Bad odors on clothes can be particularly stubborn and embarrassing. Whether it's the smell of cigarettes, cooking, or sweat, there are effective solutions to get rid of them. Here are the best strategies for eliminating these unpleasant odors based on scientific studies and proven techniques.
Smell of cigarette
Cigarette odor is one of the most persistent and can deeply permeate textile fibers. Steam treatment is very effective in reducing this odor. For example, a steam-treated shirt showed a significant reduction in the intensity of cigarette odor compared to an untreated shirt. Steam treatment can reduce the concentration of acetic acid, acetaldehyde, pyridine and ethanethiol by 99.95%, 57%, 22% and 75%* respectively, providing a quick and effective solution to freshen up clothes.
For those who prefer other solutions, the use of white vinegar and baking soda is recommended. White vinegar neutralizes odors by directly attacking the responsible molecules, while baking soda effectively absorbs odors. In addition, washing clothes with specific detergents for odors can also be very effective.
Smell of cooking
Cooking odors, especially from fried foods and strong spices, can easily become embedded in clothing. One study showed that steam treatment can also be very effective in removing these odors. After being steamed, a shirt infused with cooking odors showed a significant 58% decrease in odor intensity. This method allows clothing to be treated without washing, which can be convenient for delicate fabrics or for clothing that cannot be washed frequently.
Airing is another effective method to eliminate cooking odors. Hanging clothes outside, preferably in a well-ventilated area, allows odors to dissipate naturally. Specific products such as odor-removing sprays can also be used to neutralize lingering odors.
Smell of sweat
Sweat odor is often difficult to remove because it can become deeply embedded in the fibers of clothing. Steam treatment has also proven effective in this case. Results indicate a 62%* reduction in the intensity of sweat odor after steam treatment. This technique is particularly useful for sportswear and synthetic fabrics that tend to retain odors.
To combat sweat odor, pre-soaking clothes in a solution of white vinegar and water can be very helpful. Baking soda can also be applied directly to the most affected areas before washing. Using enzymatic detergents specifically designed for sweat odors can also improve the effectiveness of the wash.
In conclusion
Bad odours on clothes can be effectively treated with simple methods such as the use of steam, specific detergents, airing, etc. These techniques not only freshen up textiles but also extend their lifespan. For optimal effectiveness, it is often recommended to combine several of these methods depending on the nature of the odour and the type of textile to be 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 odors impregnated on textiles" for SteamOne - August 2020