Comments on: DIY Solution to Remove Odor from Clothes that Smell Funky

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 17:02:11 +0000

In reply to Elle. I came here to say the same thing!!!! So incredibly dangerous!

By: Elle

Elle — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:26:40 +0000

This post needs to be edited or removed before someone gets hurt, vinegar and bleach can kill!

By: Adele

Adele — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 22:32:22 +0000

Its quite possible that if you refularly leave washing in your machine there could be a build up of mildew in the inner workings of the machine. May be good to do an empty cycle on your mqchine to clean it thoroughly. I normally use vinegar and bicarb when i do this to give it a good clean and stops a lot of the smell. Another thing that helps is leaving your machine door open when the load has finished or if its empty, Stops the build up of mildew and hense the smell. X

By: Science Matters

Science Matters — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 13:04:04 +0000

Bleach + acid (vinegar) yields free chlorine gas.

Bleach’s cleaning method, the production of chlorine into water solution for containment, is halted because the Oxyclean oxides the chlorine.

It’s not just ineffective, counterproductive, and wasteful, it’s downright dangerous.

These are things we learn in our first chemistry courses. The information above has been vetted by a MS Physical Chem, and also by me: former commercial cleaning company owner.

Message to author: You’re going to hurt someone and probably have already.

By: Katelyn Fagan

Katelyn Fagan — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 05:36:12 +0000

In reply to Jenny D.. Interesting!! Great tip! I may have to try it with some borax I have on hand.

By: Jenny D.

Jenny D. — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 06:31:09 +0000

After trying everything you tried (except the vinegar / EO mixture), I stumbled upon some blog (don’t remember where) that recommended a soak in Borax. I don’t use it for anything except this since I can’t be sure it isn’t toxic, but it works perfectly! Just wash in the hottest water recommended (based on the type of fabrics), add a few CUPS of Borax, let it agitate (takes a few extra mins in my HE top loader) for a few, then PAUSE or hold the cycle. I usually let it soak overnight, then let it finish cycling in the morning. Funk’s gone. Works every time.

By: Debbie Fisher

Debbie Fisher — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 19:37:59 +0000

It is not a good idea at all to mix chemical together, they can produce deadly gases…NOT GOOD!

By: Crystal Barnes

Crystal Barnes — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 21:48:06 +0000

In reply to William. I'm so glad this worked for you!

By: William

William — Thu, 10 May 2018 18:47:32 +0000

This is amazing! I purchased two Chicago Bulls hooded jackets at a garage sale to sell on Ebay. When I got home I put them through the wash like I always do with items I plan to sell. When they dried I noticed they had a funky smell from apparently being stored. I went online looking for ways I can get the odor out. I tried the vinegar method twice. Still funky. I tried the baking soda. Still funky. Tried everything The internet had to offer. Still funky. Must have washed them at least five times. Then I got to your site. I used your method. Vinegar, 15 drops each of Lavender,Orange, and Sage Citrus essential oils. Couldn’t find any Lemon. Poured it into the fabric softener dispenser, bleach dispenser, and directly into the washing machine. No detergent. Hot water and hot drying setting. IT WORKED! No funk. Thanks for the super tip.

By: Nell

Nell — Sat, 06 May 2017 01:32:34 +0000

I’ve been looking for something that will take the “thrift store” smell out of used clothes purchased at thrift stores and also clothes that have been stored in moth balls. I have inherited some of both clothing items and nothing I’ve tried (even real Bleach on colored clothes–I was desperate!) has worked. Any idea if your formula above will work on these?

By: Kathy

Kathy — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 16:50:17 +0000

In reply to Cristine. How much Pine-Sol do you add to your washer? Sometimes my towels get a funky smell that I have had a devil of a time getting out. I think Pine-Sol just might do the trick, Lord knows, I've tried everything else.

By: CrystalB

CrystalB — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 03:27:35 +0000

In reply to Leigh. I love this stuff. If you mix it with water instead of vinegar you can spray it all over. Some days I spray the whole house just because I love the fresh, fruity scent.

By: CrystalB

CrystalB — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 03:26:09 +0000

In reply to Cristine. Thanks for the suggestion! My kids are young still so I think I have to yet experience true Funk. So far this trick is working for us!

By: Cristine

Cristine — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 05:26:32 +0000

We use essential oils in our home. But somethings cannot be remedied with nothing but old fashioned original Pine sol. I made this discovery when my child got fish oil supplements on their t-shirt. So if you gone through all the natural remedies, try original Pine sol. I’ve used this on my son’s stinky sneakers and smelly bath towels. Pine sol works exceptionally well for removing the funk smell in your clothes that sometimes come from HE front load washers.

By: Leigh

Leigh — Sat, 05 Nov 2016 18:03:18 +0000

Thank you! My teenager is a runner and the FUNK is a way of life for athletic clothes. Pinned!
Blessings, Leigh