How to dry clothes to prevent bad odours: the trick of putting a towel in the dryer to make them smell clean.
With the arrival of autumn and increased humidity, drying clothes becomes a more complicated task. Clothes take longer to dry and, if the air does not circulate well, they can end up with that unpleasant damp smell that even the best fabric softener cannot hide. However, it is not that difficult to avoid if you follow a few basic steps and apply a simple household trick that leaves your clothes with a lasting fragrance.
According to home cleaning experts, bad odours usually appear when clothes are not completely dry or remain damp for too long. Excess fabric softener, lack of ventilation, or leaving laundry in the washing machine for too long are some of the most common mistakes.
VENTILATE AND SHAKE BEFORE DRYING
Before hanging clothes, it is advisable to shake each garment well to remove surface moisture and wrinkles. The more spread out they are, the faster the water will evaporate. If drying indoors, it is important to place the clothesline next to an open window or use a dehumidifier to speed up the process and prevent musty odours.
If using a tumble dryer, it is recommended to clean the lint filter after each use. A dirty filter reduces hot air circulation and can cause clothes to take longer to dry, as well as generating an unpleasant odour inside the drum.
AVOID EXCESS FABRIC SOFTENER AND MOISTURE
Although fabric softener adds fragrance, overuse has the opposite effect: it leaves residue on the fibres and traps moisture. Experts recommend using only the recommended amount and, from time to time, replacing it with white vinegar, which removes soap residue and neutralises odours.
It is also advisable not to pile clothes when hanging them up or placing them too close to the floor or sources of steam such as the kitchen or bathroom. The drier the environment, the cleaner it will smell at the end of the drying cycle.
THE DRYER WIPE TRICK
Among the most effective home methods is that of Concepción Sánchez, a home expert, who suggests putting a scented wipe in the dryer so that the clothes come out with a fresh, long-lasting scent.
The trick is to prepare the wipes at home beforehand: simply place them in a container with fabric softener or fabric freshener and leave them to soak for a few hours. Then, store each wipe in a sealed container and use one per drying cycle. According to the expert, ‘it works like a charm to make your clothes smell good and retain the scent for days’.
For those who do not use a tumble dryer, the same principle can be applied with a homemade scented fabric spray. It is easy to make: simply fill a spray bottle with three-quarters water, add a quarter fabric freshener and top up with a couple of squirts of alcohol to fix the scent. Just shake it before use and spray lightly on clothes before ironing or storing them. The result: a fresh, long-lasting scent that lasts for days.
In addition, keeping your washing machine clean is essential: the drum, rubber seal and detergent dispenser accumulate residues that can be transferred to your clothes.
