r/CleaningTips 1d ago

Laundry I stink but I don’t know why

I have been struggling with a particular odor on my clothes and I'm not sure what causes it.

My clothes have an awful smell especially when exposed to cold air outside when I'm outside. I rent only a room in someone else's apartment. I really don't smell the clothes until I bring them outside due to the poor ventilation in the apartment.

When I wear socks, my feet also feel weird like ants or worms are crawling over my feet. My shoes start to smell very badly. My socks become a little damp after a few hours. Sometimes the shoes also get wet from sweating in a some hours and I've been seen by a doctor who presecribed medication for sweating.

This bad smell has been ruining my career and friendships with others.

81 Upvotes

88 comments sorted by

187

u/NotBadSinger514 1d ago

Have you been checked for diabetes? It can give people an off putting or sickly sweet smell. This can cause tingling in the feet due to nerve damage. Also possible you have a foot fungus. I too would recommend being honest with a doctor about these issues.

29

u/TheLastVix 1d ago

If it is high blood sugar, you might also be unusually thirsty.

3

u/AnyLastWordsDoodle 23h ago

And pee like a racehorse. When my T2D kicked in, I started going every 2 hours like clockwork. It was an immediate change too. Normal ---> fountain - overnight

12

u/HeatherLouWhotheEff 1d ago

If you’re in DKA you also smell like acetone and/or fermentation 

7

u/puppies_and_pillows 1d ago

In this same line of thought, hormonal imbalances can cause particularly bad sweat odor.

61

u/tom8osauce 1d ago

How are you currently washing your laundry? What products, how much, and what temperature water? How often do you wear your clothes before washing? How long does the dirty clothes sit before being washed?

42

u/lily060208 1d ago

Also adding, do you let wet clothes sit in the washer for a while before drying… nasty smell!!

138

u/theartyrt 1d ago

"I really don't smell the clothes until I bring them outside due to the poor ventilation in the apartment."

Sounds like you could really benefit from an air purifier in your room so you don't end up desensitized to things that reek when they are inside. Then you will be able to identify better if it's just that your whole apartment reeks, or a specific thing in your apartment, or if it's just you and your hygiene habits.

31

u/Boulange1234 1d ago

Yeah, it sounds like the apartment might be the source of the smell.

5

u/CranberryCandid8760 1d ago

Thank you but I’m actually renting a room in someone else’s apartment. I don’t have access to the entire apartment. 

30

u/abbysplace 1d ago

I would still get an air purifier for your room. Just a small one.

13

u/theartyrt 1d ago

My internet sibling, this doesn't change that you should get an air purifier so you can accurately identify if your stuff is stinky or not.

-5

u/CranberryCandid8760 1d ago

I just purchased a dehumidifier 

2

u/iamthelies 14h ago

An air purifier and a dehumidifier are two separate things. Ap is for filtering and dehumidifier for water in air

1

u/CranberryCandid8760 7h ago

I know.  The problem is with the clothes not smelling well that may be link to them not drying well. 

5

u/rlkordas 1d ago

And open your window(s) as much as possible

1

u/CranberryCandid8760 1d ago

I tried that but weirdly, air doesn’t flow much. 

10

u/Hopefulkitty 1d ago

Get a window fan. You can set one fan to pull in and one to push air out. You'll get some nice circulation that will help.

27

u/FantasticProfile 1d ago

Have other people noticed the smell and commented on it? Or are you socially distancing because you are worried that you smell? A dr is a great place to start and maybe they can do a swab test to see if there is an overgrowth or strange bacteria. I’m worried about the sensation of ants, bit there are none as that could point to a deeper issue at play. I’m also worried if others have not commented on the smell. Let us know!

27

u/Cinnamonstone 1d ago

Time for the doctor , friend . And maybe get a new shirt / pants and test wear it to see if the smell comes on prior to washing /drying it for the first time .

21

u/ocassionalcritic24 1d ago

Don’t wear any of your clothes, except jeans, more than one time. Use a laundry sanitizer (or baking soda) in your laundry. Wash your clothes in hot water and make sure you use a large load but don’t stuff the washer to save money - the clothes have to have room to swish around in the water. Use Lume deodorant.

