You’ve just pulled your laundry out of the machine, expecting fresh, clean clothes… but instead, you’re hit with that damp, musty smell. Or worse, the odour hasn’t gone away, even though you’ve washed the item of clothing twice.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news? There are clear reasons why it happens, and even better solutions to fix it.
Let’s break down the causes of lingering laundry smells and give you a toolbox of easy, effective tricks to banish them once and for all.
The Top Culprits Behind Smelly Laundry
Overloading the Machine
It’s tempting to cram in “just one more towel”, but overstuffing stops water and detergent from reaching every fibre.
That leaves sweat, oils, and bacteria behind. Translation? Clean-ish clothes that still smell dirty.
Rule of thumb: leave a hand’s width of space at the top of the drum.
Using Too Much (or Too Little) Detergent
More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes.
Extra detergent often clings to fabrics, trapping odours instead of lifting them out. On the flip side, too little detergent won’t break down sweat and oils.
Fix: Follow the measurement guide on your detergent. If you have a high-efficiency machine, use HE-compatible detergents, they’re designed for less water.
Washing at the Wrong Temperature
Cold washes are great for the planet and your wallet, but they sometimes struggle with heavy odours.
Heavily soiled clothing have lots of oils and bacteria. These wash away better in warm or hot water.
Tip: Use hot water (60°C or above) for towels, gym gear, socks, bedding… basically anything that clings to sweat. (always check the washing label!)
For delicates, stick with cold and add a boost (like vinegar).
Leaving Clothes in the Machine Too Long
We’ve all done it. You start a load, get distracted, and only remember hours later. That damp, enclosed space is basically a spa day for bacteria and mildew.
Fix: Set a timer on your phone to remind you when the cycle ends.
At Laundrlab our app will let you know when your load is almost completed so you can plan your pick-up without the risk of “forgotten laundry smell.”
A Dirty Washing Machine
Your washing machine needs washing too!
Soap scum, lint, and bacteria build up inside the drum and hoses over time, and they’ll happily transfer that musty scent to every load.
DIY clean: Clean your washing machine with baking soda and vinegar.
Sometimes it’s the fabric
Some fabrics are just stink magnets. Synthetic fibres (polyester, nylon, spandex) trap oils and sweat, making gym wear extra stubborn.
Natural fibres (cotton, wool, linen) breathe better and release odours more easily.
Pro tip: For gym gear, wash inside out and avoid fabric softener (it locks odours in).
Quick Fixes for Stinky Laundry
Now that you know why clothes smell, here’s how to get them fresh again:
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Vinegar Soak: Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It neutralises odours and softens fibres.
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Baking Soda Boost: Toss half a cup into the wash with your regular detergent. It deodorises and helps detergents work better.
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Sunshine Drying: UV rays are natural disinfectants. Dry clothes outdoors whenever possible for extra freshness.
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Don’t Re-wear Damp Clothes: Even if that hoodie looks fine, sweat + bacteria = smells later. Wash after a sweaty day.
Preventing Odours in the First Place
- Air clothes quickly. Don’t leave sweaty gear balled up in a bag. Spread it out or hang it until laundry day.
- Wash towels every 3–4 uses. They trap moisture and bacteria fast.
- Use the right cycle. “Quick wash” doesn’t always cut it. For smelly loads, opt for longer cycles with an extra rinse.
- Keep machines dry. At home, leave the washer door open after each load so air can circulate. At Laundrlab, our machines are professionally maintained to avoid build-up.
The Laundrlab Advantage
Sometimes, no matter what you try at home, the smells keep coming back. That’s when commercial-grade machines make a world of difference.
At Laundrlab, our high-efficiency washers use stronger rinsing and higher spin speeds, flushing out residue that home machines can’t. Plus, our dryers run hot enough to zap lingering bacteria without shrinking your favourite clothes.
Check out our laundromat locations.
Disclaimer: The advice provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only. Always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for your specific laundry machines and clothing/bedding items.
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