Cologne Cannot Cover Musty Shirts

Whether cologne can cover up a musty shirt depends on several factors, including the type of fabric, the intensity of the musty smell, and the strength of the cologne. While cologne can be used to mask mild odours, it is not a long-term solution for a musty shirt. The musty smell on a shirt is typically caused by bacteria, and simply covering it up with cologne will not address the root cause. Additionally, mixing cologne with body odour can sometimes create an even more unpleasant smell. Therefore, it is generally recommended to address the source of the musty smell by washing the shirt with vinegar, lemon juice, or laundry detergent and booster, rather than solely relying on cologne as a cover-up.

Using vinegar to wash musty shirts

While cologne may mask the musty smell of a shirt, it will not eliminate it. The scent of the cologne may also not be as strong when applied to fabric, and the combination of cologne and body odour may result in an unpleasant smell.

To effectively remove the musty smell from your shirt, consider using vinegar. White vinegar is a versatile product that can be used to brighten, soften, and remove stains and odours from your clothes. It is a safe and cost-effective alternative to harsh chemicals and can be used in regular and HE washing machines.

Preparing the Vinegar Solution

Dilute the vinegar with water if you are using apple cider vinegar or other coloured vinegars. White distilled vinegar can be used directly without dilution. For pre-treating stains, mix one tablespoon of vinegar with one tablespoon of laundry detergent and apply the mixture directly to the stained area. Allow it to sit for about an hour before washing.

Adding Vinegar to the Wash Cycle

For a small load, add half a cup of vinegar to the washing machine drum before adding your clothes. For medium loads, use three-quarters of a cup, and for large loads, use one cup of vinegar. Add your regular laundry detergent to the detergent compartment and select the appropriate wash cycle temperature for your garments.

Using Vinegar as a Fabric Softener

Pour one cup of white distilled vinegar into the fabric softener compartment and start the wash cycle as normal. Allow the machine to complete the rinse cycle to distribute the vinegar evenly, and remove your clothes promptly at the end of the cycle.

Treating Stubborn Odours

For persistent odours, pre-soak your musty shirts in a solution of one cup of vinegar per gallon of water for about 30 minutes before washing. For white clothes, create a solution of one cup of vinegar per gallon of hot water, submerge the clothes completely, and then wash them normally with detergent.

Precautions and Recommendations

• Avoid using vinegar on elastic-containing garments like athletic wear, swimwear, underwear, and workout clothes, as the acetic acid in vinegar can break down elastic fibres over time.
• Do not use vinegar on delicate natural fibres such as silk, wool, leather, and fine fabrics with sensitive dyes.
• Never mix vinegar with bleach or chlorine bleach products, as the combination produces toxic chlorine gas.
• Limit the use of vinegar to once a week to protect your washing machine components and delicate fabrics.
• Always check the garment care tags before using vinegar, and avoid using it on dry-clean-only fabrics.

By following these steps, you can effectively use vinegar to wash and eliminate the musty smell from your shirts.

Airing out clothes outside

Choose the Right Time: Airing clothes outdoors is best done when the humidity is lower, typically between 10 am and 3 pm. This allows your clothes to dry more effectively and reduces the chance of mould or mildew forming.

Use a Clothesline or Rack: Hang your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack to maximise airflow around them. If using a clothesline, ensure it is secured between two sturdy anchor points and is easily reachable. For delicate items, consider using a folding drying rack so you can lay them flat.

Consider the Weather: Avoid airing clothes outdoors if there is rain or strong winds forecast, as this can make your clothes dirty or wet. Strong winds can also loosen your laundry from the line. If there is a chance of rain, be prepared to bring your clothes inside or use a retractable clothesline that can be easily taken down.

Location, Location, Location: Choose a location for your clothesline or rack that is not under trees and receives plenty of sunlight and a gentle breeze. Avoid areas with potential sources of odours, such as car pollution or manufacturing plants, as your clothes may absorb these smells.

