Laundry pro reveals £1.50 buy that will remove ALL smoke after Bonfire Night & the common mistake that smells ‘cling to’
A LAUNDRY expert has revealed a simple £1.50 buy that will remove smoke from your clothes this bonfire night.
Remember, remember, tomorrow is the 5th of November, and many of us will be heading out to local bonfires and spectacular firework displays.
Bonfire night is a fun occasion for all of the family, but stinky smoke can stick to clothes and often doesn’t come out with just a normal wash.
Fortunately, Katy Roberts, washing machine expert at AO.com, has shared some simple tips to make sure your clothes smell nice and fresh again.
Pre-Treat With Baking Soda
Before putting your clothes in the washing machine, it’s a good idea to sprinkle it with baking soda.
Katy explained that this is because the agent is excellent at absorbing odours such as smoke.
She said: “Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto your clothes and pay special attention to areas that absorb the most smoke, like armpits or sleeves.
“If you’re short on time, place your clothes into a plastic bag with baking soda and shake this about as the motion will help the mix work its way into the fabric.
“Leave this for around half an hour then pop your clothes into your washing machine!”
Baking soda is super cheap, and you can pick it up from the supermarket for around £1.50.
Use The Correct Settings
Washing your clothes on a high temperature can help break down oils better, so Katy advised putting your wash on at the highest temperature recommended for your fabric.
She added: “You can also get ahead by using an extended wash cycle as this will help your washing machine penetrate through the fabric and remove the smoke odour.
“The extra time you give your clothes can work wonders and will reduce the chance you’ll need to run back-to-back washes.”
However, she warned against adding too much detergent, as the excess can cling to smoke particles, and end up making the smell worse.
Air Dry Or Tumble Dry Where Possible
Drying your clothes outdoors helps to remove any lingering smells, as fresh air and sunlight naturally eliminate odours.
However, with the weather being cold and damp this November, a tumble dryer might be the best option.
Katy said: “The problem is November rain, and since we can’t guarantee the weather, using your tumble dryer is a viable alternative.
“Next time you’re loading the dryer, try popping in a dryer ball with a few drops of essential oil to give your clothes an extra kick of freshness.”
How to dry wet washing inside, in winter
Drying rack or airer
Load up your airer with wet washing and place near a heat source – like a radiator or direct sunlight – to help distribute air around your clothes.
Dehumidifier
Plug in a dehumidifier in a room with clothes hanging to dry quickly and prevent dampness and mould. Many now have a laundry setting.
Tumble dryer
A tumble dryer can heat moisture out of wet washing, saving time and can be used in any weather.
Heated airer
Many brands and shops now sell heated airers for as little as £30. The racks heat through electricity and can speed up drying time.
Open a window
Choose a spare room or unused room for keeping your washing and crack open a window, but close the door behind you.
Using curtain poles
Hang wet washing on radiators then hook them onto curtain poles with radiators below. The heat will rise and dry the items. Alternatively, if you have a shower curtain pole, hang your clothes in the bathroom with a window open.
Leave Clothes Overnight
If your clothes still stink after the initial wash, you can soak them in water and baking soda overnight.
Katy said: “The extra soak in baking soda will allow the agent to get stuck into the fabric and tackle even the most stubborn of smells.
“Pop your outfit back into the washing machine the morning after and watch as your clothes come out better than ever.”