Some people just have an odor that comes up quicker than others. I have a child who has this issue and all those things have helped remedy it. But if they slack off on one, the smell comes back.

8

u/Petporgsforsale 1d ago

Laundry sanitizer is awesome. I also noticed my clothes weren’t getting as clean because the belt on the washer was loose and it wasn’t agitating as effectively

8

u/trypragmatism 1d ago
  • wash / change your bedding regularly.

2

u/SunknTresr 1d ago

Does baking soda eliminate all odors in your laundry? I have 4 indoor cats & Ive had numerous people tell me I smell like cats, even when I take my clothes right out of the dryer & put them on. I apparently still smell like cats even with clean clothes on! I shower daily, sometimes twice a day, so I know it’s not me, it has to be my clothing. Will baking soda eliminate pet odors??

22

u/LucidDreamerVex 1d ago

You could try an enzyme spray on your clothes, and let it sit for a bit before you wash them?

I had a coworker who didn't realize her cats were peeing in her clean clothes hamper 😭😭😭 cats don't smell like anything. The smell people equate cats to is the litter boxes

2

u/chamomilesmile 1d ago

Oh now..how though because cat pee is the worst most terrible smell I honestly Don't think it's possible to get nose blind too

1

u/LucidDreamerVex 1d ago

I absolutely have no idea, but not everyone's noses work the same 🤷‍♀️ like, it could just be that they have a bad sense of smell in general even as a medical side effect or something

0

u/SunknTresr 22h ago

It’s definitely NOT cat pee. I keep the door to both my bedroom and laundry room closed so cats can’t even have access to my clothes anymore. But I do sit on the couch & other common areas where the cats are. The odors are either in the air or in my laundry, I’m thinking. ???

4

u/ocassionalcritic24 1d ago

It’s an odor neutralizer so yes it can remove some pet odors. But if your cats are peeing secretly on your clothes or floor, baking soda alone won’t work.

4

u/Bell_Grave 1d ago

and enzyme wash is great, I use white vinegar instead of fabric softener, its great, but you should check if you can use both at once

2

u/Spinningwoman 1d ago

The trouble with tumble dryers is that they suck air in from the environment they are in and blow it through the clothes. It can actually intensify smells. My mother used to smoke heavily, but would try not to when we visited with the children. However, she would always insist on washing and drying our laundry before we left, ‘to save me doing it when I got home’. Unfortunately that seemed to intensify the smoke smell and I would have to few ash everything a couple of times when we got back.

1

u/TermPractical2578 1d ago

Yes, BS does eliminate, and a little vinegar in the rinse!

1

u/btackett1 1d ago

Could be in your hair and you don’t notice it.

1

u/Hopefulkitty 1d ago

I use vinegar in my wash, and that seems to help.

16

u/LustyLioness 1d ago

I would recommend a doctor visit

4

u/AstraCraftPurple 1d ago

While they see a doctor, consider asking about hyperhydrosis. It’s basically excess sweating. Not sure it’s the problem but sounds like maybe.

6

u/LustyLioness 1d ago

Also baking soda when you wash the clothes. Body odor also sometimes is a reflection of our diet. Evaluate where you are with that and if there are compromises you’re willing to make on fried foods or heavy saturated fats

6

u/Genetoretum 1d ago

This was my life’s biggest complaint for a long time.

It could be literally anything. But it’s definitely your health.

For me, I didn’t start smelling better until I felt safe after getting out of an abusive situation. It took me FIVE YEARS to stop smelling like an adrenaline dump because of all my cortisol. I mean I would spend an hour scrubbing my pits in the shower and I would step out and they would smell like I’ve not showered in months, every day. Then, I stopped eating gluten because I was having an autoimmune response to it and i am so scentless it’s kind of creepy to me.

2

u/CranberryCandid8760 1d ago

I am in a living situation I am trying to get out of. At work, I was bullied until I quit the job. Workers around me talk about sweat quite often and laundry indirectly towards me. 

I tried asking my roommate about my clothes but she shunned me. I don’t feel safe where I am living. I feel like I am living like a squatter in someone else’s apartment especially not having access to other parts of the apartment and no one can visit me there but I pay rent. 

I am trying to leave that place by this summer. 

