Washing clothes at a self-service laundry store often leaves them smelling musty. The various reasons include bacteria build-up in old washing machines, overloading, and excessive detergent use. Not using enough water, clogged dryer filters, and poor ventilation are also important factors causing the musty smell. Your clothes will smell bad even if you use dirty laundry baskets and maintain poor storage conditions.
Here’s Why Your Clothes Smell Musty
Here are the most common reasons why your clothes smell musty:
- Old Washing Machines
Laundromats are constantly busy throughout the day. Maintaining the machines is crucial; otherwise, soap mixed with bacteria can build up in the drum. This feeds mold spores, which can enter the fabric and give it a musty smell. To prevent this smell, run an empty hot water cycle before doing the laundry.
- Overloading
Stuffing a washing machine to the brim leads to ineffective cleaning due to improper soap and water mixing. Dirt, sweat, and detergent get stuck in clothing, giving it a musty smell. Avoid stuffing the machine to the brim. Wash smaller loads at a time for effective cleaning.
- Too Much Detergent
More detergent doesn’t mean better cleaning. It leaves a sticky layer of gunk that captures moisture and bacteria, an awful-smelling combination. Additionally, some cheaper laundromats use low-grade detergent, which does not effectively remove the dirt. Bring your detergent (preferably a high-quality one) when going to a laundromat.
- Leaving Clothes in the Machine
Leaving damp clothing in the washing machine after the cycle promotes mildew growth, which is hard to eliminate. Set a timer to remind you to remove damp clothes from the dryer to prevent mildew growth.
- Hard Water
Many laundromats use hard water, which contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. Hard water makes it difficult to remove bacteria and odors from clothes.
- Blocked Dryer Filters
If the dryer vents are dirty and clogged, moisture and lint can build up. This can lead to musty-smelling clothes after the drying cycle. Clean the lint trap before using the dryer to prevent musty odors.
- Not Completely Drying Clothes
Folding damp clothes encourages mildew growth. Always ensure clothes are fully dry before storing them. If the clothes are still damp, run another drying cycle. Air dry the clothes when you reach home before storing them in the cupboards.
- Humidity
Doing laundry in a poorly ventilated area increases moisture levels, making clothes smell damp even after washing and drying. Pick laundromats with better ventilation mechanisms and pack clothes after complete drying.
- Overuse of Fabric Softener
Overusing fabric softener can cause a waxy coating on fibers, stiffening clothes. Moisture and bacteria can also get trapped in the clothes, leading to nasty odors. Avoid using fabric softener or use it in moderate quantities to prevent musty-smelling clothes.
- Dirty Laundry Bags and Baskets
Storing clothes in dirty baskets or bags can cause them to pick up mold spores, bacteria, and dampness, making them smell musty. Disinfect your laundry bag or basket or wash the clothes before keeping them.
How Do I Get This Odd, Musty Odor Out Of My Garments?
There are many efficient ways to remove unpleasant smells from clothes, including:
- Vinegar Washing: Add a cup of white vinegar to the washer with high-quality detergent. Vinegar is effective in neutralizing smells and mildew.
- Baking Soda: Add half a cup of baking soda to the washing cycle. Baking soda absorbs odor, making your clothes smell fresh.
- Hot Water: If the fabric allows, wash it in hot water to eliminate bacteria and mold, the main causes of musty odors.
- Use Essential Oils: A few drops of essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, or lemon will do wonders. These oils fight the bad smells and add fragrance to your clothes.
- Storage: When storing clothes, always ensure they are completely dry. Consider placing baking soda or activated charcoal sachets and moisture absorbers in your storage space to avoid musty odors.
Which Types Of Clothes Smell The Worst?
Synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon are less breathable and entrap sweat and odor. Moreover, workout clothes or sports uniforms are extremely sweaty and have a high bacterial burden, giving a musty smell. As a prevention, follow correct washing procedures, use good-quality detergent, and dry the clothes completely.
Conclusion
Your clothes may smell musty after washing at a self service laundry store due to bacteria buildup, detergent residue, dirty washing machines, insufficient rinsing, and overloading. Using less or low-quality detergent and keeping the clothes in the dryer for too long can also lead to mildew growth. Moreover, using hard water, using too much water softener, and having poor ventilation also lead to foul-smelling clothes.
