
You’ll Never Believe What Happens When You Don’t Rewash Forgotten Laundry!
Ever had that “oh no” moment when you realise you’ve left your laundry in the washer for way too long?
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there, and the aftermath isn’t pretty!
What lurks in that forgotten load might just surprise you.
The Stinky Truth Behind Forgotten Laundry
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there.
You chuck your laundry into the machine, get distracted by a call from a mate or that binge-worthy series, and before you know it, it’s been hours… or even a whole day.
But what happens to those clothes if they sit wet for too long?
It’s a ticking time bomb, really…
Here’s the lowdown: leaving your damp clothes in the washer might seem harmless at first, but you’re actually setting the stage for a funky odour festival.

Experts reckon you’ve got a safe window of about 8 to 12 hours before your laundry starts throwing a mould party, and trust me, that’s one bash you don’t want an invite to!
After 12 hours, the smell is just the start – you’re also looking at potential bacteria and mould growth that could really muck up your outfit.
The Smell Of Regret
So, your clothes have been sitting in the washer, and now they smell like they’ve been on a pub crawl without you. Not cool!

But before you chuck them out or start Googling “How much will a full set of clothes cost”, there are a couple of effective hacks to get rid of that musty odour.
Here’s how you can save your nose and your wardrobe:
Air It Out
Sun’s out? Great! Toss your clothes outside and let the sunshine work its magic.

No sun? No problem! Just hang them up inside. It’s better than letting them moulder away in your machine.
Use Bicarbonate Of Soda Or White Vinegar
Noticed a bit of a pong or some funky looking spots?
Chuck in a glass of vinegar or a cup of bicarbonate of soda in your next wash cycle. These kitchen wonders are like a reset button for your clothes.
- ECO-FRIENDLY & NON-TOXIC: A safe, chemical-free alternative to harsh cleaning products. Use it to clean surfaces, freshen carpets, scrub ovens, and clear home odours.
- HEALTH BENEFITS: Supports digestion as an antacid, neutralising stomach acid to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. Alleviates minor skin irritations, and softens skin when added to warm bath water. Gluten-free, paraben-free, and aluminium-free.
The Bleach Lifeline
If things are looking grim and the smell just won’t quit, it might be time to bring out the big guns. A bit of bleach can go a long way.

Just peek at the care label first, yeah? You wouldn’t want to ruin your threads.
Don’t Let It Linger!
The simple fix? Don’t let your laundry sit forgotten! Set a reminder on your phone, scribble it on your hand, do whatever it takes.
Fresh, clean clothes are worth that extra effort.
However you hack it, making a few simple changes sure beats breathing in a big whiff of damp mouldy clothes every time you open the machine.
Your nose (and your clothes) will thank you for it!
So there you have it, the soggy scoop on leaving washing too long. Now you’ve got a few easy tips to save your clothes from ever smelling musty again.
Or at least until the next time…let’s be real here.
Now share your embarrassing laundry stories below!
SEE ALSO: What Causes Black Mould On Washing Machines? (how to remove it)
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