Clothes Smell Musty Even After Washing? Tips You Need to Try

Ever take out a load of freshly cleaned clothes only to find they still smell a little musty? It’s frustrating, to say the least. The good news? There are common reasons for this, and better yet, common fixes.

What Causes Musty Smells

You might not be surprised to hear that warm, wet places (like a hamper, even an unattended washer and dryer) are great places for bacteria and mold to grow. When damp clothes sit in a laundry basket, washing machine or improperly loaded dryer for too long, odor-causing bacteria have the perfect chance to spread, creating a musty smell that’s hard to get rid of.

You may, however, be surprised to learn that leftover detergent and fabric softener can be an odor-causing culprit too! They’re meant to make clothes smell fresh, but using too much can lead to residue on your clothes, i.e. another place for smelly germs to thrive. Make sure to follow directions for fresh-smelling laundry with every load.

Practical Tips for Preventing Musty Smells

Preventing musty smells is easy with a few small changes to your laundry routine.

• Good airflow: After you wash your clothes, leave the door slightly open to help moisture escape and reduce the chance of mold and mildew growing.
• Dry clothes quickly: Move wet clothes to the dryer immediately after washing them—making sure to not overload your dryer. If you prefer to line-dry, be sure to spread them out well to avoid overlap.

Using proper washing methods can also help prevent odors from setting into fabric:

• Avoid Overloading: Don't pack too many clothes into the machine. Overloading makes it hard for water and detergent to flow properly.
• Sort Clothes Wisely: In addition to sorting by color, you can try sorting fabric by weight. Washing heavy items like towels and blankets with lighter clothes can cause uneven washing and drying.
• Choose the Right Cycle: Pick a wash cycle that fits your laundry load. For clothes that are dirtier than usual, select a longer cycle to give the machine ample time to remove odors.

How to Remove Lingering Mustiness in Clothes

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, musty smells happen—especially with clothes you tend to sweat in. Luckily, there are several easy ways to get rid of these odors.

• White vinegar is a reliable natural deodorizer. To get rid of smells and make fabrics softer, soak your laundry in a solution of one cup white vinegar and a gallon of water for at least an hour, then wash regularly.
• Baking soda can also absorb stuck-in odors. Add half a cup to your wash with your regular detergent.
• Nature’s deodorizers—sunlight and fresh air! Hanging your clothes outside to dry can help eliminate musty smells, as sunlight has powerful clothes bleaching properties, and proper airflow never hurts!