What is Kulob or “Amoy kulob?” The term Amoy Kulob refers to foul or unpleasant odors. Amoy Kulob is also associated with the smell of cars after they have been opened, rooms, restrooms, and even closets. This is due to the mildews that can form in unventilated/moist areas. However, the term Amoy Kulob is most commonly used to describe the odor caused by the indoor drying of clothes, particularly during the rainy season. You wouldn’t want to smell Amoy Kulob every rainy season and get headaches every time. Some individuals just do indoor laundry from the start, and their clothing finishes up with that kulob smell that strangely wet and musty odor. These factors are the reasons why do clothes smell kulob:
1. Improper washing machine cleaning.
Filters or small openings are found inside manual washing machines. If you open it, you will see dirt that has accumulated inside it. These can cause Amoy Kulob in the clothes we wash. Because this dirt was already in the washing machine, germs will grow alongside it and stick to our clothes when we wash them in the washing machine.
Read also: Bria Homes – An In-Depth Cleaning Guide for Your Washing Machine
2. Soaking clothes overnight, particularly rags.
Many people believe that soaking clothes in detergent will make them easier to wash and smell better. Yes, but only if we soak it for no longer than an hour. Because the clothes we are washing are filthy, soaking them for an extended period allows germs to grow, which can lead to a foul odor.
3. You used too much laundry detergent.
Also, one of the tips to avoid bad smells in clothes that many of us didn’t know is using too much detergent may cause amoy kulob. In this case, are you measuring the amount of detergent you use, or just dumping a lot in? The excess detergent will not rinse away properly and may become trapped in the fabric, promoting water-logging and mold growth.
4. Clothes that have not been properly rinsed.
Taking a load of laundry out of the washer only to discover that the clothes have not been properly rinsed is an unpleasant surprise. Unrinsed clothes are prone to “amoy kulob.” Following the timer in the user manual for the washing cycle of different clothes to alert you when the wash cycle is finished is a good idea to make sure that the clothes are properly rinsed. This allows you to dry your clothes before they have a chance to rot and stink.
5. Improper Clothes Segregation.
And also one of the common mistakes why do clothes smell kulob is when people just separate their clothes into two categories: white and colored. But we forget to separate clothes based on their usage and how dirty they are.
The rainy season has returned, and you know what that means: dash to the clothesline outside when you hear the individual drips of a slow rain, or worse, dash to your clothes when you hear the sudden downpour on your roof. And the weather in the Philippines is also temperamental during the rainy season. There are days when a typhoon comes and goes in two days, and then there are days when rain falls unexpectedly even though it was sunny just a few seconds before. Of course, you wouldn’t want your loved ones to wear foul-smelling clothing because it will undermine their confidence.
We understand the anxiety that comes with seeing a growing pile of laundry during the rainy season. Aside from worrying about whether they’ll dry on time, there’s also the dreadful kulob smell to consider. Laundry can be more difficult to do on these unpredictable rainy days. Here are some tips to avoid bad smell in clothes:
1. Maintain the cleanliness of the washing machine.
Make sure the washing machine is clean before loading it with laundry. Washing machines have an annoying habit of holding on to stagnant water, harboring limescale, bacteria, or mold, and getting blocked filters. This could be preventing your laundry from smelling fresh. To quickly clean your machine, run a short, water-only cycle and then leave the lid open to allow the drum to clean itself and release the foul smell coming from the washing machine.
2. Apply fabric conditioner.
One of the common tips to avoid bad smell in clothes is to use fabric conditioner. Fabric conditioner is an absolute must. It will keep the dreaded kulob odor at bay, and your clothes will be softer after drying. Include it in the final rinse of your laundry because it was created specifically for rainy days. It eliminates the kulob odor and dries clothes faster even when used indoors.
3. Make sure not to use too much or too little laundry detergent.
Don’t pour a large amount of detergent because excess detergent will not rinse away properly and may cause amoy kulob on your clothes, and using too little detergent will result in dirty clothes. Check the detergent package or bottle for dosing instructions. If you have a larger machine, you may need to make adjustments and add a little more soap powder or liquid. Furthermore, if you’re only washing a small load, you may not need as much detergent.
4. Remove as much water as possible.
The damper your clothes are, the longer it will take for them to dry. And, because the sun isn’t shining, you want as little water as possible on your washed laundry. Make use of your washing machine’s spin dryer if it has one and If you’re hand-washing, wring out as much water as you can before hanging the clothes to dry.
5. Your clothes are taking far too long to dry.
Make sure to dry them immediately after washing them. Because the Philippines has hot conditions, take advantage of it because heat greatly reduces drying times. If your laundry smells bad after drying indoors, you should consider purchasing a dehumidifier to expedite the drying process. As a bonus, it can make your home feel cooler. And, if you use a tumble dryer, don’t overfill it; this only traps more moisture.
6. Only fully dry clothes should be stored in the closet.
It’s best to do the laundry early in the day so that it has enough time to dry, especially if it’s raining. Folding and storing clothes that are damp or cold to the touch is a common mistake why do clothes smell kulob. If your laundry is still damp at the end of the day, try ironing it on low heat to give it that final push.
In conclusion, if taking a few simple steps like drying damp clothing, cleaning your washing machine, assessing your detergent use, or increasing the cleaning power of your detergent isn’t enough, try some of these tips to banish foul odors from your fresh laundry and breathe easier again. Because a common cause of why do clothes smell kulob is laundry that loses its sweet smell even after hanging to dry. I hope you now have a good understanding of how to avoid bad odor in clothes. And if you are living in an apartment or condominium you can also check out this article from Bria Homes- Front load vs. Top Load washing machine to learn more about washing machines that are suitable for your home and can help you avoid amoy kulob from your clothes on rainy days. And also BRIA Homes primes itself on the development of affordable house and lot or condominium units that caters to ordinary Filipino families aspiring to own their own homes It had evolved into the ideal option for ordinary Filipino workers looking to invest in a high-quality yet affordable home.
