3 Ways to Take Smell Out of your Clothes without Washing

Time to read 3 min

Let's face it, we've all been there - sniffing a shirt or pair of jeans and wondering if we can get away without washing them just yet. Maybe you're short on time, the item is too delicate, or perhaps you're just not in the mood to do laundry.


Whatever the reason, there are a few nifty tricks to get your clothes smelling fresh without tossing them into the wash. Let's check into three easy ways to take that smell out of your clothes without washing them.

1. The Magic of Fresh Air and Sunshine

Never underestimate the power of nature. One of the simplest ways to refresh your clothes is by hanging them outside. Fresh air and sunlight can work wonders on removing odors. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and can help kill bacteria that might be causing the smell.


Just make sure not to leave colored garments out for too long, as the sun can fade the colors. A couple of hours on a bright day is all you need. It's like a spa day for your clothes!

2. The Wonders of Baking Soda and Vinegar

These two kitchen staples are not just for baking or salad dressing; they're also fantastic for deodorizing clothes. For a quick fix, you can sprinkle a little baking soda directly on the fabric, let it sit for a few hours, and then shake it off or give it a quick brush. Baking soda absorbs odors, leaving your clothes smelling much fresher.


If the smell is a bit more stubborn, white vinegar can come to the rescue. Simply fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water, then lightly mist the smelly garment. Don't worry about the vinegar smell; it will dissipate as it dries, taking the bad odors with it. This method is especially great for gym clothes that might have a lingering scent of sweat.

3. The Everday Steam Closet: Effortless Refresh

One super easy way to kick those unwanted smells to the curb without doing laundry is by using the Everday Steam Closet. Think of it as your personal magic wand for clothes. Just hang your outfit inside, close the door, and let it do its thing. The steam gets right into the fabric, gently coaxing out smells and leaving your clothes smelling fresh. It's like they've had a mini spa day, but all you did was press a button. No fuss, no muss, and definitely no laundry detergent in sight.


The best part? It's quick, so you can go from "Oh no, this smells" to "Ah, fresh!" in just a little bit of time. Perfect for when you're in a hurry or just not in the mood to deal with laundry.

There you have it - three hassle-free ways to get your clothes smelling fresh without washing them. Whether you opt for the natural power of fresh air and sunshine, the deodorizing magic of baking soda and vinegar, or the convenience of Everday Steam Closet, you can extend the life of your wearables between washes.


Not only does this save you time and energy, but it's also better for your clothes and the environment. So next time you're in a pinch, give these tricks a try and enjoy the feeling of fresh, odor-free clothes without the laundry day blues.

Can I really make my clothes smell fresh without washing them?

Yep, you definitely can! With a little help from fresh air, a sprinkle of baking soda, or a quick refresh with Everday Steam Closet, you can say goodbye to those pesky smells without having to do a full wash.

Won't my clothes just smell like vinegar if I use it to deodorize them?

Good question! While you might think your clothes will smell like a salad dressing, the truth is the vinegar smell disappears as it dries. What you're left with is just freshness. Vinegar is pretty good at playing hide and seek with bad odors.

How long do I need to leave my clothes in the sun?

A couple of hours should do the trick. Just remember, it's like sunbathing – too much of a good thing can lead to fading colors, especially if your clothes are hanging out in direct sunlight. Think of it as a short vacation for your clothes, not a long haul trip.

Is baking soda safe for all types of fabric?

Baking soda is quite the gentle giant. It's safe for most fabrics, but if you're worried, you can test it on a small, hidden area first. Just sprinkle a little on, let it sit, then shake or brush it off after a few hours. Baking soda is usually more than happy to help without causing a fuss.

Can the Everday Steam Closet remove all types of odors from clothes?

Absolutely! The Everday Steam Closet is designed to tackle a wide range of odors, from the mild mustiness of clothes stored away too long to the more stubborn scents like sweat or smoke. By using steam to penetrate deep into fabric fibers, it effectively neutralizes and removes odors, leaving your garments smelling fresh. It's a game-changer for keeping your wardrobe ready to wear, without the hassle of constant washing.