Keep Clothes Fresh: How to Avoid Musty Smells in Your Laundry

 

Musty-smelling laundry can be frustrating, but with a few simple steps, you can keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean after every wash. Here’s how to avoid musty odors in your laundry routine and ensure your clothes come out smelling great.

---

1. Don’t Leave Wet Clothes in the Washer

Tip:

• Leaving wet clothes sitting in the washer, even for a short time, can cause musty smells to develop. Transfer clothes to the dryer or drying rack immediately after the wash cycle finishes to prevent mildew growth.
• If you can’t remove clothes right away, consider using a delayed start feature on your washer to time your load when you’ll be available to dry it.

2. Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Tip:

• Too much detergent can leave a soapy residue on clothes, which traps moisture and leads to unpleasant smells. Make sure you’re using the recommended amount of detergent for your load size and type of washer.
• For high-efficiency (HE) machines, always use HE detergent to avoid oversudsing and buildup.

3. Clean Your Washer Regularly

Tip:

• A dirty washer can cause laundry to develop a musty odor, so be sure to clean your washing machine regularly. Run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to remove detergent buildup, mold, and mildew.
• Leave the washer door open after each load to let the interior air out and dry completely, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to smells.

4. Avoid Overloading the Washer

Tip:

• Overloading the washer prevents clothes from moving freely, which means they won’t get properly cleaned or rinsed. As a result, they may come out of the wash with a lingering musty smell.
• Stick to the recommended load size for your machine, and wash heavily soiled items in smaller loads to ensure they’re thoroughly cleaned.

5. Use Vinegar or Baking Soda for Extra Freshness

Tip:

• Add white vinegar or baking soda to your laundry routine to help eliminate odors and keep clothes fresh.
  • Use ½ cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle to neutralize odors and soften fabrics.
  • ½ cup of baking soda can be added to the wash cycle to help deodorize clothes and boost cleaning power.

6. Dry Clothes Thoroughly

Tip:

• Make sure clothes are completely dry before folding or storing them. Even slightly damp clothes can develop a musty smell, especially if stored in a closed drawer or closet.
• If air-drying, hang clothes in a well-ventilated area. For machine drying, don’t overfill the dryer—give clothes enough space to dry evenly and avoid damp spots.

7. Use Dryer Sheets or Essential Oils for Added Freshness

Tip:

• Add a dryer sheet or a few drops of essential oils (such as lavender or eucalyptus) to your dryer load to keep clothes smelling fresh. Dryer sheets also help reduce static, while essential oils provide a natural fragrance.
• You can also create a homemade spray with essential oils and water to spritz clothes after drying for a fresh scent.

8. Store Clothes Properly

Tip:

• Fold and store your clothes in a dry, cool area. Storing clothes in humid or damp spaces, such as a basement, can cause them to develop musty smells even after being freshly washed.
• Use silica gel packets or charcoal deodorizers in drawers or closets to absorb excess moisture and prevent mustiness.

9. Air Out Damp Clothes Immediately

Tip:

• If your clothes get damp from sweat, rain, or humidity, air them out immediately rather than leaving them balled up in a hamper. Hang clothes to dry or toss them in the dryer for a quick refresh to avoid musty odors from setting in.

10. Freshen Up With a Fabric Refresher Spray

Tip:

• For clothes that have been in storage or just need a quick refresh, use a fabric refresher spray to eliminate odors between washes. You can also make a DIY spray using water, vinegar, and essential oils to keep clothes smelling great.

---

By following these tips, you can prevent musty smells from taking over your laundry and keep your clothes smelling fresh, clean, and ready to wear. With proper care, your laundry will stay odor-free from wash to wear.