Does Dry Cleaning Get Rid of Body Odour? Here’s What You Should Know

A Straightforward Guide to Keeping Clothes Fresh

At London Dry Cleaning Company, we get this question a lot:
“Does dry cleaning actually remove body odour from clothes?”

The quick answer: Yes, most of the time it does.
But it’s not always that simple. Some smells are more stubborn, certain fabrics react differently, and how often you clean your clothes can change the results.

This guide will break down how dry cleaning works, why some odours stick around, and how you can keep your wardrobe smelling fresh in between cleans.

How Dry Cleaning Fights Body Odour

Dry cleaning isn’t just “washing without water.” It uses special cleaning liquids, called solvents, instead of water and detergent. These solvents dissolve sweat, body oils, and bacteria that regular washing sometimes misses. They delve deep into the fabric fibres and identify the causes of bad smells.

Dry cleaning is beneficial for:

Delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere, which can shrink or lose shape in water
Structured clothes such as suits, coats, and blazers, which need their form to be kept intact
Designer or high-end items that you don’t want to risk in the washing machine
Decorated garments with beads, sequins, or embroidery
Thick outerwear like trench coats and wool coats that trap sweat and smells inside

At our shop, we also use eco-friendly solvents, ozone treatments, and enzyme solutions for extra-tough odours. These methods don’t just hide smells — they remove what’s causing them.

Step by Step: What Happens at the Dry Cleaners

Inspection: We examine the fabric, stains, and areas where smells are most noticeable. We also check labels for fabric care instructions and make a plan for the safest cleaning method.
Pre-treatment: Spots like underarms or collars are treated first. Stain-removal agents or odour neutralisers may be applied to areas that need extra attention.
Solvent wash: Clothes are placed in a machine where a solvent flows through the fibres, removing sweat, oils, and bacteria. The machines spin gently, protecting delicate items while giving a deep clean.
Neutralisation: Germs and bacteria are destroyed, so smells don’t come back quickly. Some items may also go through ozone or enzyme-based treatments for stubborn odours.
Rinse & dry: Clean solvent rinses away leftovers, then clothes are gently dried in a controlled environment that prevents shrinkage or damage.
Finishing: Clothes are pressed, reshaped, steamed, and inspected again for quality. Buttons, zips, and embellishments are checked to ensure they are not damaged.
Final check: A garment expert reviews the item before it is packaged, ensuring it meets freshness and quality standards.

The result? Garments that aren’t just clean, but truly fresh — with fibres revived, shapes preserved, and odours removed at the source.

Why Clothes Can Still Smell After Dry Cleaning

Sometimes odours don’t entirely go away. Here’s why:

Deep-set smells in thick layers or padded linings
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, which trap sweat and bacteria more than natural fibres
Low-quality cleaning that skips pre-treatments or uses weak solvents
Wearing clothes too many times before cleaning, letting odours sink in
Environmental smells like smoke, pollution, or cooking fumes that cling tightly
Bad storage in damp places, which can bring odours back even after cleaning

Tip: If smell removal is your primary concern, tell your cleaner. At London Dry Cleaning Company, we use extra treatments designed just for this problem.

Fabrics That Hold Onto Smells the Most

Different fabrics behave differently:

Polyester, nylon, acrylic – trap sweat and oils, hard to refresh
Wool & cashmere – pick up smells but usually release them with proper care
Silk – delicate and absorbs sweat easily; needs gentle solvent cleaning
Cotton & linen – breathable, but heavy cottons like denim hold odours
Blends (like poly-cotton) – tougher than pure fabrics, but trap smells worse
Velvet, faux fur, outerwear – thick layers and textures make cleaning tricky
Technical sportswear fabrics – designed to wick moisture but often end up holding onto body odour because of tight synthetic fibres
Denim and heavy canvas – sturdy, but once sweat and smoke seep in, they may require multiple cleans

Some fabrics also react differently depending on the type of odour. For example, smoke odours tend to cling to wool, while sweat odours are more stubborn in polyester. Fabrics with linings or padding can trap odours deep inside, making them harder to treat.

Knowing this helps you understand why some items need more than one clean — and why expert treatment is so necessary when dealing with stubborn smells.

