You know that funky sour smell that sometimes clings to clothes, even right after they’ve been washed?

That smell usually comes from mildew, sweat bacteria, or detergent buildup that never fully rinses out.

The good news is you don’t have to throw out your favorite shirt or hoodie. There are a number of ways to kick that sour smell to the curb and get your laundry smelling clean again.

In this post, we’ll show you how to get sour smell out of clothes.

#1 Wash With Baking Soda

Let’s kick things off with baking soda, which is a great way to get sour smell out of clothes.

This stuff is a miracle worker when it comes to neutralizing odors.

All you need to do is add half a cup of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent. Throw your clothes in, and let the washing machine do its thing.

Baking soda works by absorbing the odors in your fabric. It's kind of like a sponge for smells, and it does wonders on that sour scent.

You can also add a little baking soda directly to the washing drum if you don’t want to mess with the detergent compartment. It doesn’t matter if it’s a top-load or front-load machine, it’ll work either way.

Plus, it’s inexpensive, and you probably already have it at home.

#2 Use White Vinegar In The Wash

White vinegar is another lifesaver. Don’t worry - the vinegar smell doesn’t stick around. Once the clothes dry, the sour odor (and the vinegar smell) will both be gone.

Vinegar is super effective at breaking down the bacteria and mold that often cause that sour smell.

All you need is about a cup of white vinegar for a regular load of laundry. Toss it in during the rinse cycle. This is important: don’t add the vinegar at the start of the wash, or it won’t be as effective.

The vinegar will help neutralize the odor and leave your clothes smelling fresh.

Some people even swear by adding vinegar to their detergent. If you’re into the “double whammy” approach, you can mix it in with the detergent, but I’d say stick to adding it in the rinse cycle for best results.

Trust me, your clothes will thank you.

#3 Soak In A Vinegar And Water Solution

If your clothes are especially stinky, a quick wash might not cut it.

Try soaking them in a vinegar and water solution before you toss them in the washing machine. Just fill a bucket or basin with warm water and add about one cup of white vinegar. Let the clothes soak for 30 minutes to an hour.

This gives the vinegar time to work its magic on the fabric.

After soaking, throw your clothes in the wash as usual.

If you’re dealing with really stinky towels, sheets, or workout gear, this extra step could be a lifesaver. It’s one of those things that doesn’t take much effort but can make a huge difference.

#4 Wash With Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide isn’t just for cuts and scrapes – it’s also great for getting rid of smells in your laundry.

It’s gentle on fabrics, but it’s powerful enough to break down the bacteria that cause sour odors.

Add about half a cup of hydrogen peroxide to your laundry load, and run the wash as usual.

Hydrogen peroxide also helps with stains, so if your clothes have both a funky smell and a stain, you’ll kill two birds with one stone.

It’s safe for most fabrics, but if you’re unsure, you might want to test it on a small, hidden area first. It’s definitely a handy tool to keep in your laundry arsenal.

#5 Sun-Dry Your Clothes

The sun is your best friend when it comes to getting rid of sour smells.

Sunlight has natural disinfecting powers, and drying clothes in the sun can help lift any lingering odors. The UV rays break down bacteria and mold, and the fresh air does wonders for freshening up your clothes.

If you can, hang your clothes outside to dry. It’s not always possible depending on the weather or where you live, but if you’ve got the option, take advantage of it.

Plus, nothing beats the smell of clothes dried in the sun. It’s like that fresh, outdoor scent you can’t get from a dryer.

#6 Use An Odor-Removing Laundry Booster

If you’re still struggling with the smell, it might be time to bring in a commercial cleaner.

There are lots of products out there designed to specifically target and eliminate tough smells. They work by neutralizing odors at the source, so your clothes come out smelling fresh and clean.

These boosters are available in powder or liquid form and can be added to your regular laundry load. Some even work well with cold water, so you don’t have to worry about using hot water if you’re trying to be more energy-efficient.

#7 Double Rinse

If all else fails, the double rinse trick might be exactly what your clothes need.

Sometimes, the odor doesn’t fully get washed away in a single rinse cycle. So, just run an extra rinse at the end of the wash cycle. This will help get rid of any leftover detergent, bacteria, or sour smells that might be lurking.

You can also add a little extra vinegar or baking soda to the second rinse cycle if you’re feeling fancy.

It’s a simple, no-fuss way to ensure your clothes come out smelling fresh and clean.

Check Your Washer Too

Here’s the part most people forget - the sour smell doesn’t always come from the clothes themselves.

Sometimes it’s your washer that’s the problem. If the inside of the machine is harboring mold or mildew, your clothes will pick up that smell every time you wash.

To address this, run an empty hot cycle with a cup of vinegar or a washing machine cleaner once a month. Also wipe down the rubber gasket around the door if you have a front-loader. That spot loves to trap water and grow mildew.

Oh and make sure you’re leaving the washer door open after loads. This lets the drum dry out and keeps smells from building up in the first place.

Bottom Line

That sour smell in clothes isn’t permanent, even if it feels like it’s stuck forever.

To get sour smells out of clothes, use vinegar or baking soda in the wash, dry them fully (preferably in the sun), and keep your washer clean.

Do that, and your clothes will stay fresh, no matter how many times they’ve been worn.

If you keep running into the same problem, it might be your washer that needs a little TLC.

How To Get Sour Smell Out Of Clothes (7 Methods)