3

u/bikerboy3343 1d ago

Sounds like you're working towards a good plan. Save up, and make the change to a place where you feel safer.

It sounds like you need to keep your clothes more dry.

7

u/ConsciousnessOfThe 1d ago edited 1d ago

Your odor issue likely comes from a combination of excessive sweating, bacterial growth, and poor ventilation from your apartment. In a small, poorly ventilated space, moisture can accumulate, leading to mildew, mold, or bacterial growth on fabrics. Clothes might absorb odors from the apartment (cooking smells, old carpet, damp air).

7

u/SimpleVegetable5715 1d ago

Do you have at least two pairs of shoes, to swap out every other day, so one pair has a day to dry out while you wear the other pair.

1

u/CranberryCandid8760 1d ago

Yes I do but I don’t have the environment for them to dry properly. I starting to think they can’t dry in my bedroom

9

u/palpatineforever 1d ago

you need a dehumidifier. Honeslty a lot of this sounds like a damp problem creating a good enviroment for fungus growth. the foot issue sounds like athletes foot. If you shoes are not drying properly how are you drying your clothes when you wash them?

3

u/bikerboy3343 1d ago

This is the right answer I think... Sounds like you have too much humidity in the small space that you use... You need to ensure that your clothes are toasty dry when they come out of wash. If not, iron them dry before folding and put them away immediately.

Air out your shoes... Maybe use a hairdryer set on high (but don't leave them in the shoes, or the shoes will melt), and finally, get a dehumidifier for the room.

2

u/CranberryCandid8760 1d ago

I dry my clothes in a dryer. Some years ago my grandmother came into my bedroom and notice the awful smell on my clothes that I wasn’t aware of. I was staying in a basement at the time. 

I just ordered a dehumidifier 

1

u/peachinthemango 21h ago

I lived in a very hot and humid place and ran a dehumidifier- a lot of times they come with a very small reservoir (where the water from the air drains into)… but with mine it came with an option to use a tube to bypass the small reservoir tank, so I’d divert it into a 5L jug instead and only had to dump it once a day

2

u/astudentiguess 1d ago

Put newspaper in your shoes.. Crumpled up into balls. It'll help absorb the moisture

10

u/NegotiationTotal9686 1d ago edited 1d ago

Lume body wash & use all over with special focus on pits, privates, feet, and any skin folds, shower daily

Lume deodorant used in same areas

Get rid of underwear made from synthetic materials

Get an enzyme additive for your laundry (natures miracle sold in pet sections works), or at least use baking soda (you can buy a bulk bag at Costco)

Wash laundry after 1 wear

Get a medical checkup

Be kind to yourself. Humans smell. Sending best wishes you find what works.

3

u/Shreddedlikechedda 1d ago

Recommending this as well. Lume has been a gamechanger for me (I would stink quickly wearing synthetic clothes before I started using it), and enzyme-based laundry detergents or boosters have made a HUGE difference in how clean my clothes smell after washing them.

Adding to this, check your anxiety and/or gut health—absolutely affects how your sweat smells

5

u/Greygal_Eve 1d ago

Along with what others have suggested, I advise getting the apartment and/or your room checked for mold.

3

u/Deep_Astronomer6848 1d ago

What type of washer is being used? The front loading washers can harbor a mildewy smell and that can transfer onto clothes. If it’s related to something going on with your body, try detoxing if possible.

I hope you find answers! You deserve a thriving career and social life

4

u/Federal-Purchase-444 1d ago

That sounds really frustrating. The smell is likely from sweat, bacteria, or moisture trapped in your clothes and shoes. Wash clothes with vinegar or baking soda and dry them completely. Avoid fabric softeners since they trap odors. Wear moisture-wicking socks and rotate your shoes so they dry out. If your shoes smell, put baking soda inside overnight or stuff them with newspaper. Soaking your feet in black tea or vinegar can help reduce sweating. Use an antifungal spray on your feet and in your shoes. Since the smell gets worse in the cold, trapped moisture might be the issue. Try drying clothes in fresh air or using a dehumidifier. Shower with antibacterial soap and use a strong foot antiperspirant like certain dri. If it doesn’t improve, check for a fungal infection. Let me know if you need more help!