Be Mindful of Allergens: If you or those around you have environmental allergies, be mindful of potential allergens like pollen or mould spores that may be in the air. Avoid hanging clothes out to dry during high pollen count days or in areas with visible mould.

Protect from Fading: Delicate textiles and dark clothing should be aired in shaded areas to avoid colour fading from prolonged exposure to strong sunlight. You can use a thin, dark-coloured, breathable cloth to protect your clothes from the sun while still allowing them to heat up and dry.

By following these tips, you can effectively air out your clothes outside, reducing the need for frequent washing and prolonging the life of your garments.

Hand-washing with Castile soap

Castile soap is a natural, eco-friendly, and non-toxic soap that is perfect for hand-washing. It is made from vegetable-based products, such as olive oil, and is free of toxins, making it safe for children, pets, and even vegetables!

How to Make Liquid Hand Soap with Castile Soap

To make your own liquid hand soap, you will need:

• 1/4 to 1/8 cup of liquid Castile soap
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional)
• 2.5 cups of distilled or boiled-and-cooled water
• A glass soap dispenser

First, add the Castile soap to your dispenser, followed by the essential oil (if using). Finish by filling the rest of the container with water. Give it a little shake, and your natural hand soap is ready to use!

Tips for Using Castile Soap

• Castile soap is watery and less sudsy than traditional soap, but this can be adjusted by adding a little more soap.
• The soap and water may separate, so give your dispenser a little swirl before using.
• You can use scented or unscented Castile soap for handwashing. Scented Castile soap is safe for dishes and laundry.
• Castile soap is considered a disinfectant but is not antibacterial. To make it antibacterial, you can add tea tree oil, but note that tea tree oil is toxic to cats.
• Castile soap is excellent for handwashing delicates such as silk and wool.

Machine-washing with laundry detergent and baking soda

Preparing the Washing Machine

Before adding any clothing, it is important to prepare the washing machine, especially if it has not been cleaned in a while. Start by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 cup of baking soda with equal parts water. Pour this mixture into the detergent dispenser and run a normal cycle without any clothes. For particularly smelly washing machines, you can use another 1/2 cup of baking soda. Alternatively, you can use vinegar instead of water to enhance freshness.

Adding the Clothes

When adding the musty shirt, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine drum. This will help fight odours and stains. For targeted cleaning of specific stains, apply baking soda directly to the spots or mix it with water to create a pre-wash paste. Gently rub the paste onto the fabric and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing or putting it in the wash.

The Wash Cycle

Use your regular laundry detergent along with the baking soda for better freshness and cleaning. You can also add vinegar during the rinse cycle to further enhance freshness and fabric softness. For very smelly clothes, use another 1/2 cup of baking soda in the detergent dispenser. This double-action approach will ensure that your laundry is clean and odour-free.

Drying and Maintenance

After the wash cycle, dry your clothes as usual. To maintain the freshness of your clothes and washing machine, it is recommended to leave the washing machine door open after each wash to prevent moisture from getting trapped. Regularly cleaning the gasket will also help ensure that moisture does not accumulate.

Using lemon juice and water to remove odours

Lemon juice is a great natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaning products. It can be used to brighten whites and remove rust and mildew stains from clothing. Lemon juice can also be used as a natural fabric softener and whitener when mixed with baking soda.

To use lemon juice to remove odours from clothing, create a mixture of one-third cup of lemon juice with two-thirds cup of water. Soak the odorous clothing in this mixture and then wash as normal. For rust stains, boil some water and wet the stain with lemon juice. Hold the stained area over the steam for a few minutes, then wash the garment.

Lemon juice can also be used to remove mildew stains. Create a paste of lemon and salt and apply it to the stain. Set the item in the sun to dry, then wash the item in hot water.

Lemon juice is generally safe for most fabrics, but it is always best to do a spot test on a hidden area first, as its acidity might affect delicate or coloured textiles.

Frequently asked questions