Drying clothes and towels indoors without a smell
Short answer: You avoid smells when clothes dry quickly and do not stay damp for too long. Spin them well, give them air and space, and ventilate so the moisture can leave. Do not put more on the airer than there is room for.
Why clothes and towels smell while they dry
The smell usually appears when the washing stays damp for too long, and that happens more in winter, when you cannot hang it outside. Moisture and warmth can cause musty smells, whatever material the clothes are made from. So it mostly comes down to how quickly the washing gets dry.
Start with a good spin
The less water there is in the washing when it comes out of the machine, the faster it dries. Choose a higher spin speed if the labels allow it. For towels it can make sense to run an extra spin, so they are not dripping wet on the airer.
Give the washing room on the airer
When the washing hangs close together, air cannot reach the fabric, and it takes much longer to dry. Hang fewer things at a time and leave air between each piece. Hang large items like towels on the outside, where the air can reach them, and small items in the middle.
Ventilate and let fresh air in
Open a window slightly, or air the room briefly and strongly once or twice a day so the damp air can escape. If you dry in a small room without windows, a dehumidifier can help if you have one. Close the door so the moisture does not spread to the rest of the home.
Towels in the bathroom
Hang towels so they can dry flat between uses, rather than leaving them crumpled. Bamboo in textiles is viscose made from bamboo, and the same rule applies here: give it air. Look at bamboo towels if you are considering new ones, and choose a few extra so you can swap.
Sleepwear and everyday clothes dry differently
Thick clothes dry more slowly than thin ones, so do not hang them together. Sleepwear in thin fabric can often dry overnight on an airer with good air flow. Look at bamboo sleepwear for men if you want a spare set that does not need to dry in a single evening.
Dressing gowns and thick items
Larger and thicker items such as dressing gowns and sweatwear can take a long time to dry indoors. Hang them on their own, turn them over along the way, and use a hanger so the air can get inside. A bamboo dressing gown for men hangs well on a hanger by an open window.
When to wash again
If the clothes smell of damp even after they are dry, it can help to wash them again and let them dry faster. Always follow the care label, and do not use more detergent than the pack says. If it still smells, a wash with a machine that is not overfilled can rinse better.
Frequently asked questions
How long should clothes take to dry indoors?
It varies with thickness, humidity and space. Thin clothes often dry overnight, while thick items and towels can take a day or more.
Does a dehumidifier help when drying indoors?
Many find that it makes washing dry faster, because it takes moisture out of the air. It is not necessary if you can ventilate well.
Can I dry towels on the radiator?
Many people do, but do not lay them directly on a hot radiator if that could damage the fabric. Follow the label and choose low heat.
