Washing doesn’t remove bad odors every time.

In the presence of the right conditions, detergent helps lift bad odors from clothes. When there are too many clothes for the load (overloaded) and the temperature is not high enough to break down the detergent, some bad odors can remain.

It’s not always the clothes that smell bad.

The development of bad odors in a washing machine is inevitable after a while. These bad odors can be transferred to clothes in the next washing cycle.

What Causes Musty, Sour and Damp Laundry Smells?

Different bad odors can indicate different problems.

Bad odors can develop when clothes stay damp for a long time. If bad odors persist after a wash, sweat, body oils or even detergent can be the source.

If clothes are stored in a damp area after being dried, bad odors can be absorbed by the clothes and continue to smell bad even after the drying cycle.

Here is a guide on common problems with laundry.

Why Do Clothes Sometimes Smell Worse After Washing?

Washing clothes doesn’t always make bad odors go away. Sometimes the bad odors get released or redistributed.

For example, a bad odor can be locked in a dry sports top. When the top gets wet (from washing, for example), the bad odor can get released.

The same thing can happen to clothes when a washing machine has not been cleaned for a long time.

Adding more fragrance to cover up bad smells is only a temporary fix.

 What you should be doing is figuring out the cause of the smells and taking care of that.

7 Common Reasons Your Clothes Smell Bad After Washing

The 7 reasons listed may surprise you and help you identify why your clothes smell bad after washing.

You may find that one small change can make a big difference.

1. Your Washer Isn’t Really Cleaning

While your washer is doing a great job cleaning your clothes, it’s not doing a very good job cleaning itself.

Detergent, fabric softener, body oils, dirt and other debris build up over time and clog the machine.

The rubber door seal on a front-loading washer is especially bad at retaining moisture and small debris.

If your machine has a musty odor before a load is even spun, then there’s a good chance your washer is the problem.

Check your user manual for a maintenance cycle to help with this problem.

2. Using Too Much or Too Little Detergent

Body oils, dirt and other debris can build up on the clothes and not be thoroughly removed.

Using excess detergent may leave a residue that can build up over time and lead to a musty smell.

Too little detergent can leave body oils, dirt and other debris that can build up over time and lead to a musty smell.

3. The Washing Machine Is Overloaded

Overloading the washing machine means there is too much clothing for the drum to effectively agitate.

Clothing, water, and detergent may not be able to fully mix, leading to uneven cleaning and trapped dirt and detergent in clothing.

Avoid overloading the washing machine to prevent the dirty clothes problem.

Programming settings with bulky items like towels and bedding may require special loading consideration.

4. Clothes Are Left Wet in the Machine

Many people have forgotten about a load of laundry at one time or another.

You put the clothes in the washer, walk away and remember the load several hours later.

Clothes left to sit in a drum with water may begin to smell musty.

Try to remove laundry as soon as a cycle has completed.

If clothes developed an unpleasant smell, wash and dry them again.

5. Your Laundry Isn’t Drying Properly

This problem is particularly bad during the cooler months in the UK.

When there is not enough space between items of clothing, or when a room is not well-ventilated, moisture may take a long time to evaporate.

While fabric may appear to be dry to the touch, thick areas like a waistband, may be holding on to moisture.

Folding and storing moist clothing may worsen the smell.

1. Don’t Overstuff Your Washer

Allow space between items. If your washer is too full, soil transferred from one item to another during the wash cycle. Additionally, clothes may not be completely cleaned if they are too close together.

2. Clean the Washer and Dryer

Clean your washer and dryer according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. This reduces odors, and helps restore efficiency and performance.

3. Don’t Overstuff Your Dryer

As with your washer, don’t overstuff your dryer. Not allowing space between items can damage clothes and cause wrinkles.

4. Fill Half-Full

Your washer has a load size that helps it determine how much water and how much detergent to use. Most people aren’t careful about using the correct load size. If the load is too small, soap and water isn’t dispersed correctly and clothes aren’t fully cleaned. If the load is too large, the detergent is used too much and soil isn’t completely rinsed out. If using a front-loading washer, the load should fill the drum to about half way.

5. Watch The Soil Level

Using a regular cycle is convenient, but using a heavy duty cycle is better for a deeply-soiled load. Selecting the soil level also helps the washer disperse the right amount of water and detergent.

6. Low Temperature Washing Isn’t Removing The Odor

Using a regular 30°C cycle can clean most everyday clothes, as long as the correct detergent is used, and the correct cycle is selected.

Sweaty and heavily soiled clothes may need to be washed in a different way to remove odors.

7. Sweat, Body Oils and Fabric Residue Remain in Clothes

Some fabrics hold on to body odors more than others. One example is synthetic sportswear.

To remove odors, sweating, and body oils, the fabric must be cleaned with the appropriate detergent and program.

