Nothing is quite as disappointing as pulling freshly washed clothes from the machine only to be greeted by a musty smell. This common problem can ruin your laundry experience and leave you wondering where it went wrong. The good news? With a few adjustments, you can eliminate and prevent this unpleasant odour. In this guide, we’ll explore the leading causes of musty smell after washing and share practical solutions to ensure your clothes always smell fresh and clean.

Why Do Clothes Smell Musty After Washing?

1. Damp Conditions Promote Mould and Mildew: A prime culprit is leaving clothes in the washer for too long after the cycle ends. Wet laundry provides the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow, leading to that characteristic musty odour.
2. Build-Up in the Washing Machine: Over time, washing machines accumulate residues from detergents, fabric softeners, dirt, and hard water. This residue can trap bacteria, which thrive in the moist environment of your washer.
3. Overloading the Washer: Filling the washing machine to maximum capacity prevents proper rinsing. Clothes can come out still holding detergent, dirt, and moisture, contributing to bad smells.
4. Excess Detergent or Fabric Softener: It’s a common misconception that more detergent leads to cleaner clothes. In reality, using too much soap can cause buildup in your machine and on your clothes, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and odours.
5. Poor Ventilation During Drying: Clothes that aren’t dried thoroughly—or are left in humid environments—retain moisture, leading to musty smells. Even a small amount of residual moisture can result in odour problems.

How to Prevent Musty Smell After Washing

1. Promptly Remove Clothes from the Washer

As simple as it sounds, removing wet laundry from the washing machine as soon as the cycle ends is one of the easiest ways to prevent musty odours. Set a timer or use your washer’s notification system to remind you when the cycle finishes.

2. Regularly Clean Your Washing Machine

Cleaning your washing machine is essential for eliminating the source of unpleasant smells:

• For front-loading machines:
  • Wipe the rubber gasket after each wash to remove moisture and debris.
  • Leave the door open to improve ventilation and prevent mould growth.
• For all machines:
  • To remove buildup, run an empty cycle with hot water and a cleaning agent (such as white vinegar, baking soda, or specialised machine cleaners) once a month.

3. Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Follow the instructions on your detergent bottle to ensure you’re using the correct amount. High-efficiency washing machines often require less detergent than older models.

4. Don’t Overload Your Machine

Give your clothes space to move freely during the wash cycle. This allows water and detergent to circulate correctly, ensuring thorough cleaning and rinsing.

5. Dry Clothes Thoroughly

• Opt for sun-drying when possible, as sunlight naturally kills bacteria and neutralises odours.
• For machine drying, ensure the load is completely dry before folding and storing.

6. Treat Odours in Clothes

• Add a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle to combat odours naturally.
• For particularly stubborn smells, soak clothes in a solution of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes before washing.

7. Improve Storage Conditions

• Store clothes in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
• Place moisture absorbers like silica gel packets or activated charcoal in your wardrobe or drawers to prevent dampness.
• Avoid cramming too many clothes into a small space to allow proper air circulation.

8. Consider the Water Quality

Hard water can leave mineral deposits on clothes and your washing machine, contributing to odours. If you live in an area with hard water, a water softener or washing machine cleaner can help.

Proactive Tips for Long-Term Freshness

• Check Your Machine’s Filter: A clogged filter can trap debris and lead to bad smells. Clean it regularly.
• Wash Smelly Items Separately: Clothes like gym wear or towels may require a hotter wash and extra detergent to ensure proper cleaning.
• Avoid Overusing Fabric Softeners: While they smell friendly initially, fabric softeners can create a waxy buildup on clothes that traps odours over time.

Final Thoughts

Fresh-smelling laundry is within reach if you identify and address the causes of musty odours. By taking simple steps such as promptly drying clothes, maintaining your washing machine, and optimising your laundry routine, you can ensure your wardrobe remains fresh and odour-free.

Now that you know how to prevent a musty smell after washing, you can enjoy the refreshing scent of clean clothes with every wash!

FAQs About Musty Smell on Clothes

• Can overusing detergent make clothes smell bad?

Yes, too much detergent can lead to buildup in your washing machine and clothes. This residue traps dirt, bacteria, and moisture, which can cause unpleasant odours. Always use the recommended amount of detergent for your washing machine and load size.

• How often should I clean my washing machine to avoid smells?

Ideally, it would be best if you cleaned your washing machine once a month. Run an empty cycle with hot water, white vinegar, or a machine-cleaning product. Remember to clean the rubber seals, detergent tray, and filters.

• Is white vinegar safe for washing machines and clothes?

White vinegar is a natural deodoriser and safe for washing machines and most fabric types. It helps remove odours, break down detergent residue, and kill bacteria. Add half a cup to the rinse cycle or use it in a machine-cleaning cycle.

• Can drying clothes outside in the sun help with musty smells?

Absolutely! Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and helps kill bacteria and mildew that cause musty smells. The fresh air also aids in drying clothes thoroughly, preventing odours from developing.

• What’s the best way to store clothes to prevent musty smells?

Ensure your clothes are completely dry before storing them. Use moisture absorbers like silica gel in closets and drawers, and keep storage spaces cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Avoid over-packing wardrobes to allow proper airflow.

• Can fabric softeners make my clothes smell musty?

Overusing fabric softeners can cause waxy buildup on clothes and washing machines. So, this buildup traps bacteria and odours, leading to musty smells over time. Also use fabric softeners sparingly or opt for alternatives like white vinegar.