how do I get the smell out of DP's work tops?

[yougotafastcar]

DP is sweaty & stinky when he finishes work. I wash clothes at 40 with non bio powder but the smell wont leave the armpit area! I've tried soda crystals (I think that's what they were, like a white powder, similar to normal washing powder) but made no difference. I can't wash them any hotter or they will shrink.

Does anyone have any suggestions how I can get them smelling clean again? Thanks if you do!

[PigletJohn]

no, but get him some cotton T's to wear under his shirt. They are absorbent and being cotton will withstand a very hot wash. They do tend to shrink a bit so get a generous size. If he tends to sweat I think he will find them more comfortable.

Synthetic and mix shirts are notorious for sweaty smells.

[fizzzog]

Bicarb and vinegar? I remember being embarrassed when I had to return work tunics... They were thick with deodorant too... I think that's what I used. It worked.

[Blueundies]

I put them in bio soak then wash every couple of weeks. Hate bio but it works

[goodasitgets]

Soak in napisan or that dettol stuff. Or zoflora
Don't use fabric conditioner, it holds the smell in

[Fairylea]

You need to use biological powder. It breaks down the sweat much better. The best one I've tried (and I've tried loads!) is actually Tesco value .. its about £2.50 for a box and it really works.

[JudgeJudyKicksAss]

I used a couple of drops of tea tree oil on my DS's (he's 15yo) school shirts underarm area when I was ironing them and the lingering BO that was impregnated in the fabric has gone. (Done in desperation in late September as at the time I was unable to buy replacement school shirts as everywhere had sold out but now he doesn't need them replacing. Win win.)

[ravenAK]

Straight off & straight into a bucket of cold water (with bio powder) as he comes in - don't sit around in them - & dry outside on the line whenever possible.

Dh has some polo shirts for one part of his job that tend to hum; I've got a couple of synthetic tops that aren't lovely after a day's teaching.

Best thing definitely seems to be soak, if they aren't going straight in the wash, & airing.

[yougotafastcar]

Thanks all, will pick up some bio powder and ditch the fabric conditioner.
Does vinegar not make them smell like vinegar?

Can't line dry as we have a shared garden and someone stole our washing off the line last time

[fizzzog]

Well yes they would, but i forgot to add you wash them after! Sprinkle some Bicarb on, then add vinegar, it will fizz up, leave for a while, then wash normally.

[ArgentinianMalbec]

I second the bicarb and white vinegar soak. Wash them normally in the machine after and they don't smell of vinegar. I did this to a couple of running tops and it worked a treat.

[WorkingBling]

I asked this question on MN a few years ago and got the answer that saved me - use bicarbonate of soda. We do a prewash with bicarb and then just usual wash for DH' running clothes. Or he soaks them in bicarb for a bit and then we toss them in the machine. Makes them last infinitely longer.

I now buy bicarb in bulk and use it for everything!

[CMOTDibbler]

Napisan and biological powder (I like the Lidl powder) gets rid of all sweaty smells

[yougotafastcar]

Thank you