8. How to Get Rid of Musty Smells From Clothes

A musty smell may not mean that clothes have been permanently ruined. The cause may be dampness or an inefficient wash. If dampness or odors aren’t removed the first time, they may need to be removed again.

Clothes That Smell Damp or Musty

Clothes can get musty or damp smelling while still in the washing machine, and air drying them usually doesn’t get rid of the smell.

To get rid of the smell, rewash them with the right amount of detergent and using the right cycle.

Sometimes the washing machine can also get musty, in which case you should clean it before using it again to wash clothes.

Avoid overloading the washing machine drum when doing a repeat wash.

Different Fabrics and Stains Need Different Conditions

There are limits to what each fabric can take, and conditions that can be used for a given cycle.

A delicate blouse may not tolerate a hot wash like a towel.

On the other hand, sports apparel may require a synthetic fabric detergent.

Check the Care Label

Look to see if the care label has instructions regarding the wash temperature.

If there’s a particular area on the fabric that’s smelly, like under the arms of a shirt, you may treat it with a stain removing product.

Always use the recommended dosage.

Dry Clothes

After a wash, the clothes need to be completely dry to avoid a musty or damp smell.

Use enough space when hanging clothes so they dry completely.

If the care label says it’s okay, you may also use a tumble dry.

Putting clothes in the drawer while they are still damp can cause the clothes to get musty.

Be patient when drying clothes so they don’t get musty again.

Sour Smelling Laundry

Sometimes sour smelling clothes can occur even after a wash.

Many people can identify the smell of sour laundry.

Often, the smell doesn’t occur until the fabric gets wet and then becomes warm.

Sometimes people can even identify the smell before the laundry is even put on.

Why Does Laundry Smell Sour?

There are many different reasons as to why laundry smells sour.

Some of the reasons include:

• The detergent or fabric conditioner was not completely rinsed out.
• The laundry was left wet for too long.
• The washer was not rinsed out thoroughly.
• Unclean washing machine odors.

If the odor only occurs in some of the loads, then there may be an issue with the washing machine.

If the sour odor occurs only in specific items of clothing, then the fabric or what was previously soiling the fabric may be why the sour odor is occurring.

How to Remove Sour Odors Without Damaging Fabrics

First check the fabric care label to see what the laundry care instructions are.

If the care label permits, pretreat the odor.

Be sure to wash the load with the correct care level and fabric type.

Avoid choosing the quickest wash cycle because a quick wash cycle will not get deeply soiled clothes completely clean.

Once the wash is done, remove the clothes to avoid them re-soiling and then dry the clothes to avoid them mildewing.

There is no need to experiment with dangerous concoctions.

Using a good laundry detergent and maintaining the washing machine will help to remove sour odors.

How to Remove Sweat Smells from Clothes After Washing

For gym clothes and uniforms that are sour smelling after they are washed, try washing the clothes with the following method.

• Add a ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
• If your washing machine does not have a rinse cycle, let the machine sit for 5 minutes after the wash cycle with ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar.
• Hang the clothes up to dry.

Though the materials are meant to be lightweight and quick-drying, body oils and odor-causing residues can stick around.

You may be using too much fabric conditioner or doing short washes.

If you’ve left gym clothes in a bag for several days, that can make them harder to freshen, too.

Best Ways to Wash Sweat-Soaked Clothing

Don’t bundle up damp sports gear in a gym bag.

If you can’t wash it right away, hang it to dry as best you can.

When you are ready to wash:

• Read care labels.
• Separate sportswear from other clothes.
• Pretreat smelly areas.
• Use the right detergent for the fabric.
• Avoid overloading the washer.
• Dry sports gear fully.

For technical sportswear, fabric softener may not be a good idea, according to some manufacturers.

Consider getting persistent odor clothing professionally cleaned, as it may be worth the cost.

How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine

If the clothes aren’t smelling the best, sometimes the better option is to clean the washing machine.

A washing machine may look clean on the outside, but residue can still build up on the inside.

Clean the Drum and the Door Seal

Check your user manual for your washer.

Remove dirt and debris from the door seal and folds where water can build up.

Clean the detergent drawer following manufacturer’s instructions.

Run a drum-clean cycle.

You can also run a cleaning cycle if you notice a buildup of residue on the drum.

Use only approved cleaning products.

Leaving the door open slightly can help with drying. Leave the detergent drawer open to.

Check the Filter and Drainage.

A clogged filter and/or drainage can be the reason your washer is not draining water correctly. This can cause clothes to come out soggy or smelly.

Refer to your washer’s manual for instruction on how to safely access and clean the filter.

Disconnect and turn off the machine if required. Be aware that there may be water left in the drum.

For leak issues, contact a plumber or a qualified appliance technician.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

This depends on your specific washer and how often you use it.

Try to wipe the door seal and keep the detergent drawer clean.

Run the maintenance program if there is one.

