Unpleasant odours on clothes can be particularly stubborn and embarrassing. However, whether it's the smell of cigarettes, cooking or sweat, there are effective solutions to get rid of unwanted odours. Here are the best strategies for eliminating these smells, based on scientific studies and using proven techniques.
Getting rid of the smell of cigarettes
The smell of cigarettes is one of the most persistent odours, and can penetrate deep into textile fibres. Steam treatment is highly effective in reducing this odour. For example, in comparison with an untreated shirt, a steam-treated shirt showed a significant reduction in the intensity of cigarette odour. Steam treatment can reduce the concentration of acetic acid, acetaldehyde, pyridine and ethanethiol by 99.95%, 57%, 22% and 75%* respectively, providing a fast and effective solution for refreshing clothes.
If you prefer an alternative solution, the use of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda is recommended. White vinegar neutralises odours by directly attacking the molecules responsible, while bicarbonate of soda absorbs odours effectively. Washing clothes with specific odour detergents can also be very effective.
Kitchen odour elimination
Cooking smells, particularly those of fried foods and strong spices, can easily become trapped in clothing. A study has shown that steam treatment can also be very effective in eliminating these odours. After steam treatment, a shirt permeated by cooking odours showed a significant 58% reduction in smell intensity. This method makes it possible to treat clothes without washing them, which is practical for delicate fabrics or for clothes that cannot be washed frequently.
Ventilation is another effective method for eliminating the lingering smell of cooking. Hanging clothes outside, preferably in a well-ventilated area, allows odours to dissipate naturally. Specific products, such as anti-odour sprays, can also be used to neutralise persistent odours.
Reducing sweat smells
The smell of sweat is often difficult to eliminate because it can become deeply embedded in clothing fibres. However, steam treatment has also proved effective in this case. Results show a 62%* reduction in the intensity of bad sweat odours after steam treatment. This technique is particularly useful for sports clothes and synthetic fabrics, which tend to retain odours.
To combat the smell of sweat, pre-soaking clothes in a white vinegar and water solution can also prove very useful. Baking soda can also be applied directly to the worst-affected areas before washing. Using enzymatic detergents specifically designed for perspiration odours is another way to improve odour removal efficiency when washing.
In conclusion
Unpleasant odours on clothes can be effectively treated using simple methods such as steaming, specific detergents, aeration, etc. These techniques not only freshen textiles up, but also extend their life. For maximum effectiveness, it is often advisable to combine several of these methods, depending on the nature of the smell and the type of textile being treated. Studies* show that steam treatment is particularly promising for a wide range of odours.
*Sensenet studies "Evaluation of the effectiveness of a steam treatment in reducing impregnated odours on textiles" for SteamOne - August 2020