Why Do Certain Clothes Smell?

Chances are, the item in question was left in the washer too long causing mildew to grow. Just washing it will seldom remove the smell. It tends to be worse in the summer when it's humid, and we sweat.

The things that appear to have worked the best for us are: vinegar in place of bleach in the rinse cycle. Your clothes will NOT smell like vinegar (cheap white vinegar will do) or baking soda.

Some of our towels are beyond hope and will have to be thrown away or used for the dog. You can Google the Queen of Clean, and she usually has great advice.

Make sure that you are not inadvertantly leaving any loads of wash in the washer for long periods of time before putting them in the dryer.
Especially in the summer, when it is hot, wash can sour if you happen to forget about it for several hours.
I have done this a number of times over the years, and always have to rewash the clothing or towels. etc.

The ammonia from urine tends to stick to clothes. I have had the same problem while we have been potty training my son. Also I have noticed a direct relation between the smell of my clothes and how quickly I transfer them to the dryer. They may not have actually soured, but they still don't smell as fresh.

Wash the "pee" clothes after you have soaked them in warm water and vinegar. The vinegar neutralizes the ammonia and gets rid of the smell.

Though the clothes on an extra rinse with a cup of white vinager. The removes the smell.