How to Get Smell Out of Laundry Left in Washer: Effective Tips to Freshen Up Your Clothes

We've all experienced that momentary lapse when a load of laundry sits forgotten in the washer. Unfortunately, this usually leaves your clothes with a musty or sour odor that's hard to ignore. The smell develops as damp clothes provide a perfect environment for bacteria and mold to thrive. Luckily, it's usually possible to freshen your laundry and prevent lingering odors with a few strategic steps. Here’s a professional guide on how to get the smell out of laundry left in the washer.

1. Rewash Immediately

As soon as you notice the odor, put the clothes through another wash cycle. Use hot water if fabric care labels allow, as heat helps kill lingering bacteria. Add a quality detergent, and for extra odor-fighting power, toss in one cup of white vinegar (which acts as a natural deodorizer) or a half cup of baking soda with your detergent.

2. Air Dry in Sunshine

If possible, line dry your freshly washed clothes outdoors. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and will help eliminate any remaining odor-causing bacteria as well as freshen up your laundry.

3. Deep Clean the Washer

Sometimes it’s not just your laundry—the washer itself can harbor mold and bacteria. Run an empty cycle with hot water, adding two cups of white vinegar or washing machine cleaner. This helps prevent recurring smells.

4. Act Quickly in the Future

Set a timer or reminder to remove clothes as soon as the wash ends. Leaving laundry for hours or overnight creates conditions for odors to develop.

5. Use Fragrance Boosters Judiciously

If the laundry still smells, consider adding a fragrance booster to a repeat wash. However, remember that masking a smell doesn't solve the underlying cause—proper cleaning is key.

As a designer, I believe a fresh, clean home environment is crucial for both your well-being and your space’s overall aesthetic. Simple adjustments to your laundry routine, just like thoughtful changes to your living space, can create a more pleasant daily experience. In fact, organizing your laundry area by optimizing the layout supports good habits: for example, placing hampers and sorting bins close to the washer as depicted in an efficient room planner setup can make laundry tasks less likely to be forgotten, reducing unpleasant smells before they start.

Tips 1:

To avoid odors altogether, keep your washer door or lid open after each load to let remaining moisture evaporate, and clean the rubber gasket and detergent drawer regularly.

FAQ

Q: Why do my clothes smell musty after sitting in the washer?

A: Clothes left damp in the washer allow mold and bacteria to multiply, leading to a sour or musty smell.

Q: What is the best DIY remedy for smelly laundry?

A: Rewash your clothes with hot water and add white vinegar or baking soda to help neutralize odors naturally.

Q: How do I clean my washer to prevent future smells?

A: Run an empty cycle with hot water and white vinegar or use a washing machine cleaner monthly to eliminate residue and bacteria.

Q: Will scented laundry boosters get rid of smells?

A: Scented boosters may mask the odor temporarily, but you need proper cleaning with detergent and deodorizers to eliminate it completely.

Q: How can I prevent forgetting laundry in the washer?

A: Build good habits—set timers, use reminders, and design a user-friendly laundry space so you naturally stay on top of your laundry routine.