Refresh Laundry??? Help!!!?

Question

I was wondering if anyone knows a way to "refresh" old clothes in the laundry? I have several shirts that are a couple years old, they aren't ripped or anything, but they've started to...not wash completely or something? They still sort of feel like there might be soap in them and they don't smell clean. I know it isn't my washer because this doesn't happen with my new clothes, only older ones. Is it just the fabric has been washed too many times? Is there any way to I guess refresh these clothes so that they don't have that feeling/are actually cleaned? Thanks so much! :)

Answer 1

Are you washing exactly as the washing instructions state on the label?  Soft rinse will make them smell fresher but if they are washed clean they should'nt smell.  Are you buying a good quality detergent?  There used to be a product on the market called fabric conditioner.  I haven't seen it for a long time though.  You could use a little spray starch on the shirts when you iron them to crispen them up.

Answer 2

Try washing with just baking soda in the wash cycle, allow to soak awhile, too. The baking soda is a natural water softner and odor remover. Rinse well and dry with dryer sheets, no fabric softener!

Answer 3

My guess is that you are using too much liquid fabric softener and it has built up on your clothes.  You should not use that stuff every wash, maybe once a month.  Use a dryer sheet instead as it is much better for your fabrics.

To remove the film you are feeling, wash your clothes in warm water (hot if your fabrics will allow) and a cup of white vinegar.  No detergent.  That should do it!

Answer 4

I soaked my old clothes in oxiclean overnight and they came out looking new and all stains including underarm stains came out and the colors came out brighter.

1/2 cup oxiclean pre gallon of warm to hot water for soaking.