Why clean clothes can smell
That damp, musty smell comes from mildew and bacteria that grow when fabric stays wet for too long. In the rainy season, clothes can take a day or more to dry, which is plenty of time for the smell to start. Towels and thick fabrics such as jeans are usually the first to go.
Get the water out quickly
- Hang clothes as soon as washing finishes. Never leave wet laundry sitting in a machine or bucket.
- Use the fastest spin your machine allows, or wring by hand firmly (but not so hard that you stretch delicate items).
- Wash smaller loads in the rainy season so there is less to dry at once.
Drying indoors
- Leave space between items on the line or rack so air can move around them.
- Put the rack by an open window or in the path of a fan. Moving air matters more than heat.
- Hang shirts and dresses on hangers, and turn thick items halfway through.
- Check that seams, pockets and waistbands are dry before you fold anything. They are always the last parts to dry.
Removing a musty smell
- Rewash the item with your normal detergent.
- Add about a cup of white vinegar to the rinse water. Do not use vinegar and chlorine bleach together.
- For towels that still smell after washing, run a second wash with half a cup of baking soda.
- Dry completely, in the sun if the fabric and colours allow it.
Dealing with mildew spots
Black or grey mildew spots should be brushed off outdoors first, so the spores do not spread. Pre-treat with liquid detergent and wash in the warmest water the label allows. On white cotton, an oxygen bleach soak helps. Mildew that has been in fabric for a long time can leave permanent marks, so act quickly.
Keep your wardrobe dry
Do not pack clothes in too tightly, keep the wardrobe a little away from damp outside walls, and use moisture absorbers such as silica gel sachets or charcoal bags. Air the wardrobe on dry days.
In long rainy spells, a laundry with commercial dryers can return clothes fully dry. With the Simame - Laundry Connect app you can book a partner laundry near you for pickup and delivery. It is free on Google Play.
Common questions
Why do my towels smell even after washing?
Detergent and body oils build up in towels and hold moisture, so bacteria keep growing. Wash towels warm with less detergent, add vinegar to the rinse, and make sure they dry fully between uses.
Is it bad to dry clothes indoors?
No, as long as there is airflow. Open a window or use a fan, space items out, and avoid drying in a closed room with no ventilation.
Can vinegar damage my clothes?
Diluted white vinegar in the rinse is safe for most washable fabrics. Avoid pouring it undiluted onto delicate fabric, and never mix it with chlorine bleach.