Cyclic drum cleaning is recommended by manufacturers. Depending on your washer, this can be every 1-3 months.

If you notice an odor or smelly clothes, check the drum and clean it if needed.

How to Make Laundry Smell Fresh for Longer

Getting rid of a smell is one thing. Making sure it doesn’t come back is another.

Laundry habits affect how long smells last.

Try to time your washing so you can unload the clothes as soon as it’s done.

A reminder on your phone can be useful if you regularly forget about the machine.

Once the cycle finishes, remove the clothes and start drying them.

Rewash the laundry if it has already developed musty smells.

Detergents come with fragrance to cover up the odour of the detergent; however, that does not make it better at cleaning.

Detergents have a direct effect on the cleaning of the clothes. Opt for a detergent that is suitable for your clothes. Hardness of water in your area, load size, and amount of dirt in the clothes affect how much detergent is needed to effectively clean the clothes.

Dry clothes properly, especially during winters in the UK

Drying laundry indoors can be very difficult and frustrating when it’s cold, wet and windy outside.

Try to use a clothes airer, and if you do, make sure you leave enough space for the air to circulate.

Do not overcrowd your house by creating excessive moisture.

Try to dry clothes outside, especially during winters in the UK, or use a tumble dryer when the care label allows it.

Avoid overcrowding clothes on a radiator or against a wall.

Clothes can still pick up smells, even after they’ve been washed and dried.

Storage areas can be damp, making the storage area musty. Make sure your storage areas are clean and dry.

Don’t use air fresheners to mask the smells of mold and moisture. Instead, address the moisture problem.

When should you use a professional laundry service?

The scents from everyday laundry use can be improved by making sure that your washing and drying routines include certain processes.

But if you have many large loads of laundry to do, or not enough space to dry the laundry, or you don’t have enough time to manage the laundry for your household, it would be a good idea to use a professional laundry service.

Can professional cleaning services address everyday laundry odor?

Most problems related to everyday laundering can be improved by using proper laundry washing and drying processes.

However, no service can guarantee they can eliminate all odors.

If you have an item of clothing that you think has an odor that can’t be removed, tell the service when you arrange for them to pick it up.

For items of clothing that are structured or delicate, it may be better to use a professional dry-cleaning service instead of regular laundry.

The Benefits of Professional Laundry and Dry-cleaning Services

A service that washes, dries, folds, and otherwise takes care of your laundry can be a good use of your time to use for other things.

This might work for you if you:

• Wash multiple loads of laundry from family members
• Wash work clothes on a regular basis
• Wash towels and other household linens
• Have limited space to dry indoors
• Have a busy work week

Rather than spending hours doing your laundry, you can have it done for you.

For more info on timings, check out our article on how long does a laundry service take.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smelly Laundry

Why does laundry still smell bad after washing?

Laundry can still smell bad after washing for a number of reasons. The clothes could have damp detergent residue, a dirty washing machine, or be trapped with other people’s sweat, and/or not dry completely. Improper drying or leaving the laundry in the washing machine too long can cause it to develop a musty smell.

Why do my clothes smell musty after washing?

Musty smells occur when clothes are damp for a long time or are washed with a dirty washing machine. The smells can also be made worse with poor drying. Rewash the clothes and make sure they are completely dry before storing.

Can too much laundry detergent make clothes smell?

Yes. Too much detergent can cause a buildup of residue on the clothes and give them a bad smell. Adjust the dosage of detergent based on the hardness of the water, how dirty the clothes are, and the size of the load.

Why do my clothes smell musty after drying?

Clothes can still smell musty after drying because they don’t always fully dry. Often it’s because thick seams or cuffs hold a lot of water that takes a long time to fully evaporate. Indoor humidity and a lack of air flow can make things even worse. To fix this, give your clothes enough space to dry and check to make sure they are fully dry before folding or putting away.

How Long Can Wet Laundry Stay in the Washing Machine?

Wet laundry needs to be removed from the machine as soon as the cycle finishes. There’s really no safe number of hours that you can leave wet laundry in the machine because different conditions can affect how quickly bad smells are produced. If you left laundry in the machine overnight and it smells musty, rewash and redry the laundry.

Keep Your Laundry Clean and Fresh

People often ask “why does my laundry smell bad after washing?” and the answer is usually not that unusual.

Is your laundry smelling less than fresh? Instead of changing your entire laundry routine, consider some of these other causes first: An improperly cleaned washing machine, too much detergent, an overloaded drum, or clothes that haven’t dried properly.

A properly cleaned washing machine with the correct dosages of detergent and proper drying can improve the smell of your clothes dramatically.

If you continuously struggle with large loads, limited drying space, and/or not enough time to get everything washed, perhaps getting some help with your laundry can be beneficial.

Laundry2Door offers laundry collection and delivery services across certain West London areas. Visit the site to view the services offered and schedule a pick-up to ease your weekly routine.