Why Clothes Get Smelly and Retain Odors
Clothing odors and stains can build up over time from sweat, body oils, food spills, smoke, mildew and other grime. The fabric fibers absorb and trap these smelly compounds.
Bacteria and yeast naturally living on our skin metabolize compounds in sweat, producing pungent fatty acids that cause underarm stench. These stick tightly to clothing fibers.
Odors cling to fabrics differently depending on the material. Natural fibers like cotton and wool are more absorbent and prone to odors than synthetic fabrics like polyester.
Sweat and Body Oils
Sweat, especially underarm sweat containing odor-causing bacteria, readily penetrates and adheres to clothing. The bacteria consume sweat components and release smelly waste products.
Sebum and other body oils also rub off our hair and skin onto garments. Their fatty acid composition makes them prone to turning rancid and smelly over time.
Spills and Grime
All sorts of grimy spills and stains can leave lingering odors if left untreated. Foods, grease, cosmetics, mud, dust and other messy substances get ground into fabric.
Mold and mildew can grow on dirty laundry and fabrics left wet. This leads to pungent smells that stubbornly cling to clothing.
Does Rubbing Alcohol Remove Odors from Clothes?
Yes, rubbing alcohol is an effective DIY deodorizing treatment for smelly clothing when used properly. It can help remove body soil and eliminate stubborn odors from fabric.
Kills Odor-Causing Bacteria
Rubbing alcohol is a disinfectant that can kill bacteria and fungi living on clothing that cause foul odors. This helps deodorize smelly workout gear, undergarments and laundry.
It effectively sanitizes fabric to stop stinky microbes from multiplying. This reduces bacterial metabolism of sweat that produces rank fatty acids and underarm stench.
Removes Soil and Stains
Rubbing alcohol cuts through oil, grease and protein-based stains on fabric that lead to sour odors. It helps lift away stubborn sweat stains and food spills.
It helps dissolve fatty acids in body soil so they can be flushed away rather than turning rancid and smelling.
Evaporates Rapidly
One advantage of isopropyl rubbing alcohol is that it evaporates quickly when applied to clothing, leaving fabrics feeling clean and free of odor-causing residues.
It does not leave wetness or cleaning agent buildup that could cause fabrics to sour or cakes-on stains to set.
How to Use Rubbing Alcohol to Deodorize Clothes
Here is a simple method to treat smelly clothing with rubbing alcohol:
Check Fabric Care Labels
Inspect clothing tags to make sure the garment can be safely treated with alcohol. Look for "do not bleach" and warnings about color loss in particular.
Spot test rubbing alcohol on an inside seam first if unsure how it will affect the fabric.
Apply to Stained Areas
Lay the smelly clothing flat and use a spray bottle to spritz isopropyl alcohol directly onto stained and soiled areas. Target underarms, necklines and food spills.
For heavy stains, saturate a clean lint-free rag with alcohol instead and rub it onto the fabric. Let it penetrate stains for 1-2 minutes.
Launder as Usual
After treated with alcohol, run clothing through a regular wash cycle with mild detergent and warm water. This will flush away dissolved stains and residues.
For best results, air dry in sunlight. The UV exposure helps sanitize fabric and prevent bacteria regrowth.
Repeat as Needed
Reapply alcohol and rewash items that still seem smelly. It may take several treatments to fully eliminate stubborn odors.
Tips for Using Rubbing Alcohol on Clothes
Spot Test First
Always do a patch test on hidden seams and edges first. Make sure color does not bleed or fade and fabric is not damaged.
Use 70% Solution
Choose an isopropyl alcohol solution around 70% alcohol to disinfect fabric without overly drying it out. Higher concentrations may damage fibers.
Rinse Fully
Follow up with thorough rinsing in the washing machine. This ensures no alcohol residue is left behind that could fade dyes or allow bacterial regrowth.
Increase Ventilation
Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves when treating batches of smelly clothes with rubbing alcohol.
Hang freshly treated clothing to air dry if possible to allow odor-causing compounds to fully evaporate.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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