Fabric softener can make clothes feel softer and smell strongly fragranced, but using too much can contribute to residue buildup.
This can be particularly noticeable when a washing machine isn’t cleaned regularly.
If your laundry frequently smells musty despite using fabric softener, adding more fragrance may only mask the problem temporarily.
Consider reducing the amount of fabric softener you use and cleaning the machine itself.
Sometimes removing the source of the odor works better than covering it with fragrance.
Baking Soda Isn’t a Replacement for Detergent
One common misunderstanding is that baking soda can replace laundry detergent.
It generally shouldn’t be treated that way.
Laundry detergent is specifically formulated to remove soils, oils, stains, and other contaminants from fabrics.
Baking soda may provide an additional odor-control or laundry-supporting function, but it doesn’t perform all of the functions of a modern laundry detergent.
For everyday laundry, continue using an appropriate detergent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What About Vinegar?
White vinegar is another popular household laundry tip.
It can help dissolve some mineral deposits and may help with certain odors, but it should be used carefully.
More importantly, don’t combine vinegar with chlorine bleach.
Mixing bleach with acids such as vinegar can produce dangerous chlorine-containing gases.
If your washing machine manufacturer advises against vinegar or acidic products because of concerns about seals, hoses, or other components, follow those instructions.
There is also no need to combine multiple homemade ingredients simply because a cleaning recipe online suggests doing so.
A simple, controlled approach is safer.
Never Mix Baking Soda With Bleach as a DIY Experiment
Baking soda itself isn’t the same kind of hazard as mixing bleach with acids, but household cleaning experiments can become risky when several chemicals are combined.
If you’re using a commercial washing-machine cleaner, bleach, descaler, or another chemical product, follow its label instructions.
Don’t improvise chemical mixtures.
In particular, never combine chlorine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other incompatible cleaning products.
If you want to use baking soda, use it by itself in an appropriate cleaning cycle unless your appliance manufacturer specifically recommends another combination.
Your Clothes May Smell Better Too
Once the washing machine itself is cleaner, your laundry may smell fresher.
But there are several other factors that influence how clothes smell after washing.
Don’t leave wet laundry sitting in the washer
This is one of the biggest mistakes.
A load that remains wet inside a closed washing machine for hours can develop a musty odor.
Move laundry to the dryer or drying area as soon as reasonably possible after the cycle ends.
