Do Your Clothes Still Stink After Washing Them?
November 4, 2021
source: iStock
No one wants to put on clothes that have just gone through the washer and dryer, only to notice they still have an odor. After all, the point of washing your clothes is to have them come out smelling clean and fresh, right? If you’re finding that your clothes are smelling, even after washing them, there are a few different reasons to consider. Ensure you’re going over the following information to get your clothes smelling clean and fresh after every single wash!
Leaving Clothes in the Machine
We’ve all done it – putting on a load of laundry, only to forget to switch it over to the dryer when the wash cycle is done. If you leave your clothes for a few hours (or even overnight) but don’t notice an odor, they’re probably fine to toss in the dryer. However, leaving your wet clothes in the washing machine for too long can cause bacteria and accompanying odors to develop, in which case you’ll need to put your clothes through the wash cycle again.
Your Washing Machine is Dirty
We tend to think that washing machines are always clean, since that’s what their main function is. However, every washing machine needs to be cleaned and maintained over time to ensure your laundry comes out clean and fresh. If you notice your clothes have an odor, check your machine and give it a good clean.
Overloading the Machine
If you put on a giant load of laundry and notice it doesn’t smell good afterwards, you’ve likely stuffed too much in the machine. Overloading the washing machine means there isn’t enough room for the detergent and water to really penetrate the clothing. Separate your laundry into smaller loads for maximum cleaning power.
Using Too Much Detergent
You wouldn’t think using too much detergent can cause your clothes to hold odors, but it can! If you use too much detergent, it won’t rinse out, and the leftover detergent will get stuck in your clothing, forming bacteria and odors. Always consult the detergent label to ensure you’re using an appropriate amount.
Putting Clothes Away Damp
If you take your clothes out of the dryer and notice they’re still damp, toss them straight back in there until they’re completely dry. Putting your clothes away damp will encourage bacteria, mildew, and mold to form, which will all lead to unpleasant odors.
Heavily Soiled Clothing
Even the best washing machine isn’t always a match for heavily soiled clothing. If your clothes are especially sweaty, muddy, or otherwise soiled, you may have to put them through the wash cycle twice on a hot water cycle to really get them coming out clean.
These are the most common culprits when it comes to “clean” clothes still smelling after they’ve gone through the wash. If you notice your clothes are holding an odor, be sure to go through this list to try and get to the root of the problem!