How Long To Soak Clothes In Vinegar To Remove Smell? (+ Step-by-Step Guide)

Soaking Times

For mild odors: 30 minutes to 1 hour
For moderate odors: 1-2 hours

For strong, stubborn odors: overnight or up to 8 hours

Soaking time depends on:

Strength of the vinegar solution – use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water for stronger odor removal

Severity of the odor – stronger smells require longer soaking times
Fabric type – more delicate fabrics may require shorter soaking times to prevent damage

Vinegar is an effective and natural way to remove odors from clothes. The acetic acid in vinegar helps break down odor molecules and acts as a deodorizer.

Table of Contents

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl or tub. For example, 1 cup vinegar to 1 cup water.
Soak clothes: Add clothes and make sure they are fully submerged. For heavy odors, use more vinegar in the solution.

Soak: Let clothes soak for the recommended time based on odor severity. Swish clothes occasionally.
Rinse: Rinse the clothes thoroughly in clean water to remove the vinegar smell.
Wash as usual: Wash clothes in the washing machine with detergent. The wash cycle helps further eliminate odors.

Tips

Check clothing tags for care instructions first. Avoid soaking silk, wool, or other delicate fabrics too long.
For heavy odors in towels or workout clothes, soak for up to 8 hours or overnight.
Add baking soda to the soak to boost odor removal.

Rinsing well in clean water prevents clothes smelling like vinegar.
Vinegar is safe for most washable fabrics but test an inconspicuous area first.

Soaking clothes in a diluted vinegar solution can effectively remove tough odors and make clothes fresh smelling again. Adjust soaking time based on the severity of the smell. Rinsing properly prevents lingering vinegar odor.

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that has been used for centuries, and it’s an effective and affordable solution for removing smells from clothes. The question is, how long should you soak clothes in vinegar to remove the smell?

Why Use Vinegar to Remove Smell from Clothes?

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that neutralizes odors, rather than masking them.
It’s safe and non-toxic.

Vinegar is an affordable solution compared to commercial deodorizers.

How Long Should You Soak Clothes in Vinegar?

The length of time you should soak clothes in vinegar depends on the severity of the odor. For mild odors, soaking clothes for 30 minutes to an hour is usually sufficient.

For more stubborn odors, extend the soaking time to one hour or overnight. However, delicate fabrics may require shorter soaking periods.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to soak your clothes in vinegar to remove smells.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To get started, you’ll need a few things:

White vinegar

A container large enough to hold your clothes
Water
Laundry detergent (optional)

Step 2: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

Next, it’s time to prepare the vinegar solution. You’ll want to mix one part vinegar with four parts water. For example, if you’re using a quart-sized container, mix one cup of vinegar with three cups of water.

Step 3: Soak Your Clothes

Once you’ve prepared your vinegar solution, it’s time to soak your clothes. Place your clothes in the container and make sure they’re fully submerged in the vinegar solution. You can soak your clothes for as little as 30 minutes or as long as overnight, depending on the severity of the odor.

softener washing machine — Rinse your clothes in a washing machine. Credit: canva

Step 4: Rinse Your Clothes

After your clothes have soaked in the vinegar solution, it’s time to rinse them thoroughly with water. You can either rinse them in the sink or run them through a regular cycle in your washing machine.

Step 5: Wash Your Clothes

If you want to give your clothes an extra boost, you can wash them with laundry detergent after the vinegar soak. This will help to remove any remaining odors and leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean.

Tips for Maximizing the Effectiveness of Vinegar Soaks

vinegar baking soda — Vinegar and baking soda (Credit: canva)

Use white vinegar, as it’s the most effective for removing odors.
Don’t use vinegar on delicate fabrics like silk or wool, as it can damage them.

For extra stubborn odors, you can add a cup of vinegar to your regular wash cycle.
Always rinse clothes thoroughly after soaking to remove any remaining vinegar smell.
If you’re dealing with a particularly strong odor, you can add a cup of baking soda to the vinegar solution to help neutralize the smell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
While apple cider vinegar has many uses, white vinegar is the most effective for removing odors from clothes.

Will vinegar damage my clothes?
Vinegar is safe to use on most fabrics, but it’s best to avoid using it on delicate fabrics like silk or wool.

Can I reuse the vinegar mixture?
Yes, you can reuse the vinegar mixture for multiple soaks.