Removing Set-in Odors: The Way to Perfectly Deodorize with 'This' Instead of Perfume
๐ Unpleasant Set-in Odors in Clothes: The Perfect Deodorization Solution to Remove the Cause, Not Cover It
It is common for clothes to absorb unpleasant odors from grilling meat, prolonged stays in smoking areas, or dampness during the rainy season. Spraying perfume or fabric freshener to mask the smell is only a temporary fix. You must remove the malodor moleculesโthe source of the smellโto achieve perfect deodorization without damaging the fabric. I''ll share 3 magical methods to fundamentally remove odors without perfume, categorized by the type of smell.
๐ Odor Type and Customized Deodorization Solution
| Odor Type | Causal Substance | Recommended Deodorization Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Food/Meat Odor | Fatty acids and amines (produced after protein combustion) | Utilizing Steam (Water Vapor) |
| Sweat/Damp/Musty Odor | Bacteria and mold spores | Utilizing Rubbing Alcohol (Ethanol) |
| Cigarette Smoke Odor | Nicotine, tar, and hundreds of other chemicals | Utilizing Sun Drying and Baking Soda |
๐จ 3 Methods for Fundamentally Removing Odors
1. Food Odor: Utilize Bathroom Steam (The Easiest Method)
- Hang the clothes that smell of meat or stew in a steam-filled bathroom after a shower for 10โ20 minutes.
- Principle: Steam (water vapor) molecules capture the odor molecules, separating them from the fabric.
- Additional Tip: While the clothes are hanging, use a hair dryer on the cool setting. The cold air helps the steam-separated odor molecules to dissipate outside, maximizing the deodorization effect.
2. Sweat/Musty Odor: Utilize Ethanol Spray:
- Mix rubbing alcohol (available at pharmacies) and water in a 1:1 ratio and put it in a spray bottle. (Alcohol causes almost no damage to the fabric.)
- Gently spray the areas that smell while the clothes are hanging.
- Principle: Alcohol sanitizes the bacteria causing the smell and, as it quickly evaporates, carries the odor away. This is especially effective for sportswear and shoes.
3. Cigarette Smoke Odor: Baking Soda + Sun Drying:
- For thick garments (coats, jackets), lay the clothes flat and sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the area where the smell is set, then leave it for at least 3 hours.
- Brush off the baking soda, then hang the clothes in a sunny area.
- Principle: Baking soda absorbs the odor particles, and the sun''s UV rays destroy the remaining malodor molecules and sanitize the fabric.
The best way to deal with odors is washing, but if you can''t wash your clothes every time, use these 3 methods to keep them well-maintained.