How to get rid of that musty monsoon smell from your clothes
India, July 14 -- Monsoon may bring its fair share of wardrobe woes, but one problem that's especially hard to ignore is the musty smell that clings to clothes.
The season's high humidity means clothes take longer to dry, and the lingering dampness creates the perfect environment for bacteria and mould spores to settle into the fabric. Musty odours can also develop when damp clothes are left in the laundry bag for too long, or when clothes are stored in a poorly ventilated wardrobe.
The good news is you don't need expensive products to deal with this problem. Here are some simple fixes, using common kitchen and household ingredients, that can help keep your clothes fresh this season.
Add half a cup of baking soda to your wash, or sprinkle it directly into drawers and closets. It's alkaline, so it neutralises the acidic odour compounds bacteria leave behind.
Soak the mustiest part of the garment in a lemon juice and water solution, then air dry. The citric acid helps break down odour-causing residue and slows bacterial growth.
For deeper mustiness, mix a cup of white vinegar into a gallon of water and let the clothes sit in it for an hour before washing. The acetic acid dissolves odour-trapping residue and softens fabric. Skip this hack for clothes containing spandex or elastane, as the acid weakens these fibres.
The simplest fix is stillthe most effective. Hang clothes out the moment the sun appears. UV exposure and airflow kill bacteria and evaporate moisture. This not only deodorises but also disinfects the clothes.
Mix three parts unflavoured vodka with one part water in a spray bottle, then use it as a deodoriser. It acts as an antimicrobial and leaves no scent behind once dry.
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