10 Easy Ways to Remove Bad Smell from Clothes During Rainy Season

As pleasant as the rainy season is, drying clothes can be challenging. Due to the lack of sunlight, clothes take longer to dry and develop a musty smell. Sometimes, even after cleaning, they don't feel wearable.

If you face this problem every monsoon, there's no need to worry. You can easily eliminate the smell from your clothes by adopting a few simple habits.

Rainy Season Clothes Smell Removal

1. Don't leave clothes in the washing machine for too long after washing.

This is a common mistake. Many people leave their clothes in the washing machine for hours after washing. This causes moisture to remain in the clothes and causes them to smell. Take them out immediately after washing and dry them.

2. Shake clothes thoroughly before drying.

3. Wash with vinegar.

If your clothes already smell, you can add half a cup of white vinegar during the last wash. The vinegar helps reduce odors and keeps clothes from smelling bad.

4. Dry in an open, well-ventilated area

During the rainy season, there's less sunlight, but clothes dry faster where there's good ventilation.If possible, dry clothes near a window or balcony.

5. Keep plenty of space between clothes

Hanging clothes one on top of the other or very close together helps them dry faster.Keep a small gap between each item so air can circulate freely.

6. Use fan air

If the weather outside is consistently bad, drying clothes indoors under a fan is also a good way to dry. This reduces the chance of moisture building up in the clothes.

7. Keep only completely dry clothes in the closet.

Store even slightly damp clothes in the closet and they can cause a bad odor. First, make sure the clothes are completely dry.

8. Keep neem leaves or camphor in the closet.

Dried neem leaves or camphor can help reduce moisture and mild odors in the closet. This is an old, but still effective, home remedy.

9. Don't store clothes for long periods during the rainy season.

Leaving dirty clothes in a basket for several days can cause them to develop a strong odor. Try to wash clothes on time.

10. Dry clothes again as soon as the sun comes out.

If clothes have dried in the rain and the sun comes out later, expose them to the sun for 20-30 minutes. This removes both residual moisture and odors.

What mistake do people often make?

Many people leave half-dried clothes in the closet.  This may seem normal at first, but within a few hours, clothes may start to smell musty. So, instead of rushing, let the clothes dry completely.

To avoid smelly clothes during the rainy season, keep these in mind:

Don't store dirty clothes for long periods of time.

Clean the washing machine regularly.

Always try to air dry clothes.

Don't let moisture accumulate in the closet. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does vinegar remove odors from clothes?

Yes, white vinegar can help reduce mild odors, and when used correctly, it will leave the smell unscented.

Is it okay to dry clothes indoors during the rainy season?

Yes, but the room should be well-ventilated. Running a fan helps clothes dry faster.

Why do clothes smell musty?

When clothes remain wet for a long time or are stored before they are completely dry, they start to smell musty.

Is fabric freshener necessary? 

Not necessarily. With proper washing and drying, clothes can stay fresh even without air freshener.