Are you struggling to get rid of the pungent smell of neem oil from your clothes? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that has been used for centuries to control pests and diseases. While it has many benefits, the strong odor can be quite unpleasant and difficult to remove from clothing.
In this article, we’ll explore some effective methods for getting rid of the neem oil smell from your clothes. From vinegar and baking soda to specialized laundry sprays, we’ve got you covered.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to get your clothes smelling fresh and clean again!
How To Get Neem Oil Smell Out Of Clothes?
Method 1: Vinegar and Water Soak
One effective method for removing the neem oil smell from clothes is to presoak them in a solution of vinegar and water. Mix one part vinegar with four parts water and let your clothes soak for about 30 minutes before washing them as usual.
Method 2: Baking Soda Soak
Another natural method involves presoaking your clothes in a sink full of water with half a cup of baking soda. Let your clothes soak for a few hours before washing them in the washing machine.
Method 3: Antibacterial Laundry Sprays
If the natural methods don’t work, you could try using one of several antibacterial sprays made especially for laundry. These sprays claim to kill 99 percent of the odor-causing bacteria and can be found in most stores.
Method 4: Vinegar and Baking Soda Combo
For stubborn neem oil smells, try combining vinegar and baking soda. Fill your sink or wash tub with enough water to cover your clothes, then add one cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda. Let your clothes soak for a few hours before washing them in the washing machine.
Method 5: Washing Soda
Arm and Hammer makes something called Washing Soda, which can be added to your laundry detergent to help remove tough odors like neem oil.
Why Does Neem Oil Smell So Strong?
Neem oil has a very strong and distinct odor that can be unpleasant to some people. The smell is often described as a mixture of garlic and sulfur or diesel fuel and licorice. However, the strong smell is actually one of the defenses that neem oil uses to protect itself against insects and other pests in the wild.
The components in neem oil that give off the offensive sulfurous smell are also the ingredients that make neem oil so effective. There are over 140 active ingredients in neem oil, and scientists are still studying their individual properties and benefits. Removing the smell from neem oil may also remove some of its effectiveness.
Some companies try to mask or deodorize the smell of neem oil, but it is better to use raw neem oil for its full benefits. The closer to its natural state something is, the healthier and better it is for you. Raw stinky neem oil works better than the colorless and deodorized versions.
In addition to its strong smell, neem oil has a bitter taste that limits its use in cosmetics and medicines. However, it is still widely used in Ayurvedic remedies and is considered a sacred tree in India.
Pre-Treatment: Removing Excess Oil
Before attempting any of the above methods, it’s important to remove as much excess neem oil from your clothes as possible. Start by blotting the affected area with a clean paper towel or cloth to absorb as much oil as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread the oil and make it harder to remove. Once you’ve blotted up as much oil as possible, sprinkle the stain with an absorbent substance like talcum powder, baby powder, or corn starch. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb more of the oil before shaking off the excess powder. This pre-treatment will make it easier for the natural methods or laundry sprays to effectively remove the neem oil smell from your clothes.
Method 1: Vinegar And Baking Soda
One of the most effective and natural methods for removing neem oil smell from clothes is to use a combination of vinegar and baking soda. This method helps to neutralize the odor and make your detergent work more efficiently.
To use this method, add one cup of baking soda or white distilled vinegar to your wash water each time you wash exercise clothes. This will help to neutralize the odor and make your detergent work more efficiently.
If an ordinary wash is not enough to get rid of the smell, you can presoak your clothing for about 30 minutes in a 1:4 solution of vinegar and water. Alternatively, you can presoak with a 1/2 cup of baking soda in a sink full of water.
For extra persistent smells, you can try soaking your clothing in a mixture of both vinegar and baking soda. Fill your sink or wash tub with enough water to cover your clothes, then add one cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda. Let your clothes soak for a few hours before washing them in the washing machine.
In addition to these methods, you can also try using an antibacterial laundry spray that is specifically designed to kill odor-causing bacteria. These sprays claim to kill 99 percent of the odor-causing bacteria and can be found in most stores.
Lastly, Arm and Hammer makes something called Washing Soda, which can be added to your laundry detergent to help remove tough odors like neem oil. With these natural methods, you can effectively remove neem oil smell from your clothes without using harsh chemicals or damaging your clothing.
Method 2: Lemon Juice And Salt
Another natural and effective method for removing the neem oil smell from clothes is to use lemon juice and salt. This method is particularly useful for removing scents and odors from clothing.
To start, mix a 1:1 solution of lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Then, add a tablespoon of salt to the mixture and shake well to combine. Spray the lemon juice and salt solution onto the piece of clothing where the scent is concentrated or even the entire garment if needed.
Next, use a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to brush the clothing, especially where the scent is concentrated. This helps ensure the solution penetrates the fabric to help it better remove any scents. Let the garment sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water.
After rinsing, wash the garment in cold water with your regular laundry detergent. If the neem oil scent persists, repeat this process until it’s completely gone.
Method 3: Specialized Laundry Sprays
If the natural methods fail to remove the neem oil smell from your clothes, you may want to try using specialized laundry sprays. These sprays are designed to target and eliminate odor-causing bacteria, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
One popular option is the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, which claims to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria that cause odors. Simply add it to your wash cycle along with your regular detergent to eliminate tough odors like neem oil.
Another option is the Febreze Fabric Refresher, which can be sprayed directly onto your clothes before washing. This product claims to eliminate odors and leave a fresh scent behind.
If you prefer a more natural option, you could try the Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Booster. This product is made with essential oils and plant-based ingredients, and is designed to target tough odors like neem oil.
No matter which specialized laundry spray you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use it in conjunction with your regular laundry detergent for best results.
Tips For Preventing Neem Oil Smell In Clothes
If you want to prevent neem oil smell from getting into your clothes in the first place, here are a few tips to follow:
1. Use Gloves: When applying neem oil to your plants or using it for other purposes, wear gloves to avoid getting the oil on your hands and transferring it onto your clothes.
2. Spot Clean: If you do get neem oil on your clothes, try to spot clean the affected area before throwing it into the wash. This will help minimize the amount of oil that gets spread around in the wash.
3. Separate Clothes: Consider washing clothes that have been exposed to neem oil separately from other clothes. This will prevent the oil from transferring onto other fabrics and causing a lingering smell.
4. Use Hot Water: When washing clothes that have been exposed to neem oil, use hot water instead of cold water. Hot water helps break down oils and removes them more effectively.
5. Add Vinegar: Adding a cup of vinegar to your wash cycle can help neutralize odors and remove any lingering smells from neem oil.
By following these tips, you can prevent neem oil smell from getting into your clothes and avoid having to deal with the hassle of removing it later on.
