Simple Hacks to Remove Bad Odors from Clothes Using Lemon, Salt, and Baking Soda

No one likes pulling out freshly washed clothes only to find they still smell unpleasant. Whether it’s sweat, mildew, or the musty scent of clothes left too long in the washer, bad odors can cling stubbornly to fabric. Luckily, you don’t need expensive detergents or chemical sprays to fix it. Just a few common ingredients from your kitchen—lemon, salt, and baking soda—can work wonders!

1. Lemon: The Natural Freshener

Lemon isn’t just great for drinks or cleaning kitchen surfaces. The citric acid in lemon helps break down bacteria that cause odor, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and light. To use it, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a bowl of warm water and soak your clothes for about 30 minutes before washing. For extra freshness, you can also add a few slices of lemon directly into the washing machine. The natural acidity helps neutralize bad smells and even brightens light-colored fabrics.

2. Salt: The Deodorizing Booster

Salt is a powerful yet gentle cleaner. It helps kill bacteria and absorb moisture, which is often the source of unpleasant smells. Add half a cup of salt to your laundry load—either mixed with detergent or dissolved in warm water. For sportswear or clothes that smell particularly sweaty, this trick works amazingly well. It’s also great for neutralizing the odor from damp towels or socks that haven’t dried properly.

3. Baking Soda: The Ultimate Odor Neutralizer

Baking soda is probably the most famous natural deodorizer. It balances pH levels, removes stubborn smells, and softens fabric at the same time. Simply add about 1/2 cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with your detergent. If the odor is strong, soak the clothes in a mixture of baking soda and water overnight before washing. You’ll wake up to clothes that smell clean and fresh—no chemical fragrance needed!

Extra Tips:

• Dry your clothes in sunlight whenever possible. The sun’s UV rays naturally kill bacteria and add a clean, outdoor scent.
• For a quick fix, sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside shoes, gym bags, or closets to prevent odor buildup.
• Avoid overloading your washing machine; clothes need space to move and rinse properly.

By combining lemon, salt, and baking soda, you get a natural, budget-friendly, and eco-safe way to keep your laundry smelling fresh every day. It’s a simple solution that’s gentle on your clothes—and on the planet too. 🌿