As winter approaches, many households in the United Kingdom face the challenge of drying clothes indoors, often resulting in a musty smell that can linger on fabrics and in living spaces. Common remedies like scented fabric softeners or additional detergent provide only temporary relief, masking the problem rather than addressing its source. Leanna Spektor, Co-Founder and Style Expert at Brand House Direct, suggests a more effective and inexpensive solution using a common household item: white vinegar.
Effective Odor Neutralization
Spektor emphasizes that tackling the root cause of unpleasant odors is essential for maintaining fresh-smelling laundry. Instead of relying on fragrances, she recommends creating a simple solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water. This mixture can be placed in a clean spray bottle and lightly spritzed onto clothes as they hang to dry.
“Winter laundry can be challenging, but the solution doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated,” Spektor noted. “White vinegar is naturally antibacterial and breaks down the microbes responsible for that musty smell. You might worry about your clothes smelling like vinegar, but that scent evaporates completely as the fabric dries. You’re left with genuinely fresh laundry, not just masked odours.”
Using this approach not only costs less than £1 but also effectively neutralizes the odour-causing bacteria before the clothes are fully dry.
Additional Tips for Fresh Laundry
In addition to the vinegar spray, Spektor offers several practical tips to prevent damp smells from developing in the first place. Positioning the drying rack in a well-ventilated room, ideally near a window that can be opened for at least ten minutes daily, helps improve airflow and reduce moisture. Proper spacing between items on the drying rack is crucial, as overcrowding can trap moisture and create an environment where bacteria thrive.
For those drying clothes on radiators, placing items on a rack above the surface allows heat to circulate effectively, preventing dampness from being trapped in the fabric. Using a dehumidifier can also make a significant difference by reducing excess moisture in the air, which speeds up drying time.
Lastly, Spektor advises against leaving damp laundry sitting in the washing machine for extended periods. The longer wet clothes remain bunched together, the higher the likelihood of developing that musty smell before they have even been hung up to dry.
By following these guidelines and incorporating white vinegar into your laundry routine, households can combat the challenges of winter drying while keeping clothes smelling fresh and clean all season long.
