To remove a strong chlorine odor from laundry washed at a laundromat, you can follow these steps:
Air out the Laundry: If possible, take the laundry outside and hang it in a well-ventilated area. Let it air out for a few hours. Fresh air can help dissipate the chlorine smell.
Vinegar Rinse: Vinegar is effective in neutralizing chlorine odors. Before you run the rinse cycle, add one cup of white vinegar to the machine. Vinegar helps break down and remove the chlorine residue from the clothes.
Baking Soda Wash: Baking soda is another natural odor absorber. You can try washing the laundry again, adding half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. Baking soda can help neutralize the chlorine smell.
Sunlight Exposure: Hang the clothes out in the sun for a few hours. Sunlight can help freshen up the fabric and reduce odors naturally.
Repeat Washing: If the chlorine smell persists, consider rewashing the laundry without any detergent. Sometimes, residual detergent can trap chlorine odors. Use only water and one of the methods mentioned above (vinegar or baking soda) to eliminate the chlorine smell.
Activated Charcoal: Placing activated charcoal in a container near the clothes can help absorb odors. Make sure the charcoal doesn't come into direct contact with the garments to avoid staining.
Lemon Juice: If you prefer a natural alternative, you can try adding lemon juice to the rinse cycle. Lemon juice has natural deodorizing properties that can help counteract the chlorine smell.
Remember, before attempting any of these methods, check the care instructions on your garments to ensure that they can handle the chosen treatment. Additionally, if you're dealing with delicate or dry-clean-only items, it's best to take them to a professional cleaner to avoid damage.