How to Get Smells Out of Kids' Clothes: A Parent’s Guide to Fresh Laundry

If you’ve ever pulled a “clean” shirt out of the dryer only to catch a lingering whiff of sweat, sour milk, or that unidentifiable school-cafeteria-meets-gym-class scent, you’re not alone. Kids’ clothing can trap all kinds of odors thanks to their active lifestyles, sensitive skin, and talent for mess-making. From soccer practice gear to musty towels left in backpacks or everyday toddler spills, you’ve likely searched for how to get smells out of kids’ clothes more than once.

The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive products to win the battle. We’ve got solutions for you! 

Why Do Kids’ Clothes Smell So Bad?

Before we tackle how to remove odor from children’s laundry, it helps to understand what’s causing the smells in the first place:

• Sweat and Body Odor: As kids get older, their sweat glands become more active, especially around age 8+. Even preschoolers can produce surprising funk after a busy day of play.
• Bacteria Buildup: Moisture, skin oils, and bacteria trapped in clothing fibers (especially synthetic fabrics) can linger through multiple washes.
• Spills and Food Residue: Sticky juice, yogurt, ketchup, and mystery playground grime — if it gets on their clothes, it can sour over time.
• Mildew and Mustiness: Clothes left damp in hampers, gym bags, or under beds can grow mildew or mold, leading to that telltale musty odor.
• Detergent Buildup: Ironically, too much detergent can leave a film on clothes, trapping odors rather than removing them.

How to Get Rid of Kids’ Clothing Smells (Without Harsh Chemicals)

Ready to freshen up your laundry routine? These laundry hacks for parents are gentle, budget-friendly, and easy to work into your regular wash schedule.

1. Use Baking Soda as a Natural Deodorizer

Baking soda is a miracle worker for lifting odors from fabrics. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine drum (not the detergent tray) for a deodorizing boost. It helps neutralize acidic odors and soften hard water.

Pro Tip: For especially smelly loads (like sports uniforms), soak the items in a bucket of warm water and baking soda (1/2 cup per gallon) for 1–2 hours before washing.

2. Add Vinegar to the Rinse Cycle

White distilled vinegar is a natural odor neutralizer and fabric softener. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar into the fabric softener compartment to help break down detergent residue and kill odor-causing bacteria.

Don’t worry — the vinegar smell won’t stick around once clothes are dry!

3. Try Enzyme-Based Detergents

Look for enzyme detergents specifically formulated to tackle organic stains and odors (like sweat, food, and urine). These work by breaking down proteins and other organic materials. Some gentle options include:

• Biokleen Free & Clear
• Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus
• Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin with OxiClean

These are often safe for kids with sensitive skin, but always patch test if you're trying a new detergent.

4. Use Sunlight to Naturally Disinfect

Line drying clothes in the sun isn’t just nostalgic — it’s effective! UV rays are natural disinfectants, helping kill bacteria and mildew while also giving clothes a fresh, clean scent.

This is especially great for towels or bedding.

5. Don’t Overload the Washer

A packed washer prevents proper rinsing and agitation, which can leave detergent and dirt trapped in the fabric. Wash smelly items in smaller loads so water can circulate and flush away odors more effectively.

Tips for Washing Kids' Sports Clothing

Athletic gear for kiddos brings its own challenges — sweat, synthetic fabrics, and repeated wear all contribute to serious stink (don’t even get us started on hockey gear, yuck!). To keep your child’s jerseys, leggings, and uniforms fresh:

• Wash Immediately After Use: Letting sweaty gear sit in a gym bag is a fast track to bacteria buildup. Toss it in the wash as soon as you get home, if possible.
• Use Cold Water* & Enzyme Detergents: Most performance fabrics prefer cold water to avoid shrinking or damage (counterintuitive since hot water is usually recommended for the stinkiest of items). Pair with an enzyme detergent for deeper odor elimination.
• Avoid Fabric Softener: Softeners can coat technical fabrics and trap odors. Use vinegar in the rinse cycle instead.
• Air Dry or Low Heat: High heat can break down the stretch and moisture-wicking properties of sportswear. Air dry or tumble on low.
• Turn Clothes Inside Out: This exposes the sweat-soaked interior to detergent and water for better cleaning.
• Try a Sports Wash Additive: Products like Hex Performance, WIN, or Rockin' Green Sport are designed for synthetic athletic wear and help neutralize odors more effectively.

Routine for Fresh-Smelling Kids’ Laundry

1. Sort and Pre-Treat:
   
   
   • Separate smelly/sweaty clothes.
     
     
   • Pre-soak any musty or extra-dirty items in a baking soda or vinegar solution.
     
     
2. Use the Right Detergent:
   
   
   • Choose a high-quality, enzyme-based detergent.
     
     
   • Add baking soda to the drum for a natural deodorizer.
     
     
3. Choose Hot Water (When Safe):
   
   
   • Wash towels, underwear, and socks on the hot setting to kill bacteria (check fabric labels first).
     
     
4. Add Vinegar to the Rinse:
   
   
   • This reduces buildup and boosts freshness.
     
     
5. Dry Completely:
   
   
   • Either line-dry in the sun or run a full drying cycle. Damp clothes = an odor breeding ground.
     
     
6. Clean Your Washing Machine Monthly:
   
   
   • Run a hot cycle with vinegar or a washer cleaner to prevent mildew.

Bonus Tips for Persistent Odors

• Try Odor-Removing Boosters: Products like OxiClean Odor Blasters or Molly’s Suds Sport Wash can help tackle deep-set smells.
• Use Mesh Laundry Bags: These are great for kids’ socks and undergarments. Keeps small items together and improves rinse efficiency.
• Keep Hamper Smells at Bay: Use a ventilated laundry basket and sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom to absorb odor.
• Designate “Outdoor Only” Play Clothes: Let kids wear older clothing for messy play, so their “good” clothes stay fresher longer.

When to Toss It: Knowing When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, an item is just too far gone. If a shirt still smells funky after multiple washes and treatments, it might be time to recycle or repurpose it as cleaning cloths or art smocks.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with kids’ clothing odors is part of the parenting adventure — but it doesn’t have to drive you (or your laundry room) crazy. By incorporating a few natural ingredients, smart habits, and gentle products into your routine, you can remove odor from children’s laundry and keep your home smelling fresh.

Muddy soccer socks and beloved stuffed animals that have been on too many sleepovers don’t stand a chance now you’ve got the tools!