Left wet clothes in your washer for more than 12 hours? You MUST do this next…

If you’ve left your clothes in the washer for over 12 hours, and now your laundry smells like a swamp monster’s holiday home. It’s tempting to panic or, worse, throw everything out and start fresh. But wait! Don’t touch that bin bag just yet. This guide is here to rescue you from laundry doom.

Leaving wet clothes in the washer isn’t just a minor mishap; it’s a potential disaster that could set off a chain reaction of smells and bacteria. The clock is ticking, and your next moves are critical to salvaging your wardrobe. Keep reading to learn exactly what to do, and how to make sure this never happens again.

What Happens To Clothes That Become Mouldy?

When mould takes hold of your clothes, it’s not just about the smell, there’s real damage happening. Here’s what you need to know:

The Fabric Degrades

Mould can break down the fibres in your clothes, especially natural fabrics like cotton and linen. This weakens the material, making it more prone to tearing or even developing holes over time.

Clothes Can Discolour

Mould often leaves visible stains or patches of discolouration on fabric. Depending on the type of mould and material, these marks can be stubborn or impossible to fully remove.

Health Problems

Wearing or handling mouldy clothes can have serious health implications. Mould spores can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, or respiratory irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.

Difficult To Remove

Once mould embeds itself in your clothes, getting rid of it is no small feat. The odour and stains often require intensive cleaning methods, and even then, complete removal isn’t guaranteed.

Assess The Situation

First, you need to gauge the severity of the problem. Is the smell mild and bearable? Or are you gagging just standing near the machine? The level of mustiness will determine your next steps. 

If the smell is faint, you might not need a full on intervention. But if it’s reeking of mildew, brace yourself and roll up your sleeves. You’ve got work to do.

How To Get Rid Of Musty Smells From Wet Clothes

There are a few tried and tested ways to remove musty smells from clothes. The severity of the smell will determine the best way to deal with it.

Fresh Air For Relatively Mild Smells

If the smell isn’t too bad, the simplest solution might be fresh air. Hang your damp clothes on a line outdoors and let the cool breeze and sunshine do their magic. 

The fresh air will help neutralise odours and can even smooth out some wrinkles. Just a quick heads-up: sunlight can bleach fabrics, so turn your clothes inside out before hanging them up unless you want them to turn a whiter shade of pale.

No clothesline? No problem. Drape them over a chair or railing outside to get the same effect. Easy, breezy!

When Fresh Air Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, the mildew smell won’t budge with fresh air alone. Time for reinforcements.

Add Some Vinegar

White vinegar is your laundry’s best friend. Add a cup of vinegar to your washing machine along with your regular detergent and run a full cycle. 

Vinegar is a natural deodoriser and disinfectant that will tackle bacteria and banish that nasty smell. Say hello to fresh, clean clothes!

Sprinkle Bicarbonate Of Soda

Bicarbonate of soda (aka baking soda) is another powerhouse odour eliminator. Sprinkle ¼ to ½ cup over your clothes in the washer and run the hottest cycle your fabrics can handle. 

For extra oomph, use baking soda first, then follow up with a rinse cycle that includes a cup of vinegar. The dynamic duo will annihilate any lingering smells.

Enzyme Cleaners To The Rescue

If baking soda and vinegar don’t cut it, it’s time to bring in the heavy artillery. Enzyme cleaners are specially formulated to break down odour causing bacteria. 

Follow the instructions on the bottle and add it to your wash along with your regular detergent. These cleaners are particularly effective for deep set smells like mildew or even manure.

Why Your Washing Machine Might Be To Blame

Sometimes, the problem isn’t just the clothes. Your washing machine itself could be the culprit. Over time, dirt, gunk, and detergent residue build up in the folds of the rubber door seal (especially in front loading machines), creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Here’s how to fix it:

• Clean The Door Seal
  Wipe it down with a cloth soaked in white vinegar, then rinse with water. Do this regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Run A Cleaning Cycle
  Once a week (or at least once a month), run your machine empty on its hottest setting with a cup of vinegar or a washing machine cleaner.
• Clean The Detergent Drawer
  Remove the drawer, scrub off any scum, and rinse thoroughly. Leftover detergent can harbour mould and spread odours.
• Leave The Door Open
  When not in use, keep the door slightly ajar to let the interior dry out. Mould thrives in damp, enclosed spaces, don’t give it the chance!

Ways To Prevent Musty Smells In The Future

Once you’ve successfully removed that musty, mouldy smell from your laundry, you’re going to want to make sure it never comes back. Here are a few ways to prevent the return of that bad smell;

• Don’t Overload The Washer
  Stuffing too many clothes into the drum means they won’t get properly cleaned, leading to lingering smells.
• Use The Right Amount Of Detergent
  Too much detergent can leave a residue that traps odours; too little won’t clean your clothes effectively. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Dry Clothes Promptly
  Never leave damp clothes in the washer or dryer. If you’re using a washer dryer combo, ensure the drying cycle is long enough.
• Double Check For Stragglers
  Spin the drum after removing your laundry to catch any lone socks or forgotten items.

Reasons Why Your Wardrobe Might Smell Musty

Even clean clothes can develop a musty smell in the wardrobe. Here are the three main causes:

1. Overcrowding
   Too many clothes crammed into a small space prevent airflow, creating a breeding ground for mildew. Declutter and donate items you no longer wear.
2. Solid Doors
   Wardrobes with solid doors trap stale air. Consider swapping them out for louvered doors to improve ventilation.
3. Poor Air Circulation
   Use a small fan to direct airflow into your wardrobe and keep mildew at bay.

SEE ALSO: Think Your Washer Cleans Itself? Here’s the Truth That Could Save You Big!

The Bottom Line

Leaving wet clothes in the washer is a mistake, but it’s not the end of the world. With these tips and tricks, you can salvage your laundry and keep your washer, and wardrobe, fresh and odour free. 

Next time, set a timer or leave yourself a sticky note to remind you to empty the washer. Your nose (and your clothes) will thank you!

Do you have any tips or tricks for dealing with mould and mildew infected laundry? Or have you used one of the methods shown in this article?

Let us know in the comments and share this article with that one friend who’s clothes have that mouldy smell about them. Let’s save our laundry one wash at a time.

Also, follow us on Pinterest ...