Fishy odors can be notoriously stubborn, but with a few simple steps, you can easily remove them from your clothes. Here's how:
1. Pre-Soak with Baking Soda:
- Mix a half-cup of baking soda in a sink or bucket filled with warm water.
- Soak the smelly clothes for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours if the odor is strong.
- This helps neutralize the odor molecules, making them easier to remove.
2. Wash with Laundry Detergent and Vinegar:
- After soaking, wash the clothes with your regular laundry detergent.
- Add a cup of white vinegar to the washing machine's fabric softener dispenser.
- Vinegar helps break down lingering odors and softens the fabric.
3. Air Dry in Sunlight:
- Hang your clothes outside to air dry in direct sunlight.
- Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and helps eliminate stubborn smells.
4. Repeat if Necessary:
- For particularly strong odors, you may need to repeat the soaking and washing process.
- If the smell persists, try using a stain remover or an enzyme-based detergent specifically formulated for odor removal.
5. Consider a Specialized Product:
- For very stubborn fish odors, you can consider using a laundry product specifically designed to eliminate odors.
- These products often contain enzymes or other odor-neutralizing ingredients.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove fishy smells from your clothes and restore them to their fresh scent.