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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.)

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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

Thank you