Is there a better smell than freshly washed and dried clothes? We certainly don't believe it. But what happens when our clothes start smelling like fish?
These pungent odors can be caused by a variety of factors, from leaving clothes in the washing machine too long after the cycle is finished to manufacturing and shipping practices before the clothes arrive at your door.
All we know is that it is anything but pleasant. That's why we spoke to laundry and textile professionals to learn how to remove fishy smells from clothes quickly and effectively.
How to remove fish smell from clothes
The good news is that whatever the cause of the fishy smell in your clothes, you can usually fix it by washing the clothes . The secret is using the right products throughout the cycle, laundry experts reveal.
1. Soaking in vinegar as a first line of defense
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Vinegar is one of the best household deodorizers, so it makes sense to use it on clothes to neutralize fishy smells, explains Hyacinth Tucker, aka Laundry Lady, owner and CEO of Laundry Basket :
"First, soak your clothes in a mixture of one cup of white vinegar and one tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in warm water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. Vinegar removes odors and baking soda removes any odor-causing residue.
2. Wash with enzyme detergent
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Unless you have very sensitive skin, washing clothes with an enzyme-based detergent is the best way to remove fishy smells from clothes, continues Rhonda Wilson, high-quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning .
"If clothes have a strong odor, I recommend washing them with Persil laundry detergent, available at Walmart , which provides thorough deep cleaning and odor removal. Because it is enzyme-based, you can be sure that it can break down the organic molecules that cause odors.
"If you want to go all out, you can stop the machine just before the final rinse and add 1/2 cup of diluted white vinegar to the load," he adds. "Then let it complete the rinse and spin cycle as usual. An odor-eliminating product like OxiClean Odor Blasters Laundry Booster, also at Walmart , can also help.
For best results, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for detergent placement before the wash cycle.
3. Refresh yourself with lemon juice and essential oils
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When the fishy smell is mostly gone, you can boost the fresh scent by adding lemon juice to your clothes to make them smell better , adds Hyacinth Tucker, aka the laundry lady:
"To further boost odor elimination, add a quarter cup of lemon juice or a few drops of essential oil such as lavender or tea tree oil to the detergent. Lemon juice helps eliminate bad odors and essential oils leave a fresh scent. If possible, air dry your clothes . Fresh air and sunlight naturally eliminate lingering odors and have a gentle disinfecting effect.
How to avoid fishy smells in your clothes
(Image credit: Miele)
One of the most important laundry and cleaning tips that professionals repeat again and again is that prevention is better than cure. It's often easier and always ends quicker. However, to avoid fishy smells, we need to understand what causes them.
"Direct contact with fish or shellfish is an obvious reason: those oils and proteins remain behind! » begins Hyacinth Tucker, also known as the washerwoman. "However, if clothing remains damp for too long, bacteria and mold can form, which also leads to bad smells. Sometimes it's simply a matter of not using enough detergent or the right type of detergent to break down the organic matter.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Whether or not your clothes smell bad can also depend on the type of fabrics you're dealing with, continues quality lead cleaner Rhonda Wilson. Synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon smell much more often than natural materials, he explains. "Water can also be a factor. If you use well water that is high in minerals or sulfur to wash clothes, your clothes may smell like rotten eggs or fish. This is because sulfur compounds in the water can stick to the fabric," adds Rhonda.
The bottom line is to always wash your clothes according to the washing symbols on the care label, always use enough detergent of the right type at the right program length and temperature, and never leave your clothes in the machine past the end of the cycle. . .
Frequently asked questions
How do you remove fishy smell from new clothes without washing?
If you ordered new clothes online and they arrive with a fishy smell, it's definitely worth washing them to remove any production chemicals that may be causing the smell. If you don't have time or tools to wash, you can also let them hang in a well-ventilated place to get rid of the smell, spray them with a pleasant scent or linen spray, or decompose them with steam. eliminates odor molecules.
How do I make my clothes smell good?
In addition to washing and drying your clothes properly, the best way to keep them smelling good is to store them properly in a closet or dresser that isn't too cramped (to avoid musty and dusty smells). You can also spray your clothes with linen spray for a fresh, lasting scent that lasts all day. Of course, it also helps to be clean and smell good. Regular washing and the use of scented products and body sprays will keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Preventing and removing fishy smells from clothing is relatively easy, but it shows the importance of a good laundry routine. For example, never wash clothes without detergent and dry them as quickly as possible to keep your clothes smelling fresher for longer.
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