Perhaps you just finished a laundry load, yet some items still carry that funky, stale scent. That musty smell in clothes can truly ruin your mood. It often signals dampness, or perhaps a garment forgotten in the machine. This is a common woe in the world of fabrics.
Common Causes of Musty Smell in Clothes
Understanding the common causes behind a musty smell in clothes is the first step toward solving the problem. This unpleasant odor often stems from moisture, mold, or improper laundry habits.
Here are the key reasons your laundry might not smell fresh—even right after washing:
- Leaving wet laundry sitting in the machine creates ideal conditions for mold and mildew to grow, leading to mildew odor in clothes.
- Overloading the washing machine can prevent detergent and water from circulating properly, causing incomplete rinsing.
- Residue left behind encourages that lingering damp smell in clothing.
- Clothes that don’t dry fully—especially in humid environments—can hold onto moisture, making the smell worse.
- Sometimes, the issue isn’t your laundry, but your machine. Residual buildup of detergent, fabric softener, and lint turns the washer into a breeding ground for mildew.
- As a result, clothes smell after washing, even after running a full cycle.
- Storing laundry in tight, unventilated areas like packed closets can trigger a musty closet smell that transfers to clean clothes.
By tackling these causes, you can make a real difference in keeping your wardrobe consistently fresh.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Musty Smell in Clothes
Once you’ve identified the source, here’s how to get rid of it:
- Start with a vinegar rinse by adding ½ cup of white vinegar to your washer’s fabric softener compartment or directly into the rinse cycle. It neutralizes odors and helps break down residues that often cause mildew odor in clothes.
- For stronger buildup, especially if there’s a particularly bad smell, pre-soak the clothes in warm water mixed with vinegar for 30 to 60 minutes before washing as usual.
- Add ½ cup of baking soda to the drum with your detergent during the wash. It boosts cleaning and odor removal.
- Baking soda is also a great ongoing method for how to remove musty smell from laundry. Use it regularly to keep buildup and odors at bay.
- Dry clothes as soon as the cycle ends. Even a short delay can let dampness set in and trigger more odor.
- Whenever possible, dry your clothes in direct sunlight. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant and helps with complete drying.
- If using a dryer, set it to medium or high heat to ensure garments are fully dry before folding or putting them away.
- For delicates or items that can’t go in the dryer, hang them in a well-ventilated space until completely dry. Proper air circulation is essential for preventing new smells from forming.
Preventing Musty Smells Going Forward
Preventing odors is just as important as eliminating them. By building a few simple habits into your laundry routine, you can significantly reduce the chances of that persistent musty smell in clothes returning. Avoid overloading your washing machine—it disrupts detergent flow and leaves residue that contributes to stale odor in fabric.
Promptly transfer clothes to the dryer—letting them sit in the machine for even a short time encourages mildew growth. Always make sure clothes are fully dry before putting them away, since dampness is often the main culprit behind lingering odors.
To improve drying, consider using wool dryer balls, which speed up the process and reduce energy use. It’s also important to maintain your washing machine. Running an empty hot cycle with two cups of vinegar monthly helps to eliminate mildew smells building up inside. Also, don’t forget to clean the detergent dispenser regularly.
Lastly, keeping your closet and drawers ventilated prevents damp air from transferring to clean clothes, helping you maintain lasting freshness.
Professional Help: When DIY Isn’t Enough
When a moldy clothing odor won’t go away, professional laundry services can help. They use advanced equipment to remove deep mustiness that home methods often can’t reach. These services are ideal for delicate or bulky items that are too risky to clean at home—they save you time and ensure your clothes come back fresh and well cared for.
Why Choose Bubble Bliss Laundromat?
Bubble Bliss Laundromat is a top-tier laundry and dry cleaning service in NYC, known for quality, convenience, and care. We use all-natural soaps safe for sensitive skin and suitable even for infant clothing. Whether it’s home or business laundry, we deliver on time—with expert handling and attention to every detail.
Our services include:
- Wash & Fold: Simplify your routine with fresh, expertly folded clothes.
- Organic Wash: Go green with eco-friendly detergents for a clean you can feel.
- Organic Dry Clean: Impeccable care for delicate garments, spotless and fresh.
- Wash & Press: Crisp, wrinkle-free clothes, ready to wear.
- Tailoring: Custom alterations and fittings from skilled tailors.
- Comforter Cleaning: Refreshed, spotless comforters in pristine condition.
We pick up and deliver at your chosen time for maximum convenience. Our process is fast, precise, and hygienic—prioritizing speed, cleanliness, and care. Clients love our super clean facility, modern equipment, and friendly attendants.
FAQs About Musty Smells in Laundry
- Can you fix musty clothes without rewashing?
– For mild odors, airing clothes outdoors or using a fabric spray may help. For stronger smells, rewashing with vinegar or baking soda is your best bet. - Is it safe to use vinegar or baking soda on all fabrics?
– Mostly yes. Both are safe for most materials, but avoid vinegar on delicate fabrics like silk or rayon. Always spot-test first, especially with colored clothes. - Why do towels smell even after washing?
– Towels trap moisture easily, and if not dried fully, mildew can quickly form. Overloading the washer or using too much detergent also adds to the issue. Dry towels thoroughly right after washing. - How often should I clean my washer?
– Once a month is ideal. In humid climates or with heavy laundry use, every 2–3 weeks helps prevent odors and residue buildup.
Final Note
Getting rid of that musty smell in clothes is simple—with the right habits in place. From proper washing to smart drying and regular machine care, small changes make a big impact.
When needed, Bubble Bliss Laundromat is here to help—delivering expert care and consistently fresh, spotless laundry every time.
