smell after washing, sweat and skin oils have often stayed in the fibres because the wash did not reach them. Bacteria feed on these residues and smell as soon as the fabric turns damp or warm. That is why a fresh smell is hard to get if the clothes are not truly clean.

A dirty washing machine makes clothes smell after washing

A machine that only washes cold can leave a film of residue in the drum and rubber seal. The film smells, and the smell settles in the clothes. Wipe the rubber seal dry, leave the door open between washes and run a hot cycle without laundry now and then to clean the machine.

Too much detergent

More detergent does not make laundry cleaner. Residue settles in the fabric, traps dirt and turns into smell, especially if the rinse is short. Use the amount stated on the pack and adjust it to how dirty the clothes are. Choose an extra rinse if your water is hard.

An overfilled drum

If the drum is packed, water and detergent do not reach every garment, and the heavy sweat zones such as underarms and collar do not get clean. Fill it two thirds at most and leave room for the clothes to move. Wash bamboo clothing for men in a mixed but not overfilled load.

Laundry left damp

Damp laundry that sits in the machine or basket for several hours starts to smell. Take it out as soon as the wash is done and hang it up so air can reach it. If it dries slowly, give it more space on the rack or use a well-ventilated spot.

Fabric softener can cover a smell without removing it

Fabric softener smells nice, but it can leave a film on the fabric that holds the odour under the scent. Try going without it for a while. A splash of white vinegar in the rinse helps some people, but check the machine manual first and let the laundry air out if it smells of vinegar.

Sweat in clothes worn close to the body

Underwear, t-shirts and socks sit close to the skin and pick up the most. Wash them soon after use and do not let them sit together in a damp basket. The everyday range is in the range for men, which is washed by the care label.

If the smell is stuck in a t-shirt

Soak the t-shirt in an oxygen-based detergent or a mix of lukewarm water and bicarbonate of soda, then wash it. Keep it apart from other clothes the first time. Follow the care label, and consider switching to new bamboo T-shirts for men if the smell stays after several attempts.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my clothes smell when they have just been washed?

Most often because of leftover sweat and detergent, a dirty machine or laundry that sat damp. Clean the machine, use less detergent, do not overfill the drum and make sure the laundry dries fully.

Can vinegar remove smells from clothes?

A little white vinegar in the rinse can help some people with smell and limescale, but check the machine manual first. If the laundry smells of vinegar, it usually fades once it has aired.

How often should I clean the washing machine?

Clean it about once a month with a hot cycle without laundry, and wipe the rubber seal dry. Leave the door open between washes so the drum can dry out.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.