Comments on: How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes https://dawnoutdoors.com/how-to-get-the-smell-out-of-hiking-clothes/ Sharing advice, info and inspiration about my happy place: the Great Outdoors. Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:16:54 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 By: Taryn Eyton https://dawnoutdoors.com/how-to-get-the-smell-out-of-hiking-clothes/#comment-129626 Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:16:54 +0000 https://dawnoutdoors.com/?p=16720#comment-129626 In reply to Laura.

I would be very careful with alcohol on synthetic fabrics especially those with built in finishes for wicking, waterproofing, etc. Alcohol is very strong and can discolour some fabrics or change their texture. You also have to be really careful about putting garments with alcohol in them in dryer since it is flammable. I think spraying clothing that can’t be washed (like costumes) with alcohol can work but I wouldn’t do it with hiking clothing.

]]> By: Laura https://dawnoutdoors.com/how-to-get-the-smell-out-of-hiking-clothes/#comment-129623 Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:43:09 +0000 https://dawnoutdoors.com/?p=16720#comment-129623 An old trick from my time in the theatre wardrobe department that I use to control my stinky shoes and boots is to spritz the inside with rubbing alcohol (we would use a vodka/water solution but rubbing alcohol seems to work too).

The alcohol kills the bacteria and so far limits odour quite a bit. I have not tried this trick on a backpacking trip yet, but it’s worked great for day trips and running shoes!

]]> By: Cassandra K https://dawnoutdoors.com/how-to-get-the-smell-out-of-hiking-clothes/#comment-126538 Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:51:40 +0000 https://dawnoutdoors.com/?p=16720#comment-126538 Hi Taryn, Thanks for this guide and for sharing your experience and knowledge so generously.
I have a couple of laundering ideas – oxygen bleach is less harmful to the environment than chlorine bleach and much better than Octyl Decyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride (the active ingredient in Lysol laundry sanitizer). Plus, oxygen bleach is generally ok on most fabrics.
Soaking stinky socks with Oxi-clean powder for an hour before laundering really removes the stink. Wearing rubber gloves and using a bucket, dissolve the Oxi-clean powder in a bit of hot water first, then add 2-3 drops of dish detergent and more water so you are using the hottest water that is recommended for the fabric. Squeeze the socks at the beginning and end to work the solution through. Cover the bucket with a lid to keep the heat in.
Another thought: after cleaning a front loader washing machine, always leave both the door and the detergent drawer open to air out. And don’t leave wet laundry in the machine!

]]> By: Enna https://dawnoutdoors.com/how-to-get-the-smell-out-of-hiking-clothes/#comment-126484 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 21:36:27 +0000 https://dawnoutdoors.com/?p=16720#comment-126484 Thank you for this great guide, Taryn!
I’d like to mention another detergent, Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive. I use it for underwear, but I also use it for sanitizing sports clothing. There’s also an option specifically for sports clothing. The pricing is great, 1.2 L for $10.

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