Amidst all the household work, it is very common to forget your laundry in the washing machine. Daily life can really be hard on you. When you take your clothes out of the washing machine you expect it to be fresh and fragrant. But, there are higher chances of the clothes getting contaminated - depending on how long you have left your clothes in the washer.
Hence, it's very important to know how long you can leave your clothes before they develop mold and mildew that stinks. So, to help you understand how long your clothes can stay fresh in the washing machine - we've curated this blog. Also, we have explained what to do if you accidentally leave your clothes for too long.
How Long Should You Leave Your Laundry In The Washer?
The first rule is to never leave your wet laundry in your washer for more than 30 minutes to an hour. A wet and humid atmosphere is conducive for mold and mildew growth which usually happens if you leave your clothes overnight in the machine.
Also, certain factors such as the load's soil level, type and amount of detergent used, and water temperature can influence how long your clothes can survive in the washer. Well, as mentioned before, clothes left in the machine for an hour won't ruin them. However, if you leave them for too long - clothes’ fibres might become weak as too much moisture can ruin the fabric, causing your clothes to wear out faster.
Here are some of the fabrics that you must not leave in the washer for too long:
- Silk
- Cotton
- Woollen
- Cashmere
These are delicate fabrics with fine fibers which can be ruined by the moisture and humidity in the washer. Bacteria and fungi grow very quickly on damp clothes, which produce volatile organic compounds, also known as (VOCs), which cause your clothes to stink, which is similar to wet woods and your basement!
Hence, when you take your clothes out of the washing machine, all you need to do is take a little sniff. This will give you an idea of whether you need to rewash it to prevent clothes from smelling musty.
What to Do if Your Clothes Are Stinking?
If your clothes are smelly because you left in the washer too long, then you may need to freshen them up before drying. Not too much, but a quick rewash will do. You can also run the same load again and add some fabric freshener and add a presoak option to help reduce any odors.
If your clothes are pungent even without leaving them in the washer for long, you need to check the appliance. This is because they may develop mold odor because of humidity. In this case, consider cleaning your washing machine.
If you want to get rid of the odor, consider the following:
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Along with your laundry detergent, add half a cup of baking soda.
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Adding a cup of vinegar (it helps fight odor and kill bacteria).
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Add a drop or two of essential oil (the one you adore).
Leaving your clothes for too long in the washer also causes them to wrinkle. To get rid of this, you can rewash it once again with a fabric softener. Once washed, hang it out to dry. Avoid putting in the direct sunlight - as it may fade the color of your fabric.
What if the Source of Stinking Laundry is the Machine Itself?
As mentioned before, if you take out your clothes in time and they still stink, then you might consider checking your washing machine. You may need to wash the machine. Well, the idea of washing a washing machine sounds funny. But it's an important part of your appliance maintenance.
Cleaning your washing machine is not a challenging task. All you need to do is simply run an empty washer on a hot setting, and add two cups of white vinegar. This combo will fight mold and mildew, bacteria, and fungus, and leave your washer with a pleasant smell.
How to Avoid Leaving Laundry in the Washing Machine?
To avoid leaving your laundry in the washing machine, here are some tips to help you:
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Use a phone timer or an alarm that reminds you when it's time to take the clothes out.
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Smart washers are the best option for you if you have the habit of forgetting to take out your laundry. These washers send you alerts when your clothes are ready to take out.
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Plan your laundry time - when to wash and get your clothes out to dry.
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If you live with your family, let them know and ask them to remind you to take out the laundry.
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You can also opt for features like wash and dry combo. They save your time and ensure your laundry does not stink.
Conclusion
Removing laundry from the washer reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth and prevents your clothes from smelling musty. Clothes left for long in the washer can also lead to health hazards and trigger allergies and respiratory issues. So, ensure to remove and dry them out in the open.
