Certain violations of washing and drying rules can lead to unpleasant odors on washed clothes.
Inhaling the scent of freshly washed laundry that smells fresh is an extremely pleasant feeling, but it’s not that rare. Even with standard washing procedures, a persistent musty odor can remain, and there is not always a single reason for this, writes Martha Stewart.
"Laundry odors are usually caused by buildup, either from laundry detergent, fabric softener, or from mold in the washing machine," explained Stephanie Phillips, owner of Phillips Commercial and Residential Cleaning in Nashville, Tennessee.
She added that once you identify the cause of the unpleasant smell on washed clothes, the problem can be quickly fixed. A few simple tricks can also help maintain a clean and fresh scent with every wash.
Reasons for Unpleasant Smell on Clothes After Washing
1. Buildup of Detergent and Fabric Softener
If you are using too much laundry detergent or a product that is not suitable for your washing machine, then this can actually worsen the smell of the laundry rather than improve it.
It turns out that excess soap leaves residues on fabrics, especially during cold or short wash cycles. Over time, these residues become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors.
"People often think that more laundry detergent means cleaner laundry, but it’s actually the opposite. Residual suds can cling to fibers and trap moisture, which starts to smell sour almost immediately," noted Phillips.
How to Fix: If you have a front-loading washing machine, switch to a high-efficiency detergent and carefully measure the right amount of product when washing. Also, run an empty washing machine with hot water and a cup of white vinegar once a month to dissolve residue buildup.
2. Hidden Mold in the Washing Machine
Even a machine that looks spotless or has been recently wiped clean can hide mold behind the rubber door gasket or inside the detergent drawer.
This is because when moisture is left after each cycle, mold spores can multiply and transfer that musty smell to every load.
What to Do: Wipe the gasket after each wash and leave the door open to let it air dry. Clean the detergent drawer weekly, and run a hot water or sanitize cycle to clean the washing machine.
3. Wet Laundry Left in the Washing Machine
If you forget to take the laundry out on time, damp fabric quickly acquires the unpleasant smell of a "wet towel." Even if wet laundry is left in the machine for just a few hours, an unpleasant odor can develop.
"This smell develops faster than most people think. Within just a few hours, bacteria start feeding on tiny particles of organic matter left in the fabric," noted Phillips.
How to Fix: Set a timer to remind you when the cycle is done. If the items are not taken out on time, the expert recommends washing the clothes again, adding one cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize odors. Dry on the highest temperature allowed for the fabric.
4. Overloaded Wash Cycles
Too many items in the drum restrict the circulation of detergent and water, leading to uneven washing.
Tip: It’s better to wash fewer items at a time so they can move freely. If necessary, add an extra rinse cycle to completely remove detergent and odors.
5. Incorrect Methods of Drying Clothes
Even freshly washed laundry will smell musty if it is folded while still slightly damp. Additionally, if clothes are hung to dry, they can also absorb moisture or odors from the outside if left for too long.
The expert also added that if the dryer vent is clogged or the clothes remain cool rather than warm after the drying cycle, this is a warning sign.
What to Do: Shake out clothes before drying to ensure air circulation. After each drying cycle in the dryer, clean the lint filter and make sure the venting duct is clear. If drying clothes indoors, use a fan or dehumidifier to speed up evaporation.
