How to Remove Nonenal Odor from Clothes: A Guide for People Over 60

Have you ever taken clean clothes out of the laundry and noticed that they smelled musty as soon as you put them on? You might also have thought about why regular detergent doesn't seem to keep your clothes smelling fresh anymore. If you're over 60, you might be surprised to learn that it's something called Nonenal odor, which is often called "old people smell." 

This smell is completely normal, but it can be hard to get rid of and embarrassing when it sticks to clothes. The good news is you can get rid of the Nonenal smell from your clothes and feel good about yourself again if you follow the right steps.

What is Nonenal?

Nonenal is a compound that happens naturally when fatty acids on the skin oxidize. Nonenal is different from regular sweat smell because it is waxy and oily, which makes it stick to clothes.

• Not easy to get rid of with regular soap or detergent.

• More common in people over 60 because our skin changes as we get older.

Read our detailed guide on What is Nonenal?

Why Does Nonenal Odor Stay on Clothes?

If your laundry still smells musty after washing, Nonenal is probably to blame. Its oily residue sticks to fabric fibers, especially those made of natural fibers like cotton. The smell can last because regular detergents aren't made to break down this waxy substance.

Now, let’s explore the best ways to remove Nonenal odor from clothes:

Step 1:  Use the Right Soap to Wash Your Clothes

Regular detergents can't get rid of the smell of Nonenal completely. Instead, pick things that are made to get rid of it:

• Laundry products made with persimmons: People in Japan have been using persimmon extract for hundreds of years to get rid of smells. Persimmon extract in laundry products can help break down Nonenal.

• Detergents that get rid of smells: Look for laundry detergents that say they can get rid of body odors or "enzyme-based" formulas that can get rid of oily residues.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Problem Areas

Before washing, focus on places where Nonenal odor builds up the most, like cuffs, collars, and underarms. Mirai Clinical's Aluminum Free Natural Deodorant with Persimmon can help a lot in the underarm area. It uses Japanese Persimmon Extract to get rid of smells like Nonenal® and armpit smells.

Using this deodorant every day will not only keep your skin fresh, but it will also stop stubborn smells from getting on your clothes in the first place. For fabrics, spray collars and cuffs with a stain remover or an odor-eliminating spray before washing them as usual.

Step 3: If the fabric allows it, wash the clothes in hot water

Nonenal smells stick to clothes because it is oily, and oils are much harder to get rid of in cold water. That's why washing in hot water (if your fabric care label says it's okay) can make a big difference. Hot water helps to:

• Get rid of oils that are stuck in fabric fibers.

• Make detergents and enzymes work better so they can break down the things that make smells.

• Deep clean clothes that get a lot of use, especially things like pajamas, undershirts, and bedding that are close to the skin.

Don't worry if your clothes are delicate or can't handle high heat. Just use the warmest setting that is safe for the fabric and an enzyme-based or odor-eliminating detergent for the best results.

Step 4: Sun-Dry When Possible

It may seem easy to dry clothes outside, but it's one of the best (and most natural) ways to get rid of smells. The sun does two important things:

• UV Radiation Get Rid of Smell: The sun's ultraviolet light helps kill bacteria and Nonenal compounds that cause odors and survive the wash. It's like putting an extra layer of natural deodorant on your clothes.

• Circulation of Fresh Air: When you dry clothes outside, they don't hold onto moisture like they do when you dry them in the machine. Fresh air circulation gets rid of any musty smells that might be left behind, making clothes smell clean and light. Check out how sunlight plays a big role in naturally removing fabric odors.

If you can, hang your clothes outside in the sun. They can feel better after just a few hours, which a dryer can't do. You can turn delicate fabrics inside out to keep them from fading while still getting the sun's odor-fighting benefits.

Step 5:  Keep the smell under control every day

The best way to keep clothes from smelling like Nonenal is to start at the source: the skin. Wash your body every day with a persimmon-based body wash or nonenal soap. You can also check out our guide on the best ways to avoid Nonenal, for more practical lifestyle tips.

The best soap for getting rid of Nonenal odor at Mirai Clinical is made just for people over 60.

• Eliminates Nonenal odor without drying out the skin.

• Uses natural Japanese persimmon extract.

• Provides gentle yet powerful cleansing for daily freshness.

It can be hard to deal with Nonenal odor, but it's completely normal and can be handled. You can keep your clothes and body smelling fresh by knowing what causes the smell and using the right products, like persimmon-based laundry products for clothes and persimmon soap for body care.

We at Mirai Clinical think that getting older shouldn't stop you from feeling good about yourself. You can enjoy every stage of life with our Japanese-inspired products, like the best soap for Nonenal odor.