Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Use of sunlight noted. Any other ideas for disinfecting without bleach (just due to effect on color)?


- Vinegar destroys odors the best in my experience. Pour some in with your usual laundry routine. Can get jugs of concentrated vinegar from the hardware store or cleaning aisle in the supermarket, cheaper than food grade. I have rescued disgusting moldy clothing from a flooded basement this way (don't mix with bleach, you'll get tear gas)

- Presoaking your clothes in hot water and small amount of detergent (and/or borax) prior to washing once in a while for a deep clean. Also gets rid of deodorant/antiperspirant buildup in the armpit areas of your shirts. Google "laundry presoaking" or "laundry stripping"

Vinegar works so astoundingly well for laundry odors that I've never felt the need to try enzyme or oxy cleaners.

(However, I've used enzyme cleaners for pet accidents on carpets to great success)


There are enzyme based washes that work well. They are sometimes marketed for sporting equipment (hockey pads and the like) but I’ve used them for other types of garments that have persistent odors after stabsard washing. Mirazyme Odor Eliminator being one.


Along these lines, pet stain and odor removers also can work extremely well on human smells. Not all do, but then again, not all of them work well on pet odors either. I've had the best luck with enzyme-based treatments.


For clothing, baking soda is remarkably effective at eliminating odors, which I assume means it has some antibiotic properties.


Buy a steam cleaner, they're quite inexpensive now if you buy a "steam mop". Just make sure to get one that has attachments for cleaning clothing. They're great for cleaning everything else as well.


Use a fan on your drying rack if you aren't hanging outdoors. This has had a major impact on the musty smellingness of my synthetic shirts.

I don't have to use bleach/vinegar anymore as a result to keep the shirts from stinking.


I've soaked them in vinegar periodically if I find they get really gross.

I think there's also accepting that after a bit exercise clothes don't smell great close up. If circumstances require really odor free ones (a workout date?) I'd probably buy new clothes.


When you hang clothes out to dry, spritz them with vodka - the cheaper the better.


You could use ozone, but that is probably more trouble/danger than it is worth.

You could use an autoclave.


putting the clothes in the freezer seems to work (once)




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: