Have you ever wondered how to get fish smell out of clothes? You’re not alone!
Standing over a laundry basket full of clean-but-not-so-fresh clothes.
That salty, oily scent seems to dig into fabric and stay there, no matter how many cycles you run.
It’s happened to me after grilling fish, cooking curry, and even just unpacking a new shirt that reeked of chemicals and… fish?
After some serious creative laundry experiments, I finally found what actually works, fast, gentle, and fabric safe.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Fish Smell Out of Clothes Fast
This is the 5-step method I always fall back on when I want fast, damage-free odour removal:
- Shake out any food residue or surface smell.
- Soak in a natural deodorising solution like lemon water or vinegar.
- Gently hand or machine wash with cold water and mild detergent.
- Rinse thoroughly; no soap residue should remain.
- Hang outdoors in sunlight until fully dry.
Suggested Read: How To Get Oil Smell Out Of Clothes In Just One Wash!
How to Get Fish Smell Out of Clothes Without Washing
Sometimes it is essential to know when you’re travelling or dealing with delicate fabrics.
Here’s the method I’ve used successfully.
1. Use a Witch Hazel Spray
What you need: Witch hazel, water, a clean spray bottle
Instructions:
- Mix equal parts witch hazel and water.
- Spray lightly on odour zones.
- Hang outside or near a fan.
- Odour vanishes as the witch hazel evaporates.
This trick is gentle, fabric-safe, and doesn’t need a rinse.
How to Get Fish Smell Out of Clothes After Drying
If you’ve already dried your clothes, the smell can feel permanently locked in. But this method works wonders.
2. Use Dry Coffee Beans in an Airtight Container
What you need: Whole coffee beans, an airtight container
Instructions:
- Add coffee beans to the container.
- Place the clothes inside with them.
- Seal for 24–48 hours.
- Odour is absorbed naturally.
Perfect for “baked-in” fish smell after tumble drying.
Suggested Read: How To Get Chlorine Smell Out Of Clothes In One Wash!
How to Get Rid of Fishy Smell on New Clothes
That odd odour comes from packaging chemicals or synthetic dyes. Here’s a fabric-safe trick:
3. Use a Saltwater Soak
What you need: 1/2 cup salt, bucket, warm water
Instructions:
- Dissolve salt in warm water.
- Soak clothes for 1–2 hours.
- Rinse and air dry.
- Removes chemical and fish-like smells.
This is my go-to for new polyester and budget-brand clothing.
How to Get Fish Smell Out of Clothes Fast
Are you in a rush? This is one method that has never let me down.
4. Use Orange Oil
What you need: Orange essential oil, water, spray bottle
Instructions:
- Add 5–6 drops of orange oil to 1/2 cup of water.
- Mist clothes lightly.
- Let air dry
This oil breaks down grease odours and leaves a citrussy scent.
Suggested Read: House Smells Like Dog Pee? These 10 Tips Work Fast!
How to Get Fish Smell Out of Faux Leather
Fishy smells on faux leather need special care. Here’s what worked for me when store-bought cleaners didn’t.
5. Use Mild Dish Soap and Water
What you need: Mild dish soap, soft cloth, water
Instructions:
- Mix soap and water.
- Gently wipe the leather.
- Use a clean cloth to dry.
- Let air out overnight.
No residue, no damage, just clean-smelling faux leather.
How to Get Fish Smell Out of the Dryer
Sometimes the dryer is the source of the smell. If your whole load smells like fish after one run, try this.
6. Use Citrus Peel Tumble
What you need: Fresh citrus peels, a damp towel
Instructions:
- Wrap peels in a damp towel.
- Tumble dry on low for 20 minutes.
- Remove and wipe the drum.
- Leaves a fresh scent and removes fishy traces from inside.
How to Get Fish Smell Out of the House After Cooking
I always turn to this quick-fix natural remedy that transforms the air.
7. Use Cinnamon Stick Simmer Pot
What you need: Cinnamon sticks, water, pot
Instructions:
- Add sticks to the simmering water.
- Let it steam for 1–2 hours.
- Keep doors open to let the aroma circulate.
