Have you ever experienced the puzzling situation where your freshly washed blankets come out of the laundry smelling like a wet dog?
It’s a common and frustrating occurrence that can leave you scratching your head and wondering what went wrong. But fear not!
There’s a logical explanation behind this phenomenon, and we’re here to shed light on why your blankets might have that unpleasant odor even after a thorough wash.
My Blankets Smell Like Pee After Washing?
The most likely reason your blankets develop a wet dog smell after washing is due to the presence of bacteria and residue buildup.
While your washing machine might seem like a magical box that makes everything clean and fresh, it’s not always able to completely eliminate all dirt and bacteria in one go.
The Culprit: Bacteria and Residue Buildup
Detergent Residue: Sometimes, the detergent you use to wash your blankets can leave behind a residue. This can happen if you use too much detergent or if your washing machine doesn’t rinse the detergent thoroughly. Over time, this residue can attract and hold onto bacteria and odors, resulting in that wet dog smell.
Bacteria Survivors: While washing machines do a great job at getting rid of dirt and bacteria, a few stubborn microorganisms might survive the wash cycle. If these bacteria aren’t completely eliminated, they can multiply and cause your blankets to smell unpleasant.
Improper Drying: If your blankets aren’t dried properly after washing, they can develop a musty odor. This can happen if the blankets are folded or stacked before they are completely dry, providing a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
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Solutions to Banish the Odor
The good news is that you don’t have to resign yourself to living with blankets that smell like wet dog. There are several effective solutions you can try to eliminate that odor and keep your blankets smelling fresh:
Use the Right Amount of Detergent: Avoid overloading your washing machine with detergent. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the appropriate amount of detergent to use based on your load size.
Extra Rinse Cycle: Run an extra rinse cycle after the regular wash. This can help ensure that any leftover detergent is thoroughly washed out.
Hot Water Wash: Occasionally, wash your blankets in hot water to help kill bacteria. Just make sure your blankets are suitable for hot water washing to prevent damage.
Proper Drying: After washing, ensure that your blankets are fully dried before folding or storing them. Hang them outside in the sunlight if possible, as sunlight has natural antibacterial properties.
Vinegar Rinse: Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar can help break down detergent residue and eliminate odors.
Baking Soda Boost: Adding half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle can also help neutralize odors and freshen up your blankets.
Final Thoughts
While the wet dog smell that plagues your freshly washed blankets might be frustrating, it’s not an unsolvable mystery.
By understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon and implementing some simple tips and tricks, you can banish that unpleasant odor and enjoy the cozy comfort of blankets that smell as fresh as they feel.
Remember, a little extra care during the washing and drying process can go a long way in maintaining the cleanliness and freshness of your blankets.
Connect with an Appliance Repair Technician
Click here to use the chatbox to speak with one of our friendly technicians.
No in-home service calls. No appointments.
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References
- Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik
