What to Do If You Leave Laundry in the Washer Overnight: Quick tips to refresh and avoid mildew

It’s a common experience: you throw a load of laundry in the washer at night and forget about it until the next morning. If you discover damp clothes that have sat in the washer overnight, the most important step is to act quickly to prevent odor and mildew growth. Generally, clothes left in the washer for less than 8–12 hours will be fine, but factors like humidity, fabric type, and temperature matter. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check for Musty Odor

Open the washer and immediately smell your clothes. If there’s no musty odor, you can simply run a short rinse and spin cycle to freshen them up, then dry as usual.

2. Notice Any Bad Smell?

If the laundry smells unpleasant or feels slimy, run a full wash cycle again. Add a cup of white vinegar or baking soda (never both together) to neutralize odors and kill bacteria. For particularly tough smells, an enzymatic laundry booster can help.

3. Dry Clothes Thoroughly

Once rewashed, dry your clothes immediately—preferably in a dryer or, if possible, sunshine for maximum freshening and to defeat any lingering mildew spores.

4. Clean the Washer

Clothes left too long can also make your washing machine smell. Periodically running a cleaning cycle using vinegar or washer cleaner helps keep things fresh.

As a designer, I often advise clients to consider laundry space organization and appliance placement that makes the washing process effortless and less forgettable. For those designing or renovating their laundry room, thoughtful laundry room layout plans can help ensure the washer is in a convenient location and dull chores like laundry become less of a burden.

Tips 1:

Set a phone reminder or use a smart appliance with notifications to alert you when your wash cycle is complete. This small change can save you from forgotten loads and extra work.

FAQ

Q: How long can wet clothes stay in the washer before they start to smell?

A: Typically, 8–12 hours is the upper limit before mildew or odors develop, but it depends on your climate and fabric type.

Q: What if my clothes smell musty after being left overnight?

A: Rewash them with white vinegar or baking soda. Dry them immediately after washing.

Q: Can leaving clothes in the washer damage the fabric?

A: Prolonged dampness can weaken fibers and cause mold, so it’s best to rewash and dry promptly.

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

A: Set phone timers, use washer alarms, or integrate the laundry process into your evening routine for consistency.

Q: Does a musty smell mean I need to clean my washing machine?

A: Yes, if odors persist, run a washer cleaning cycle to clear out any mildew or residue.