- It’s cosy, cheap, and masks fish odours completely.
Suggested Read: How To Get Grease Smell Out Of Clothes: 15 Easy DIY Methods!
Home Remedies to Get Fish Smell Out of Clothes
These home remedies are simple, effective, and perfect when you need natural solutions.
8. Tomato Juice Soak
Acidic and odour-neutralising, tomato juice works surprisingly well.
Mix with water and soak the garment for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
It’s especially useful for cottons and other breathable fabrics exposed to cooking smells.
9. Borax Booster
Add a tablespoon of borax to your detergent when washing.
It lifts protein-based odours like fish without harming fabric.
Ideal for heavy fabrics like denim or kitchen aprons that retain strong smells.
10. Eucalyptus Steam Treatment
Place clothes above steaming eucalyptus water, don’t submerge.
The natural oils release into the fabric, breaking down odours.
Works beautifully for wool, scarves, or delicate items you can’t wash.
11. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Dilute hydrogen peroxide with cold water in a 1:3 ratio and soak for 10 minutes.
It brightens white clothes while eliminating fish odours.
Avoid using on darks or colours that may fade or react.
12. Cedarwood Chip Method
Tuck untreated cedarwood chips into a garment bag and leave with smelly clothes for 2–3 days.
Cedarwood’s natural oil draws out odours gently and adds a fine, loamy scent.
13. Mint Tea Bath
Brew strong mint tea, cool it, and soak clothing for 20 minutes.
Mint kills bacteria and leaves a cooling aroma.
Best used on athletic clothes or undergarments that hold body heat and fishy smells.
14. Oat Flour Deodoriser
Place oat flour in a pouch, then seal it with clothes inside a drawer overnight.
It’s a gentle absorbent that won’t irritate sensitive fabrics or trigger allergies.
15. Chamomile Tea Spritz
Steep chamomile, cool it, and pour it into a spray bottle. Lightly mist smelly areas and let air dry.
It soothes fabric while calming odour—ideal for sleepwear or baby clothes with a lingering scent.
16. Cucumber Peel Rub
Rub fresh cucumber peels over fishy areas. The enzymes help neutralise surface odour without chemicals.
Follow with a quick rinse or steam for best results on linens or pillowcases.
Suggested Read: Why Does My Laundry Room Smell Like Sour Milk: 8 Top Causes!
17. Bentonite Clay Powder Pack
Place clay powder in a pouch and seal it in a container with smelly clothes for 24 hours.
The clay naturally attracts and holds on to odour-causing oils and gases.
Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Fish Smell
Many people make things worse by trying to fix odour issues.
Here’s what to avoid when learning how to get fish smell out of clothes:
- Don’t use hot water immediately. It locks in odours, especially on synthetics.
- Avoid mixing strong ingredients. Vinegar and bleach? Never.
- Don’t dry clothes before removing the smell. Heat sets it deeper.
- Skip overuse of detergent. It can trap smells in a buildup.
- Avoid overspraying perfumes. It only masks the smell temporarily.
- Don’t scrub delicate fabrics. You’ll damage them before the smell fades.
Suggested Read: Can I Add Vinegar To My Laundry For A Fresh Smell? Must Read
Preventive Tips to Keep Fish Smell Off Your Clothes
Once you’ve fixed the smell, here’s how to stop it from coming back:
- Wear a cooking apron. It protects your everyday clothes.
- Change immediately after cooking. Don’t lounge in fishy garments.
- Ventilate your kitchen. Use a fan, open windows.
- Wash fishy clothes separately. Keeps odours from spreading.
- Soak new clothes before use, especially polyester or budget brands.
- Store cedar pouches in closets. They naturally fight musty or fishy odours.
final thoughts: how to get fish smell out of clothes
Fish smells in clothes can be stubborn, but they’re not permanent.
What I’ve learnt is that with the right method, you can bring almost any fabric back to life.
Don’t toss that shirt or suffer through the stink.
Try one of these remedies, and you’ll be surprised how fresh your clothes can feel again.
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How To Get Mothball Smell Out Of Clothes: 15 Inventive Ways!
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