There are items of clothing that come out of the machine apparently clean, but continue to emit an uncomfortable smell that is difficult to ignore. The odor of sweat, common in sweaters, t-shirts or sportswear, tends to penetrate the fibers and resist regular washing. The problem is frequent and is far from just a detergent issue, being linked to the way the fabric is treated before and during washing.
The persistence of this smell is mainly the result of the accumulation of residues and bacteria that remain on the fabric even after washing. According to , which cites a microbiology expert, there are simple and accessible methods that allow you to effectively eliminate these odors without resorting to specific or expensive products.
What causes the smell that doesn’t go away
Sweat, by itself, has almost no smell. The problem arises when it comes into contact with bacteria present on the skin, which find an ideal environment in the fabric fibers to develop. When clothes remain damp for a long time, these bacteria multiply and release compounds responsible for persistent odor, which are particularly difficult to remove in normal washing cycles.
Baking soda and vinegar as a solution
According to the same source, baking soda and cleaning vinegar stand out as effective allies in combating bad odors. Bicarbonate helps neutralize acidic odors and acts as a mild abrasive, allowing residues stuck to the fibers to be released. Vinegar, thanks to its acidity, contributes to the decomposition of the substances responsible for the smell and can also help soften the fabric.
Before applying any of these methods, it is advisable to test the product on a discreet area of the garment, ensuring that the fabric is not damaged, especially in the case of more delicate clothing.
How to pre-treat the most problematic areas
In the case of baking soda, the procedure is to prepare a simple paste, adding a few spoons of powder with water until you obtain a thick mixture. The paste should be applied directly to areas where the smell tends to accumulate, such as armpits or cleavage, leaving it to act for around 30 minutes. Afterwards, the clothes can be washed in the machine as usual.
Vinegar in the ‘sauce’ and rinse
When using vinegar for cleaning, the clothes must be soaked in a solution consisting of one part vinegar to four parts water, for up to half an hour. This time allows residues to dissolve and reduce the presence of bacteria responsible for the odor. After soaking, normal washing with detergent follows.
In more persistent situations, half a cup of vinegar can also be added directly to the machine’s rinse cycle, reinforcing the elimination of the smell without leaving residual odors after drying.
Habits that help avoid the problem
In addition to pre-treatment, some simple precautions will help prevent the smell of sweat from returning. Washing clothes as quickly as possible after use reduces the time available for bacteria to proliferate. When it is not possible to wash immediately, leaving the items to air before placing them in the laundry basket can make a difference.
The water temperature must also be adjusted to the type of fabric. Synthetic materials, such as polyester, respond better to cold water, while natural fibers, such as cotton and linen, benefit from washing in warm water, which is more effective at removing body oils.
The choice of wash cycle can be decisive. For heavily used clothes or those exposed to intense sweat, more intensive programs guarantee deeper cleaning. According to Notícias ao Minuto, the combination of these simple precautions is enough to restore freshness to the items and prevent the smell from lingering after each wash.
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