7 Ways to Make Your Laundry Smell Fresher

Few scents compare to the smell of fresh laundry. For many people, it's a signal that their garments have been adequately cleaned. But if your laundry comes out of the washing machine smelling stale, mildewy, or has no smell at all, you may be wondering how you can achieve that fresh linen scent. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can enhance the smell of your garments. From cleaning your washing machine to changing your laundry routine, these tips from experts will have your clothes smelling incredible in no time.

Deodorize Your Washing Machine

If your laundry doesn't smell as fresh as it used to, your washing machine might need to be cleaned. "Always check your washing machine’s use and care guide first for cleaning instructions," says Morgan LaLonde, laundry brand manager for Whirlpool. "It is typically recommended to clean your washing machine at least once per month—or every 30 cycles—to prevent soils and detergent from building up in your washer."

Wash Smaller Loads

While you want to aim for full loads to save energy, water, and time, you should never cram more clothes into your machine than it can handle. "The trick to loading the washing machine is to leave room for it to agitate," says Kristin DiNicolantonio, director of communications at the American Cleaning Institute. "Do not stuff or push clothes in, and leave several inches at the top of the machine. It can help to put in clothes one by one or in small batches instead of one giant armful."

Don't Let Wet Clothes Sit

Wet clothes that have been left in the washer for too long can develop a mildewy smell if not taken out promptly. While this odor may take a few hours to develop, DiNicolantonio recommends moving your freshly washed clothes to the dryer immediately to prevent them from smelling like mildew.

Use Fabric Softener

Whether you add essential oils to homemade fabric softener or buy an all-natural scented option, the product is a great way to make your clothes smell good. "The ingredients in fabric softeners are deposited onto fabric fibers to help fight wrinkles, reduce static, and add a soft touch and fresh scent to your laundry," says LaLonde.

Line-Dry Clothes Outside

Instead of placing clothes in the dryer or hanging them up in your laundry room, try line-drying them outside. "Line-drying laundry outdoors (presumably on a clear day with no residual smoke or pollutants in the air) leaves laundry fresh smelling," says Mary Gagliardi, in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox. "The clean fragrance will last longer if the clothes are, in fact, clean and not just perfumy from laundry products."

Treat Stains Quickly

Treating stains that leave lingering odors (like sweat) promptly can help your laundry smell better after cleaning. "Most importantly, you want to deal with the stain as early as possible," says DiNicolantonio. "The less time a stain has to soak in, the easier it will be to remove, although there are ways to remove old stains out of clothes as well."

Use Wool Dryer Balls

Wool dryer balls reduce static cling, speed up drying times, and soften garments. Making wool dryer balls at home gives you the opportunity to infuse them with a natural scent by adding a few drops of essential oils to the wool roving. When you dry your garments with the dryer balls, the scent from the essential oils will give your clothes a fresh smell.