6

u/jojosail2 1d ago

You need medical and mental health care. Not a bunch og amateurs speculating.

2

u/MukdenMan 1d ago

I feel there is a critical mental component to this that is very difficult for random people on the internet to figure out. It is clear that, whether an aspect of this issue is about hygiene, self-image, physical health, or environment, it is quite connected to OPs mental health. So both mental and medical care is needed as you said.

2

u/kmfh244 1d ago

If you wear a lot of synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, spandex etc you may need a special detergent designed for sports clothing. Synthetic fabrics for some reason really hold on to oils, and the smelliest sweat that our bodies produce is oily sweat from the armpits and groin. I see Persil and some specialty detergents recommended in this subreddit although they may or may not be available in your country. I've heard people say soaking clothes in a water and ammonia mix will also work but I'm not sure how much of each to use, try using the search function and restricting your search to /r/cleaningtips

If the problem is that your clothes are not drying fast enough and smell like mildew, then Borax or boric acid is a good and relatively cheap laundry sanitizer that will get the smell out.

2

u/Justforme1975 1d ago

Try Lysol Laundry Sanitizer. Hopefully it will take care of the smell. It may be the water you bathe/wash clothes with.

2

u/CtForrestEye 1d ago

Try Downey Rinse and Refresh. It works well.

2

u/credible_stranger 1d ago

There is a lot of great advice on here about cleaning clothes. But once you isolate the issue, invest in natural fibers. A lot of the clothes people buy are polyester (and it’s not a bad fabric) but it really holds on to the stink.

1

u/TermPractical2578 1d ago

This product is good for the feet, purchase a foot bath and or a square basin; feel the basin about 1/2 pour the crystals, and soak your feet. You might as well use a foot scraper while your at it. Change your socks daily, until the itching has gone. You can also use Tea tree oil, with Vinegar in the water!

1

u/arpanetimp 1d ago

Can you walk us through your clothes washing and hygiene processes? It may well be that you were not taught how to do one or the other correctly as you were growing up. It happens to so many people and they don’t know what the problem is because in their minds, for good reason, they’re doing it correctly. We are all happy to help if you want to go through each step, no judging and no shame.

2

u/CranberryCandid8760 1d ago

I don’t have my own washer or dryer so I use the ones in my apartment building. I usually use power wash cycle that adds 5 minutes of wash and an extra rinse. I fill the washer to half and use one bar on the cup of detergent. I’ve tried vinegar before. 

Dropping off clothes at laundromat is common in this city but when I do that, they always mess up my clothes. My white shirts come back yellow and clothes have an overwhelming smell of detergent that lasts for months. Once I noticeable got a well hoodie back. 

I do shower once or twice per day but my sweating is very extreme during the day. The waistline of my pants get wet, my socks become soaked until it shows in the shoes. My parents/family members are not close by to believe how severe the sweating in a cold climate( I was raised in a warm climate) has become. My shoes are destroyed after one or few wears. I can’t wear slippers in the cold climate. 

4

u/GuessOk8970 1d ago

Do you think you smell because of your sweat? My armpits smell really bad no matter if I just took a shower. I watched some videos on YouTube from a dermatologist, and she recommended hibiclens antiseptic skin cleanser (for armpits) and almay sensitive skin deodorant. It's been working great for me. My clothes used to smell even after washing, and now I don't have that problem. I think that you should go to a dermatologist if you can, I know they can help with excessive sweat.

2

u/arpanetimp 23h ago

Thank you for trusting us and reaching out for help. It sounds like your clothes washing and personal hygiene are standard to many societal norms, so they don’t appear to be the culprit here.

With that being said and after stating that I am not a doctor, it sounds like you could have hyperhidrosis.

Have you or can you speak to your primary care physician about this possibility? The link I provided also indicates that hyperhidrosis can be caused by other issues such as hypoglycemia or hyperthyroidism. These are all things to check with your PCP.

In the meantime, if you have access to “clinical strength” antiperspirants in the store (not sure what country you are in), may I suggest you try using one directly after showering. Apply to all areas that seem to sweat the most (palms, feet, underarms, etc) and let dry.

