At Blue Lavandarias, we know that there's nothing better than putting on a clean, soft garment with that fresh smell that conveys comfort.
However, even after washing clothes, it is common for some items to have a bad odour, especially when certain precautions are forgotten.
There are many reasons why clothes don't smell good. It's not always the detergents that are the problem, but the way the washing machine is used and maintained. The secret lies in adopting correct washing and drying techniques, ensuring that each item comes out really fresh.
In this article, Blue Lavandarias shares simple and effective tips on how to make your clothes smell good and avoid unwanted odours, from cleaning the machine to how to store your garments.
With frequent use, it's normal for detergent residue, limescale and moisture to accumulate, which ends up causing a bad odour in the machine and on the parts themselves.
Simple, regular cleaning avoids this problem and guarantees impeccable results with every wash.
If you want to know how cleaning the washing machine effectively, follow these good practices that Blue Lavandarias recommends:
These are two of the most overlooked points and, at the same time, the ones most responsible for bad odours in the washing machine.
Rubber accumulates dirt and moisture, creating the ideal environment for mould. To avoid this problem, regularly wipe with a damp cloth with a little neutral detergent, especially in the folds of the rubber.
For the drum, run a programme with the machine empty at high temperatures (60 °C or more) or use the self-cleaning cycle, if available.
You can add a little baking soda to reinforce the sanitising process. At the end, leave the door ajar to allow the interior to ventilate and dry completely.
Over time, the drawer accumulates leftover product and moisture, which contributes to bad odours in the laundry and the washing machine itself.
To make sure it's clean, remove the drawer completely and immerse it in hot water for a few minutes. Before replacing it, also clean the slot compartment and let everything dry thoroughly.
Blue TipKeep the drawer slightly open after each wash to prevent mould and damp from forming.
The filter traps hair, threads and small particles that come from the laundry. When it's dirty, it can compromise spinning and cause unpleasant odours.
To clean the washing machine filter, switch it off and place a towel or container underneath, remove the filter and rinse it with hot water.
Use an old toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt and make sure you only put the filter back in when it's completely dry.
Short, cold programmes with little water encourage residue build-up.
To avoid bad odours in your washing machine, run a monthly cleaning cycle at a high temperature (between 70 °C and 95 °C).
After each wash, leave the door and drawer open so that the interior dries completely and the ventilation prevents mould from forming.
Synthetic fibre fabrics such as polyester and viscose are very common in everyday life, especially in sportswear.
However, one of the most common problems is the ease with which bad odours can become ingrained in clothes and remain even after several washes.
This is because delicate fibres retain sweat and impurities easily, especially when laundry is not done properly.
More delicate fabrics, such as silk and wool, require different care - both in the choice of washing programme and in the way they are dried and stored.
To find out more about how to look after your garments properly, consult this Care Guide from GANT, which brings together useful recommendations for preserving tissues.
With some simple care, you can keep your garments clean, soft and free from unpleasant odours.
Follow these recommendations from Blue Lavandarias to guarantee long-lasting results:
The longer dirty clothes are left to accumulate, the more likely it is that bacteria will multiply and the bad odour in the clothes will become difficult to eliminate - especially if they are damp or have traces of sweat on them.
If you can't wash it straight away, leave it to air in a dry, ventilated place until the next time you wash it.
Not all detergents effectively remove sweat and body oils that accumulate on clothes.
Choose a quality detergent formulated for delicate or sports fabrics and always use the recommended dosage.
Excess product can leave residue on the fibres and cause unpleasant odours after washing.
It is essential to consider the temperature and type of programme used. Water that is too hot can damage the fibres, alter the elasticity of the fabric and even fix odours instead of eliminating them.
The ideal method is to wash delicate items separately, preferably by hand or in protective bags.
If you opt for machine washing, choose short, gentle programmes between 30 °C and 40 °C.
💡 Blue TipFor more sensitive fabrics or garments that are difficult to clean at home, the dry cleaning from Blue Lavandarias is always the safest option.
Washing clothes properly is only half the job.
To ensure that your garments stay smelling fresh and in good condition for much longer, it's essential to take a few precautions after washing.
The way you dry and store your clothes makes all the difference to the end result and can prevent those unwanted odours from returning.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your clothes smelling fresh is to take them out of the machine as soon as the cycle has finished.
When clothes remain damp inside the drum, it creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of bacteria and mould, which quickly cause unpleasant odours.
So, whenever possible, lay out your laundry or put it out to dry immediately, in an airy place protected from direct sunlight. This simple gesture helps preserve the fresh smell and prevents the effort of washing clothes from being wasted.
💡 Blue TipIf you can't dry your clothes straight away, leave the machine door open and programme a quick rinse cycle before drying - this helps to prevent moisture build-up.
Even after a good wash, it's essential to take a few extra precautions so that the pleasant smell lasts longer.
Often, bad odours don't come from the machine, but from the way the clothes are stored.
Before folding or putting away, make sure the clothes are completely dry.
Avoid mixing clean and used items and, from time to time, ventilate the wardrobe by opening the doors to let the air circulate naturally.
Keep your wardrobe clean and dry: dust it regularly and wipe the shelves with a damp cloth.
Also take the opportunity to air out coats or heavier garments that tend to retain moisture.
💡 Blue Tip: Store lightly used clothes in cloth bags, which allow ventilation and prevent odours. Avoid plastic bags, which retain moisture and encourage mould and bad odours.
If you want to save time and get professional results, you can always count on us - we treat each piece with the same care as our own.
– Want to see these tips in action?
Watch the video on our Instagram, where our valued collaborator Solange shares, step by step, how to keep your clothes clean, soft and smelling good.
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