how to get bleach smell out of clothes

3 min read 13-01-2025

The sharp, stinging smell of bleach can be a laundry day nightmare. Accidentally using too much bleach or leaving clothes to soak too long can result in that lingering, unpleasant odor that just won't go away. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to banish that bleach smell from your clothes and restore their fresh scent. This guide will walk you through various techniques to neutralize that chlorine scent and leave your clothes smelling clean and fresh.

Understanding the Bleach Smell

Before diving into solutions, it's helpful to understand why bleach smells so strongly. Bleach, primarily sodium hypochlorite, reacts with organic matter (like stains) in your clothes. This reaction releases chlorine gas, which is the source of that pungent odor. The smell lingers because some chlorine residue remains in the fabric fibers. Getting rid of that residue is key to eliminating the smell.

Methods to Remove Bleach Smell from Clothes

Several techniques can successfully neutralize or remove the bleach odor from your clothes. The best method may depend on the fabric type and the intensity of the smell.

1. Re-Wash with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a fantastic odor neutralizer. This is often the first step for removing bleach smells.

How-to: Add ½ cup of baking soda to your regular detergent during the wash cycle. This will help absorb any lingering chlorine. Wash the clothes as usual, using cold or warm water (avoid hot water, as it can set stains).

2. Soak in Vinegar

Vinegar's acidity helps neutralize the alkalinity of bleach.

How-to: Soak the clothes in a mixture of cold water and white vinegar (equal parts) for 30-60 minutes. Then wash as usual with detergent. The vinegar smell will dissipate during the rinse cycle.

3. Wash with Borax

Borax, like baking soda, is another natural odor absorber.

How-to: Add ½ cup of borax to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. Wash the clothes as you normally would. Borax can also soften water, improving the effectiveness of your detergent.

4. Sun and Air Drying

Sunlight and fresh air are nature's fabric fresheners!

How-to: After washing the clothes using one of the methods above, hang them outside in direct sunlight to dry. The UV rays from the sun can help break down any remaining chlorine molecules, further reducing the smell. Air drying is also gentler on fabrics than using a dryer.

5. Use a Commercial Odor Eliminator

If the smell persists, you may need to use a commercial odor eliminator.

How-to: Follow the instructions on the product label carefully. Many odor eliminators are designed specifically for laundry and can effectively neutralize tough smells.

6. Troubleshooting Persistent Odors

If the bleach smell remains after several washes, there are a few additional things to consider.

Fabric Type: Some fabrics might be more absorbent, making it harder to remove the smell completely. Delicates might require a more gentle approach.
Bleach Concentration: If you used a very high concentration of bleach, the odor might be more difficult to remove.
Soaking Time: Extended soaking times can worsen the smell; shorter is usually better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I prevent bleach smell in the future?

Always follow the instructions on the bleach label carefully.
Don't over-soak clothes in bleach.
Use the correct amount of bleach for your washing machine and load size.
Pre-treat stains before washing rather than relying solely on bleach.

What if the bleach smell is on a colored garment?

Test any solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage or fade the color. A diluted vinegar soak is generally safe for colored clothes.

Will the bleach damage my clothes?

Excessive bleach can weaken fibers over time. But using the correct amount and following the instructions above should prevent damage. Air drying is gentler than machine drying.

By following these steps and addressing potential issues, you can effectively remove the bleach smell from your clothes and keep them smelling fresh and clean. Remember to always prioritize fabric care and safety when dealing with cleaning agents.