How To Make Clothes Smell Good: 9 Easy Ways

Let’s be real—there’s nothing worse than putting on a “clean” shirt that smells… not-so-clean. You know that weird combo of detergent plus something kinda musty? Yeah, no thanks. If you’re tired of laundry that doesn’t smell fresh or you just want your outfits to give off that crisp, just-washed vibe all the time, you’re in the right place.

I’ve personally been on this mission for years (because who doesn’t want their clothes to smell amazing?), and along the way, I’ve found some tricks that actually work. So today, I’m spilling the tea: 9 easy ways to make your clothes smell seriously good—without turning your laundry room into a science lab.

1. Wash With the Right Amount of Detergent

Sounds obvious, right? But here’s the thing: more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner or fresher clothes. In fact, if you overload, the soap can cling to your fabrics, and bacteria will happily snack on that residue—cue funky smells.

👉 The sweet spot? Use the exact amount your detergent recommends (or even slightly less if you’re using a high-efficiency washer). Your clothes will rinse better, smell fresher, and last longer.

Ever had that “fresh out of the machine but smells like wet dog” problem? Yeah, that’s detergent overload in disguise.

2. Add White Vinegar to the Rinse Cycle

Before you freak out—no, your clothes won’t smell like salad dressing. 😂 White vinegar is basically a natural deodorizer. It breaks down detergent residue and neutralizes odors.

Just toss ½ cup of vinegar into the rinse cycle, and you’ll notice your clothes smell way cleaner. Bonus: vinegar also helps keep your washing machine fresh, which is basically a two-for-one deal.

3. Use Baking Soda for Extra Freshness

Think of baking soda as the BFF of your laundry routine. It balances pH levels in your washer and keeps clothes smelling clean. I usually sprinkle about ½ cup into the drum before starting a load, especially when I’m washing gym clothes (aka the stinkiest offenders).

Ever pulled a sports bra out of the wash and thought, “This smells… sweaty still”? Yeah, add baking soda next time and thank me later.

4. Don’t Let Wet Clothes Sit in the Washer

Confession: I used to be terrible at this. I’d start laundry, forget about it, and six hours later—boom, a damp, musty pile of sadness.

Rule of thumb: Move clothes from washer to dryer ASAP. If you do forget (we all do), rewash with vinegar instead of pretending the smell will “go away in the dryer.” Spoiler: it won’t. It’ll just smell like musty warm clothes. Gross.

5. Dry Your Clothes Completely

Ever noticed that weird “still damp” smell? That happens when you half-dry clothes or leave them wadded up after drying.

Make sure clothes are 100% dry before folding or putting them away. If you air-dry, hang things in a well-ventilated space (sunlight is a bonus—it naturally kills bacteria). If you use a dryer, don’t overload it.

Pro tip: toss in a dryer sheet or wool dryer ball with a few drops of essential oil for an extra hit of freshness.

6. Store Clothes the Right Way

You can do everything right in the wash, but if your storage is off, your clothes won’t stay fresh. Drawers and closets can trap moisture and odors.

Here’s what helps:

• Cedar blocks or sachets: Natural and long-lasting.
• Activated charcoal bags: These suck up odors like a champ.
• DIY sachets: Fill little cloth bags with dried lavender, rose petals, or even coffee beans. (Yes, coffee beans! They absorb odors and leave a subtle smell.)

Ever opened your drawer and thought, “This smells like… wood and dust”? Yeah, time to upgrade your storage game.

7. Freshen Clothes Between Washes

Not everything needs a full wash after one wear (looking at you, jeans). Instead, you can freshen up clothes between washes to keep them smelling good.

My go-to methods:

• Fabric sprays: You can buy them or make your own with water + a few drops of essential oil.
• Steam: Either use a handheld steamer or hang clothes in the bathroom while you shower. Steam lifts odors and wrinkles in one go.
• Air them out: Hang clothes outside for 30 minutes. Fresh air is basically free Febreze.

8. Keep Your Washing Machine Clean

If your washer smells funky, your clothes will too. Washing machines need cleaning (shocking, I know).

Quick routine:

• Run an empty hot cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner once a month.
• Wipe down the rubber seal (it loves to collect gunk).
• Leave the door open after each wash so it can dry out.

Honestly, once I started doing this, my laundry stopped smelling “off.” Game-changer.

9. Use Essential Oils for a Signature Scent

Want your clothes to smell not just clean, but amazing? Essential oils are your secret weapon.

Here’s how I use them:

• Add a few drops of lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus oil to a damp washcloth and toss it in the dryer.
• Mix a DIY spray with water + essential oils to spritz clothes before hanging them up.
• Dab a drop on cotton balls and stash them in drawers.

It’s like creating your own personal “clothing perfume” without spending $$$ on fancy fabric sprays.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Ignore the Hamper

Yep, even dirty clothes can sabotage your fresh laundry. If your hamper smells like death, it’s time to:

• Wash it with hot water and vinegar.
• Use a breathable hamper (avoid plastic ones that trap odors).
• Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom to absorb stink.

Because honestly, what’s the point of washing if your “clean” clothes are chilling next to a swampy-smelling pile of socks?

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, making clothes smell good isn’t rocket science. It’s about a few small habits—using the right products, not letting clothes sit wet, and keeping your storage fresh. Trust me, once you dial in these 9 tips, you’ll notice a huge difference.

And hey, you might even start getting compliments like, “Wow, your hoodie smells amazing. What detergent do you use?” (Happens to me all the time 😉).

So, next time you pull a shirt out of your drawer, you won’t just think, “It’s clean.” You’ll think, “Dang, this smells GOOD.”

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Use the right amount of detergent (not too much).
• White vinegar + baking soda = laundry superheroes.
• Don’t let clothes sit wet in the washer.
• Dry and store clothes properly.
• Freshen up between washes with sprays, steam, or air.
• Keep your washer clean to avoid transferring odors.
• Essential oils give clothes a signature scent.