“Why Do My Clothes Smell Musty After Drying?” Here's to How to Fix It!

It's a very common problem and you're not the only one who has encountered this, we can guarantee you!

Damp clothes can lead to musty smells, making it unpleasant to wear freshly washed items.

We have had our fair share of these moments one way or another at some point in our lives...

...and the really good thing about it is there are easy ways to fix damp smells on freshly washed clothes.

There is nothing worse than wearing workout clothes that seemingly smell fresh once you put them on...

...then halfway through your session, you end up wreaking at the gym.

Let's put a stop to this nasty problem.

Based on experience and tons of research, we have found fast and easy ways to fix smelly clothing articles. Read on!

Short Summary

• Must smelling clothes can be effectively managed with a few key practices.

• Ensure clothes are fully dried, regularly cleaning the washer & dryer, use the right detergent in proper amounts.

• Avoid overloading your washer, minimise use of cold wash modes, and proper airflow in the dryer are big musts.

Incomplete Drying

No matter how good your washer is there will always be small remnants of bacteria embedded into the fibre of your clothing.

One of the main reasons why your laundry smells bad out of the dryer is due to excessive moisture left on the fabrics...

...and we all know how much bacteria love to thrive in such moist and warm conditions.

Ensuring Damp Clothes Smell Fresh:

• Ensure the dryer is set to the appropriate cycle and time.

• Manually shuffle bulky items in the dryer every 30 minutes if using "Sensor Dry" for even drying.

• Check for overloading, which can hamper airflow and prevent clothes from drying properly.

• Consider using a faster spin cycle in the washer to remove more water prior to drying.

Dirty Washing Machine

If clothes smell damp right out of the completed wash cycle, then it means the washer might need some good cleaning.

Truth be told, not many are aware that the machines keeping our clothes clean need to be cleaned too!

Running a self-clean cycle with bleach once a month doesn't cut it.

Prolonged use of fabric softeners leads to residue buildup in the washing machine, harbouring mould and bacteria.

We recommend using scent boosters and distilled white vinegar as alternatives to fabric softeners to keep mould growth at bay.

Ponying up for a professional deep cleaning service for washing machines should be a triennial affair...

...this greatly helps to prolong the seals and overall lifespan of the appliance.

It's also a good practice to wipe the door and rubber seal of the washing machine after each completed wash cycle or batch of laundry.

Leave the door open for a minimum of 24 hours to keep moulds at bay, the number one mistake most people commit!

Mould and Mildew in the Dryer

If clothes smell damp right after the drying cycle, there are a few steps to keep in mind that could possibly fix this issue, and it's usually caused by trapped moisture.

It's a must to clear the lint screen or lint filter after every use of your tumble dryer to keep it working at its peak.

If you use a vented dryer, have your vents professionally cleaned every year if used on a frequent basis...

...or at least every two years to keep the vents clear and free from debris that can cause fires.

For those using heat pump dryers or condensing models, follow the manufacturer's guidelines on how to clean the heat exchangers properly.

Don't be fooled by "self-cleaning" condensers or heat exchangers, one way or another...

...your machine will need manual human intervention at least once a month.

This ensures that your tumble dryer is able to eek out as much moisture from your clothes as possible with optimum airflow and clean coils.

Leaving Clothes in the Washer Too Long

Leaving wet clothes in the washer for too long can cause a musty smell.

The damp environment encourages mould and mildew growth which leads to unpleasant odours.

Transfer clothes to the dryer as soon as the washing cycle ends.

Use a timer or reminder to avoid forgetting.

If you can't move them immediately, leave the washer door open for air circulation.

Such a simple habit can help keep your clothes smelling fresh in the long run.

Using the Wrong Detergent

Using the wrong detergent, especially in high-efficiency (HE) washers can cause residue build-up and trap odours resulting in foul smelling laundry.

Too much detergent can also leave excess soap in your clothes, causing a musty smell...

...so use the correct laundry detergent for your machine, use high efficiency laundry soap if required.

Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on detergent amounts and consider using less if clothes aren’t heavily soiled.

For front load washers, half the amount of liquid detergent with a few tablespoons of baking soda is more than adequate to clean clothes perfectly.

Regularly clean your washing machine, including the detergent drawer and door seals, to prevent build-up and odours.

Overloading the Washer

Overloading your washer can prevent clothes from getting properly cleaned and rinsed, leading to musty smells.

It also stops the washer from spinning clothes dry enough, leaving them wetter than they should be. Avoid overloading your washer.

Follow the manufacturer's load capacity guidelines and ensure clothes have room to move freely.

For bulky items, reduce the load size to allow proper agitation and rinsing...

...if your washer has a "More Water" feature, it's best to use it if larger loads are inevitable.

Balancing the load with large and small items can improve washing performance and keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Insufficient Airflow During Drying

Poor airflow in the dryer, clothesline or drying area can leave clothes damp, leading to a musty smell.

When the dryer vent is clogged or improperly vented, moisture gets trapped and clothes can’t dry thoroughly.

This dampness allows mould and mildew to develop causing unpleasant odours...

...so ensure that the dryer vent is clear and properly connected to a conduit outside.

Ensure that clothes are stretch adequately over the clothesline or clothes drying rack...

...for thicker items, hang them over two lines for better support and airflow between.

If necessary, use a dehumidifier in the drying area to improve airflow and reduce moisture to dry clothes quickly and keep them smelling fresh.

Residual Detergent and Fabric Softener

Excess detergent or fabric softener can leave residue on clothes, trapping moisture and odours.

This residue can build up over time, especially if too much product is used...

...or if the detergent isn’t suitable for your washing machine.

Use the correct amount of detergent and fabric softener as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

High-efficiency detergents leave less residue and are a good choice for preventing build-up.

If you notice a soapy feel on your clothes after washing, run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is washed out.

Poor Quality Water

Hard water or water with high mineral content can leave deposits on clothes...

...leading to poor cleaning job and contributing to musty smells on damp clothing.

These mineral deposits can trap dirt and detergent, creating a breeding ground for odours...

...if you have hard water, consider installing a water softener to reduce mineral deposits.

Use detergents formulated for hard water, as they can better handle the minerals and prevent build-up on your clothe...

...or consider using slightly more detergent with warm water or hot water.

Regularly cleaning your washing machine and using the right detergent will help keep your clothes fresh and free from odours caused by poor water quality.

It can greatly prevent mould accumulation as well!

Washing Clothes at Low Temperatures

Washing at low temperatures may not effectively kill bacteria and mould, leading to lingering odours.

While cold washes are energy-efficient, they might not be enough to eliminate the germs and fungi that cause musty smells.

Wash clothes at higher temperatures when possible, especially for items prone to odours like gym wear and towels.

Use hot water periodically to clean the washer and eliminate any bacteria or mould inside.

Using 40c setting on coloured garments, 60c on delicates and 90c on whites can help kill most of the bacteria...

...use odour and germ fighting detergents or additives for added boost and to prevent damp smells.

Final Words

Dealing with musty-smelling clothes after drying is a common problem but it can be effectively managed with a few key practices.

Ensuring that clothes are fully dried, regularly cleaning the washing machine and dryer, and using the correct detergent in appropriate amounts are essential steps.

Also, avoiding overloading the washer and ensuring adequate airflow during drying can prevent the buildup of moisture and bacteria that cause unpleasant odours.

By adopting these measures, you can keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean, making your laundry routine more pleasant and effective.