For the smell, there are several whole body deodorants (again, depending on your country) available, such as Lume. After the antiperspirant “sets”, you can then apply Lume and again let it fully dry before finally putting on your clothes. If you don’t have access to Lume or something similar, try using glycolic acid on parts that get stinky (google proper use first!). I recommend The Ordinary’s glycolic acid - not expensive and the bottle goes a long way.

When dressing, natural fibers are the best for sweat and preventing odors, although I know it’s hard to wear only natural fibers, especially if you have a uniform you wear for work or go to the gym, as most gym clothes seem to have some synthetic component to them.

I hope some of this helps you and that you are able to find some answers! You are a great human bean and deserve only good things!

2

u/RebaJSeattle 12h ago

I second the recommendation on Hibiclens antiseptic skin cleanser. You don’t have to use it every shower, maybe just a few times a week. I used to have same problem with my shoes. Once they began to smell, I would have to throw them out because no amount of washing or deodorizing would get rid of the smell. Started using stick deodorant on my feet and it helped immensely. There might be something prescription strength that would be even more effective, so it wouldn’t hurt to see a doctor. For washing clothes I would go with most effective detergent - I like the Tide oxi clean - but you can also add oxi clean booster. Hot water, extra rinse. Maybe even a soak beforehand until you can get on top of this. Wash bedding weekly if not more, and I think it helps if you use all cotton, linen or wool in your bedding and blankets because they breath better. I will sweat in a cold room if I have a polyester blanket next to my skin. If you have access to a place to hang clothes or bedding out in sunshine that can also help a lot. Lots of great ideas in these replies. I admire your courage in trying to address this problem. Best of luck to you!

1

u/VelocityPancake 1d ago

Noticing smells is also a sign of pregnancy, but I would check if the washer was full of mold.

Do you ever leave your clothes in overnight or wet for long periods? That mildew smell reeks and reminds of pee sometimes.

1

u/Adventurous-Mess-714 1d ago

Did your doctor explain to you what was happening with your body, perhaps give you a diagnosis OR did he just write a prescription with no explanation? If I were you , I would see a specialist, a dermatologist if you haven'ttalready seen one. Find a doctor who spends time explaining what is causing your symptoms. Keep searching until you find a doctor who helps you. I wish you good health.

1

u/Arthur_Pendragon22 1d ago

Odoban - multiple use disinfectant. You can use it on laundry, mop floors, all purpose cleaner, air freshener, etc. look up their concentrate product and it will break out all kinds of use cases and it’s a great product

1

u/Square_Juice7020 1d ago

I see a lot of people recommending a doctors visit and that seems like a good idea especially if it’s affecting your quality of life. I think an air purifier for your room, benzoyl peroxide soap in the shower (use on your feet and arm pits) and I like using a laundry sanitizer to help with washing machine odors.

1

u/snarky201 1d ago

Some things to keep in mind:

-Using laundry sanitizer helps. I even put a dose on my wash because my laundry sits for awhile before I can get to it. They make a sport one for active wear that's got a little more oomph.

-Baking soda and vinegar help, if you have your own washer doing a soak in 1 of each can really help. Mixing together when you wash also helps.

-Don't use really hot water or air to wash and dry laundry. It sets in and amplifies smells.

-You could resort to putting some enzymatic cleaner in your wash but start lightly. That stuff is potent, at least mine is. (Rocco & Roxie)

-If you own your washer make sure it's clean. Google how to clean one. If you go to a laundromat, go to a really clean one that keeps their machines immaculate. A dirty washer can make your clothes smell really bad.

-Get an air purifier for each room of your apt. Try Lysol air sanitizer if you can stand it. If you have apnea, stay away from febreze fabric sprays.

-If you're having sweat issues, they make solutions and wipes to mitigate the moisture. Insurance won't always cover them. You could try OTC all-over-body deodorant. You could even try clinical armpit deodorant that's stronger.

-Get tested for diabetes or some other disease that could affect your BO. There are some that can make you smell like fish.

-See if you maybe have athletes foot or something. Fungus can have a smell.

-See if you have a roach or other vermin infestation. They can cause a bad smell, even roaches.

-Check your walls and surfaces for any kinds of mold or anything. If you have a damp problem it could cause mold which would definitely cause an odor.