DIY Hacks to Keep Clothes Fresh Between Cleans

Professional cleaning is the most effective solution for eliminating stubborn odours in fabrics. However, if you’re looking for quick and easy fixes, here are some options to consider:

1. Vodka Spray: Lightly mist the affected area with vodka. It effectively kills bacteria without leaving behind any scent. This method is excellent for fabrics that can’t be washed easily.

2. Vinegar and Water: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. This solution helps neutralise bacteria and odours. Just be cautious—do not use it on silk, as it can damage the fibres.

3. Freezer Trick: For smaller items like jeans or jackets, place them in a sealed plastic bag and freeze overnight. The extreme cold kills odour-causing bacteria and freshens up the clothing.

4. Air and Sunlight: Sometimes, a little fresh air is all you need. Hang your clothes outside in direct sunlight. Sunlight has natural disinfecting properties, and fresh air helps eliminate lingering odours.

5. Steam: Using a fabric steamer can not only smooth out wrinkles but also help remove light odours from clothes. The heat and moisture lift and dissolve odour particles.

6. Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the fabric and let it sit for a few hours—or overnight—to absorb smells effectively. Afterwards, brush or shake it off.

7. Essential Oils: For a temporary refreshing scent, mix a few drops of your favourite essential oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the clothing. This won’t eliminate odours, but it will provide a pleasant fragrance.

While these methods can offer quick relief, they are temporary solutions. For deep-set odours, especially those caused by sweat, smoke, or mildew, professional dry cleaning is still your best option. Investing in a thorough cleaning will not only ensure that your fabrics smell fresh but will also help maintain their quality and longevity.

Why Choose London Dry Cleaning Company?

Not all cleaners do the job the same way. Here’s why we’re different:

Advanced odour removal with eco-friendly and enzyme-based methods
Fabric-specific care so every item gets the proper treatment
Over 20 years of experience serving locals, professionals, and luxury clients
Convenience with free collection, delivery, and same-day options
Sustainability with eco solvents and recyclable packaging
Trusted by hotels and businesses across London for handling uniforms, curtains, and bulk orders
Specialist services for wedding gowns, leather, suede, and fur,s where extra expertise is required
Personalised customer service with garment inspections, updates, and aftercare advice

We don’t just clean clothes. We keep them lasting longer and smelling fresher while caring for the planet. Our reputation is built on consistency, attention to detail, and a promise that your garments are never outsourced — everything is cleaned and checked by our in‑house specialists.

Easy Habits to Prevent Smells

You can help reduce odours with these simple but powerful habits:

Air out clothes after wearing to release trapped moisture and bacteria
Rotate outfits so you don’t wear the same piece two days in a row, giving fibres time to breathe
Use breathable storage bags with cedar or lavender to keep moths and musty smells away
Clean regularly before odours set too deeply into fibres, especially after heavy wear
Wear undershirts to protect outer clothes from sweat and deodorant build-up
Avoid damp storage, which encourages bacteria and mould growth — use dehumidifiers if needed
Watch your shoes – odours from footwear can easily transfer to clothing, so store them separately
Seasonal care: clean before putting items into long-term storage and store in a cool, dry place
Brush or shake out coats regularly to prevent dust and dirt that can trap smells
Use wardrobe fresheners such as activated charcoal bags or baking soda pouches to absorb lingering odours
Keep your laundry basket fresh by airing it out or using liners to avoid smells transferring back to clothes

Real-Life Examples

A Hampstead customer brought in a wool coat worn daily during winter. It smelled of sweat, smoke, and food. One quick clean wasn’t enough, so we used pre-treatments and advanced cycles. The coat came out fresh and “like new.”
Another client had a silk evening gown with underarm odours. Regular cleaning helped, but we added an enzyme treatment that entirely removed the smell without harming the fabric. She was thrilled to wear it again.

The Final Word

So, does dry cleaning remove body odour?
Yes. Professional dry cleaning works in most cases, and with the proper techniques, even tough odours can be removed. Combine expert cleaning with good daily habits, and your clothes will stay fresher for much longer.

Admin

February 2, 2025

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