After washing clothes, one often expects clean, fluffed, fragrant garments. However, that’s not always the case! Several factors are involved however, one major consideration is washing regime.
What makes laundry smell?
Usually, body odour is caused by bacteria on the skin like– Corynebacterium and some Staphylococcus species – that break down the sweat and produce the volatile organic compound (VOCs) that cause clothes to smell.
When not washed thoroughly, sweat and dirt accumulate on the fabric and eventually become noticeable through bad odour or yellowing on the garment. The problem increases in monsoon season as body heat causes bacteria present in the fabric to multiply & release foul musty smells. These microorganisms not just lead to unpleasant odours but also causes staining, fabric deterioration & even physical irritation such as skin allergies & skin infections in moist environment. Office formals including blazers, trousers, school uniform & gym attires are regularly worn, but not always washed on a daily basis tend to emit foul smell.
Is malodour associated with bacteria on your clothes?
Unfortunately, yes! In fact, one germ loaded clothing will spread to 90% of the other clothes when washed together in the washing machine. If someone in your house is ill, bacteria and viruses from their clothes can be transferred to yours. Several factors may be involved in malodour of garments especially drying environment, bacteria forming layers in washing machine (biofilm) and metabolism of bacteria resulting in malodour. Soiled clothes like gym, child’s uniform, clothes used in food preparation, clothes worn around wound should be washed separately from other clothes.
Improving laundry regime
All your fabric malodour-related laundry worries can easily go away if you follow the basic steps of washing and disinfection. Here are some solutions for all your laundry woes and what can you do to ensure your wardrobe stays fresh:
Wash immediately: It is highly advisable to wash clothes immediately after getting home as it helps you get rid of germs and foul smell. Damp clothes can be a breeding ground for germs. The clothes should be washed frequently rather than stacking them in the laundry bag or washing machine. Immerse in detergent solution and use mechanical action (scrubbing) to remove dirt/soil.
Sort Clothes: Apart from sorting clothes before wash basis colour or fabric type, it is also important to segregate basis the amount of dirt on items. Very dirty or stained laundry should be washed separately on a longer, heavy-duty cycle. This provides the agitation needed to get rid of heavy dirt.
Dry clothes properly: While the washing machine gives the option to dry clothes, however it is important to completely dry your clothes and ensure they are water and moisture free before placing them in the wardrobe, ideally in the sun if possible. With big fabrics like bed sheets, sarees, etc that take time to dry, it is also advisable to iron away the moisture.
Disinfect your clothes: Simple washing is not enough! Clothes accumulate not just dirt but also germs and hence disinfection is advisable to get rid of these germs. A post-wash Product like Savlon Laundry Disinfectant & Refreshing Liquid is especially designed for clothes to kill 99.9% germs including odour causing bacteria*. It leaves clothes with a fresh and blossom fragrance that lasts up to 72 hrs#. The unique formula is free of bleach and attacks the root cause of malodour which is the odour causing bacteria.
*Basis lab study on select microbes
#Basis lab study on select fabrics
Use camphor balls: To get rid of the damp smell that is because of constant moisture trapped in the air, it is advised to use camphor balls, packed in a muslin cloth in the wardrobe. Camphor not only absorbs moisture but also makes your closet smell good.
Don’t put too much detergent: Using excess amounts of detergent leaves a residue inside the washing machine that may accumulate in nooks and crannies and may become a breeding ground of mold and bacteria. If too much of detergent is used it could stain or mark up the clothing which may have an effect on how they look and smell. It is best to use the amount recommended on the packaging. Also odour-causing bacteria are likely to thrive if any of the soap remains on your clothing after it’s been washed.
Ensure the machine is not overloaded: If the machine is overloaded, then the clothes won’t have space to tumble and get washed properly. This means that the sweat and odour will linger on. We have also noticed that for clothes that are extremely sweaty, it might be a good idea to add another rinse cycle in case the machine allows it. As soon as the clothes are washed, we take them out to be hanged for drying.
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