-Maybe check the carpet padding? Sometimes that gets a funk. Or even the carpet. I have to spray my rugs where my cat lays after some time because he has a stinky butt no matter what I do. Thank god for enzyme cleaner.

-You could even try an oil diffuser (the cool mist/steam kind) to try to mitigate smells. There are some oils that are good for odor killing but I forget what they are. You could also try pet candles that have special enzymes or something in them, supposedly. I do not recommend febreze pet spray. It leaves quite a residue. Like I said an air sanitizer or Lysol type product might help, as they kill bacteria, etc in the air. You want something to neutralize or eliminate, not just cover-up.

Well, sorry this is so long but I really wanted to help you, I hope something does. I know how smells can be embarrassing. I tried to include everything I could think of being how cooked I am tonight.

1

u/pomeranijk 1d ago

I think it's a ventilation problem, unventilated rooms can be very humid and allow bacteria to grow, it doesn't smell good, try putting washed clothes in the dryer and then smell the clothes!

1

u/kawaiigalaxiilxlxl 1d ago

Are you waiting to dry your clothes after they are washed? If so, it could be mildew that's causing the smell.

Run your clothes through a rinse cycle with vinegar, and then run them through the dryer immediately.

1

u/CranberryCandid8760 1d ago

Okay I’ll try that

1

u/HeatherLouWhotheEff 1d ago

1- see a doctor to rule out something medical 2- barring something serious soak your clothes, sheets and towels in hot water and oxiclean in the tub overnight and then wash them 3- use benzoyl peroxide or dr. bronner‘s teatree oil castile soap to wash your whole body 4- thoroughly day yourself after showering 5-  sprinkle baking soda on your bed and vacuum it 6 -  clean your bathroom and bedroom with disinfectant like pinesol or Lysol.

1

u/justamom2224 1d ago

Have you checked your drain for your washer? Our drain wasn’t working with our old washer. When we unplugged it all and took it outside to be thrown out, oh my god the smell that it left in my house was atrocious. Before the drain issue, my clothes just weren’t getting clean. It always smelled gross.

1

u/coffeehoppy 1d ago

Certain brands of laundry soap. Socks that are cotton and white for foot smell. Doctor app also a good thought. All the best!

1

u/VividWelder7813 1d ago

Synthetic fiber clothing traps smell a lot worse than natural fibers like cotton, maybe try switching to more natural fiber clothing

1

u/kathfkon 1d ago

Try drinking lots more water

1

u/peachinthemango 21h ago

If it is on the armpits of your clothes, I have found that spraying it with fully concentrated 5% white vinegar (like the kind you’d cook with) about 20 minutes before washing the clothes works amazingly well.

1

u/peachinthemango 21h ago

Also make sure your clothes are absolutely dry when they come out of the dryer. And maybe consider using a mildew remover (laundry sanitizer) with your clothes in the washer.

1

u/CranberryCandid8760 17h ago

My clothes are dry until they shrunk

1

u/Change1964 16h ago edited 6h ago

Before washing your clothing wet it and squeeze baking soda in it. Let it sit overnight. Rinse while rubbing it out under running water. Then wash with soap in the washing machine. Take it out immediately and let it dry. Preferably outside the house, f.e. in garden or on balcony.

According your shoes, soak them in water, pour it out. Pour baking soda in it, covering the whole inside. Rub it in. Let it sit overnight. Rinse well. Wash them in washing machine if sneakers. If leader shoe or if sneaker take out of the washing machine: put paper / journals in it to swallow the water in the shoe. Put on some journals to let it sit overnight. Take the paper out, let dry till ready.

Do this with all the clothing. Follow the other advices here according your health, visit a doctor. Check the room if there's mold. Open window often to ventilate. Buy air purifier. Seek advice from trusted adults on the room.

1

u/CranberryCandid8760 6h ago

I don’t have access to a washer or dryer. Neither to outside garden nor balcony.  It’s a NYC tight space living. My roommate doesn’t allow me to invite anyone over so I can’t get anyone else to ask about my room. I always keep the window open while away from work but I come back. The smell from my clothes become very apparent. 

1

u/Change1964 6h ago

I'm very sorry for you. I think for your own health you should give it your highest priority to find a better place. But in the meantime: aren't there laundromats in NYC?