Smell after washing, there's something else more important than fabric softener
Sep 24, 2025
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If the odor does not disappear even with fiber softeners or fragrant detergents, the problem lies in the washing environment and habits. Let's create a pleasant laundry environment with small checks and changes.
If you don't take it out right after washing it, it will smell
If clothes are left in the washing machine for a long time after washing, moisture and germs multiply and smell. It is easy to get rid of a damp smell on clothes just by leaving them for 1-2 hours. Set a wash end notification, or immediately take out your clothes and put them in a drying rack or dryer when you're done washing. In particular, drum washing machines need the habit of drying the inside by opening the door. If you manage the washing timing on schedule, you can prevent odors.
Shorter washing machine bin cleaning cycle
The inside of the washing machine can be a hotbed for mold and germs. Even if it looks clean on the outside, detergent debris, dust, and mold accumulate and cause odor. Use a dedicated washing tub cleaner, baking soda, or vinegar at least once a month to clean the whole thing. For drum washers, it is important to wipe the door rubber packing and filter with a wet cloth once a week and dry completely. Regular washing machine care solves more than half the odor problem.
Adjusting the amount of laundry
If you put laundry above the washing machine's capacity, the detergent does not spread evenly and does not rinse properly. As a result, residual detergents and waste products remain on the clothes and create odors. Let's only fill 70-80% of the washing machine's capacity and sort clothes by materials to wash them. For example, washing towels and clothes separately works more effectively with detergent and water. Proper amount washing is very helpful in cleaning clothes and preventing odors.
Proper detergent use and rinsing management
Excessive use of detergent leaves residue on clothes, causing a stiff smell. In particular, towels and thick clothes have high absorption power, making it easy to accumulate detergents. Observe the recommended amount written on the detergent package and set the number of rinses to 2-3 times to remove the detergent completely. The use of hypoallergenic liquid detergent is effective in preventing odors due to less residue. Let's make a habit of checking your clothes so that they don't smell like soap after rinsing.
Beware of ventilation when there is a lot of laundry
When laundry is hung tightly on a drying rack, the air flow is blocked and smells are generated. Let's hang 5-10cm apart between clothes to ensure ventilation. When drying indoors, circulating air using a dehumidifier or fan will shorten the drying time. It is also important to reduce moisture by opening windows or operating ventilators. A well-ventilated environment is effective in preventing mold as well as odor.
Active use of sun-drying
Sunlight provides natural sterilization and odor removal. UV rays get rid of germs and fungi and make clothes refreshing. Let's hang clothes in the sun instead of drying the room on a nice day. Let's make a habit of touching clothes after drying the sun to make sure they are completely dry.
Make sure your clothes are completely dry before storing them
When clothes are kept in the closet less dry, the moisture creates odors and mold. Even after using the dryer, touch the clothes with your hands to make sure they are completely dry. Leave the closet in a well-ventilated place and put a desiccant or charcoal to manage moisture. Seasonal clothes can be kept in an airtight container to prevent odors and bugs. It is also a good idea to let the wind blow well before folding the clothes.
The smell of laundry often comes from washing and drying habits rather than choosing fabric softener or detergent. Let's get rid of clumsiness by washing the washing machine, washing the right amount, ventilation and drying management. Small changes in habits make refreshing clothes and pleasant daily life. If you've finished washing today, let's check one by one from the moment you take it out and maintain a clean laundry environment.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
