To remove the chemical smell after washing clothes with bleach in a high-efficiency (HE) washing machine, you can try the following methods:
Vinegar Rinse: Add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of the washing machine. Vinegar helps neutralize odors and can help remove the bleach smell from your clothes. Make sure to avoid mixing vinegar with bleach directly, as it can create harmful fumes. The vinegar scent will dissipate as the clothes dry.
Baking Soda Soak: Fill a sink or large container with cool water and add half a cup of baking soda. Submerge the clothes in the solution and let them soak for an hour or two. Baking soda is known for its odor-absorbing properties and can help eliminate the chemical smell. After soaking, wash the clothes again in the washing machine as usual.
Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of one or two lemons into a container of water. Add the clothes to the container and let them soak for about 30 minutes. Lemon juice can help counteract strong odors and leave a fresh scent. After soaking, wash the clothes again in the washing machine.
Sunlight and Fresh Air: Hang the clothes outside on a clothesline to dry in direct sunlight and fresh air. Sunlight has natural disinfecting properties and can help eliminate odors, including the bleach smell. Ensure that the clothes are completely dry before bringing them back inside.
Odor-eliminating products: Consider using odor-eliminating products specifically designed for laundry. These products, such as odor-neutralizing sprays or laundry additives, can help eliminate unwanted smells from clothes. Follow the instructions on the product packaging for best results.
Remember to always check the care instructions on your clothing items before trying any of these methods to ensure they are safe to use. Additionally, it's advisable to run a cycle with only water in your washing machine after washing clothes with bleach to help remove any residual bleach and prevent the smell from lingering in future washes.