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Washing is coming out smelling musty

_Jem_
Posts: 342 Forumite

I have a musty smell coming from my clothes, can certain materials give off a musty smell?
I stopped using fabric softener years ago and use vinegar instead. I know its not the washing machine 1 it's not even 12 months old yet and two when I wash towels and bedding they come out smelling fresh, I think I'm going to have to leave out some clothing to try to find out what clothing it is.
I think it's either trousers or underwear, tshirts and jumpers and socks don't seem to smell when they are mixed in with the trousers and underwear.
I will add before I put them in the washing machine I can't smell any funky smells from the clothing. This is what is making me think its the material.
I stopped using fabric softener years ago and use vinegar instead. I know its not the washing machine 1 it's not even 12 months old yet and two when I wash towels and bedding they come out smelling fresh, I think I'm going to have to leave out some clothing to try to find out what clothing it is.
I think it's either trousers or underwear, tshirts and jumpers and socks don't seem to smell when they are mixed in with the trousers and underwear.
I will add before I put them in the washing machine I can't smell any funky smells from the clothing. This is what is making me think its the material.
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Comments
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Have you looked at the filter ?0
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@another_casualty Yes it's fine and I had also done a couple of hot washes without clothes to clean it all out.0
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Certain man made materials can hang on to bacteria and smell even after washing, think running/gym gear and the like. I always wash my running kit together in a separate wash with a smaller amount of detergent and white vinegar added to both the wash and rinse cycles, but even then there are a couple of tops that keep a strange smell no matter what I try.. I'm also using Dettol Laundry Cleanser with the wash.
Yes it's a good ide to run a hot wash regularly, at least once a month, with detergent and could also try a washing machine cleaner. As mentioned check your filter and remove and clean the drawer and surrounding aperture.1 -
Leaving the washing in the drum for a period of time before taking it out can create a musty smell.
As can folding the dried clothes up before they're fully dried and aired.
I knew someone that folded them whilst still fresh, put them away in cupboards etc, then when they got them out and put them on ..... they smelt revolting, really disgusting.1 -
neilmcl said:Certain man made materials can hang on to bacteria and smell even after washing, think running/gym gear and the like. I always wash my running kit together in a separate wash with a smaller amount of detergent and white vinegar added to both the wash and rinse cycles, but even then there are a couple of tops that keep a strange smell no matter what I try.. I'm also using Dettol Laundry Cleanser with the wash.
Yes it's a good ide to run a hot wash regularly, at least once a month, with detergent and could also try a washing machine cleaner. As mentioned check your filter and remove and clean the drawer and surrounding aperture.
It seems most of the smell is coming from the waistband of the underwear and trousers.0 -
Catsacor said:Leaving the washing in the drum for a period of time before taking it out can create a musty smell.
As can folding the dried clothes up before they're fully dried and aired.
I knew someone that folded them whilst still fresh, put them away in cupboards etc, then when they got them out and put them on ..... they smelt revolting, really disgusting.
I have left the clothing out for a couple of days to see if the smell goes it doesn't.
Unfortunately I'm in a flat so can't hang things outside.1 -
You say you have done some hot washes, did you use the highest temperature available?1
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How long do the clothes take to dry? That musty smell can appear if they are damp for too long & the waistbands will usually be thicker material.Maybe try a dehumidifier in the room they are dried in if it’s high humidity in there?Incidentally, I had some friends who lived in the Caribbean & their clothes had that musty smell when the humidity was so high that their washing just didn’t dry2
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The smell is probably caused by "sweat" getting embedded in the fabric that touches your body - are clothes or parts of clothes made from synthetic fabrics affected more than cotton, wool, etc.?
I have a similar problem with husband's gym clothes, and now wash them separately with specialist sports laundry detergent...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HALO-PROACTIVE-SPORTS-LIQUID-LITRE/dp/B003WGL0C6
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Alanp said:You say you have done some hot washes, did you use the highest temperature available?
Novice_investor101 said:How long do the clothes take to dry? That musty smell can appear if they are damp for too long & the waistbands will usually be thicker material.Maybe try a dehumidifier in the room they are dried in if it’s high humidity in there?Incidentally, I had some friends who lived in the Caribbean & their clothes had that musty smell when the humidity was so high that their washing just didn’t dryEmmia said:The smell is probably caused by "sweat" getting embedded in the fabric that touches your body - are clothes or parts of clothes made from synthetic fabrics affected more than cotton, wool, etc.?
I have a similar problem with husband's gym clothes, and now wash them separately with specialist sports laundry detergent...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HALO-PROACTIVE-SPORTS-LIQUID-LITRE/dp/B003WGL0C60
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