Why your laundry smells bad after washing and what you can do to prevent it

Does your freshly washed laundry smell musty? 3 possible reasons!

There can be various reasons why your laundry smells after washing. To help you get to the bottom of the musty smell, we want to share the 3 most common causes of musty laundry with you!

Laundry left in the washing machine for too long

You quickly start the washing machine before work, come home exhausted in the evening and only remember the laundry in the washing machine the next day. This is probably one of the most common reasons why laundry develops a musty smell after washing.

Even if the clothes should be clean after the wash cycle, unpleasant odours and residues can develop in the warm, damp environment of the drum if the laundry is left inside for an extended period. If you simply dry the laundry without washing it again, the musty smell may remain in the fabric.

Laundry does not dry or dries too slowly

Incorrect drying can also be a reason why laundry develops an unpleasant smell. This may happen if your laundry takes too long to dry due to high humidity, for example, or if it is not completely dry before you put it away in your wardrobe.

Remaining moisture can also contribute to unpleasant odours. You may only notice the smell when you take the laundry out of the wardrobe or put it on.

Clothes were not cleaned thoroughly enough

A washing machine that is too full, a washing temperature that is too low or incorrect detergent dosing can all be reasons why your laundry is not cleaned thoroughly enough in the washing machine. Detergent residues, dirt and moisture can contribute to unpleasant odours developing in your laundry.

Musty laundry: How to remove the smell in 5 steps

To enjoy fresh-smelling laundry again after washing, there are a few steps you can follow. The most important thing: Musty-smelling laundry should be washed again according to the care instructions to help remove unpleasant odours and residues.

After all, having a strong smell coming from your laundry can be unpleasant for you and others. So, what exactly can you do to thoroughly clean musty laundry and reduce unpleasant odours in the future? Find out in these five steps.

Step 1: Thoroughly clean your washing machine

Before putting your smelly laundry back into the washing machine, you should clean the machine thoroughly. A suitable washing machine cleaner can be used according to the instructions on the packaging.

After cleaning, you should also empty the lint filter and clean the rubber seals according to the manufacturer's care instructions.

This can help reduce residues and unpleasant odours inside the washing machine. In future, also remember to leave the detergent drawer and door open after each wash cycle so that any remaining moisture can evaporate more easily.

Step 2: Pre-treat your laundry

Unpleasant odours can sometimes settle firmly into your clothes. However, delicate materials such as silk or wool should never be washed at excessively high temperatures. Always follow the care instructions for the individual garment and choose a suitable pre-treatment if needed.

Depending on the material and care instructions, soaking garments in water with a small amount of vinegar or using baking soda may help reduce unpleasant odours. When using household remedies on delicate fabrics, test them on an inconspicuous area first and always follow the care instructions. You can then wash the garment in the washing machine.

Step 3: Dose your detergent correctly

As well as choosing the right detergent, you should also pay attention to the correct dosage. This depends on the level of soiling and the water hardness in your area. Every detergent provides dosing instructions, which you should follow. After all, too little detergent may mean that your laundry is not cleaned thoroughly enough, while too much detergent can leave residues in the fabric, which may contribute to unpleasant odours later on.

Step 4: Load the washing machine appropriately

Another way to help prevent your laundry from smelling after washing is to load the washing machine with the right amount of clothing. As a general rule, it is better to load slightly less rather than too much – especially when washing musty-smelling clothes again!

For standard cotton garments, you should avoid filling the washing machine completely. Depending on the programme, delicate textiles may require an even smaller load. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and the instructions for the selected washing programme. If the drum is overloaded, the clothes may not move and wash as evenly. Detergent may also be rinsed out less effectively, which can contribute to unpleasant odours.

Step 5: Let your laundry dry thoroughly and quickly

Another important step in preventing musty-smelling laundry is drying it after washing. It should dry as quickly as reasonably possible, which is why many people rely on a tumble dryer, particularly during the cold and rainy months.

If you hang your clothes on a drying rack or line, aim for low humidity and good air circulation. You should also leave enough space between the individual garments. If they are hanging too close together or overlap, the laundry may take longer to dry.

It is equally important to make sure your laundry is completely dry before taking it off the line and putting it away in your wardrobe. This can help prevent unpleasant odours caused by residual moisture.