6 laundry mistakes that leave a bad smell on clothes: they must be avoided
When we wash clothes, we legitimately expect them to come out clean and fresh from the washing machine. Unfortunately, sometimes we have bad surprises and one of the most frequent is none other than the bad smell on freshly washed clothes. For the sake of saving time, we can make washing mistakes that cause this inconvenience and that we will do well to avoid.
In this article, it is not about knowing how to end it with bad odors but rather to list the laundry errors that are supposed to cause damp smells on our clothes. Take a look at these fake good laundry ideas.
Laundry mistakes that leave a damp smell on our clothes
Here are the main washing and drying errors that can be responsible for the musty smell emanating from our clothes.
– Overloading the washing machine can cause the smell of humidity
Machine overload – Source: spm
This is an error that consists of overloading the washing machine drum. A counterproductive gesture that does not effectively clean clothes. A machine that is too full makes the clothes wetter and takes much longer to dry.
– A lack of air promotes the appearance of a smell of humidity
If during drying your items are not sufficiently ventilated , moisture can form there. Do not pile all your wet laundry in a dryer hoping to save time or you will end up with laundry that smells of damp. This could also affect the fabric to the point that you are forced to iron a large part of your clothes.
The best is therefore to space out the washes while giving your clothes the space they need to dry properly. At the same time, be sure to ventilate the room for 20 minutes to allow free airflow. Good ventilation is important for drying quality.
– Drying clothes in a humid room can cause a damp smell
When it’s cold, another reflex is to dry clothes in a room like the bathroom. However, know that this is a mistake. A lack of air will inevitably cause musty smells after a certain time . If for fear of the cold you do not want to open the windows of the house, consider getting a dehumidifier to allow your items to dry faster.
– Not cleaning your washing machine can leave a damp smell on your clothes
Cleaning the machine – Source: spm
Washing machines tend to retain moisture which will cause mold and leave a lingering smell. To avoid this, wipe down the drum with a homemade household cleaner and then run a high-temperature vacuum cycle after pouring a few tablespoons of baking soda into the detergent drawer. Sodium bicarbonate will not only help eliminate bacteria but also deodorize your machine.
Also, between each use, remember to leave the door of your appliance ajar. Indeed, good ventilation allows good quality drying and therefore prevents your laundry from smelling musty. Another detail, don’t forget that the drum’s rubber seals can harbor dirt and bacteria . So don’t hesitate to clean and disinfect them.
– Incorrect amount of detergent can contribute to the bad damp smell
If you think using a large amount of detergent will save you time and efficiency, think again. Too much detergent will only create suds which trap dirt and odor-causing bacteria.
Just refer to the label and the markers in the cap to use the correct one amount of detergent. Regarding the water temperature, prefer to use hot water for fabrics that can withstand it in order to better eradicate bacteria.
– Frequent use of fabric softener is also responsible for the damp smell
341267Softener – Source: spm
It’s hard not to want to give in to the use of fabric softener to perfume and soften our textiles. However, frequent use of it will only mask unwanted odors instead of neutralizing them . Instead, it is advisable to favor white vinegar which strives for a deodorizing and disinfecting power.
If it is difficult for you to give up the characteristics scented with a fabric softener, you can always pour a few drops of essential oil diluted in water into the appropriate compartment. Thyme, mint, lavender or even eucalyptus, you have something for everyone. You can also prepare your own fabric softener without chemicals.
Read also How to eliminate the smell of humidity from clothes naturally?
