Most people have experienced it. The laundry is done, but for some reason it remains in the machine. When you open the door later, you are greeted by a musty, sour smell – even though the laundry has just been cleaned.
The question often comes up in forums: how long can laundry actually stay in the washing machine before it starts to smell?
The short answer
It depends on several things, but after just a few hours the laundry can start to smell. In some cases it is noticeable even sooner.
Why does laundry start to smell in the machine?
When the washing program is finished, the clothes are warm and damp. It is a perfect environment for bacteria and microorganisms to start multiplying. The washing machine is also closed, which means that the moisture cannot be aired out.
The longer the laundry is left, the greater the risk of odor.
Factors that affect how quickly odor occurs
The temperature of the laundry
Laundry that has been run at a low temperature may contain more bacteria than laundry that has been run at a higher temperature, which can cause odors to develop more quickly.
Type of garment
Towels, workout clothes and thick textiles retain moisture longer and therefore start to smell faster than thin garments.
How clean is the washing machine?
If the machine has deposits of detergent, grease and dirt, the smell can settle even faster in the clothes.
Humidity in the room
If the machine is in a humid bathroom, it will be more difficult for the laundry to stay fresh.
How long is “too long”?
There is no exact time limit, but generally speaking:
– after 1–2 hours there are usually no problems
– after 3–4 hours, odors may begin to appear
– after 6–8 hours, the laundry often smells musty
This is why many people find that laundry that has been left overnight almost always needs to be rewashed.
Is it possible to save laundry that has started to smell?
In mild cases, it is sometimes enough to hang the laundry up immediately and let it dry thoroughly. If the smell persists, the laundry usually needs to be run again.
The smell rarely goes away on its own, as it is caused by microorganisms in the moisture.
How to reduce the risk of laundry smelling
– Remove the laundry as soon as the program is finished.
– Leave the door open after washing
– Make sure the washing machine is kept clean
– Avoid overfilling the machine
– Be extra careful with towels and workout clothes
Summary
Laundry can start to smell after just a few hours in the washing machine. This is due to moisture, heat, and bacteria that take hold in the stationary laundry. The longer the laundry is left, the harder it is to remove the smell without rewashing.
