How long clothes can sit in the washing machine
Short answer: Clothes should preferably be hung out as soon as the wash has finished. If they sit for several hours, they can start to smell damp, and after a whole day it may be necessary to wash them again.
Damp clothes soon smell
After washing, the clothes are wet and warm, and the drum is closed. Those are good conditions for odour. How long the clothes can sit depends on how warm it is, how clean the laundry is and how well the drum can breathe. There is no fixed figure, but many people notice a smell after a few hours, especially in summer. It is therefore wise to plan the wash so that you can hang the clothes up when the machine has finished.
Use the delay timer if you have one
Many machines have a function that lets you set the wash to start later. It is handy if you want it to be finished when you get home. Remember, though, that the clothes should not sit too long once it is done. Use the function so that the machine finishes when you are at home, instead of starting when you leave. A good time is morning or evening, when you can hang the clothes up straight away.
If the clothes have sat too long
If you forget the wash, you can often fix it by washing again. Use a short programme without extra detergent, and hang the clothes up at once. Some people use vinegar to remove odour, but check whether the fabric can take it. If the clothes have turned musty or the smell has set in, several washes may be needed. It depends on the fabric and on how long they sat. Leave the door open so that the drum can dry.
The machine needs looking after too
If the washing machine itself smells, the clothes can pick up the smell. Leave the door open between washes, wipe the rubber seal and run a cleaning cycle now and then. Do not use more detergent than needed, because residue can stay in the machine. Clean the detergent drawer too. A clean machine gives a clean smell, and the clothes are easier to look after. It depends on how often you wash and which programme you use.
Thin and thick fabrics
Thin fabrics, such as a tank top, soon turn clammy but are also quick to hang out and dry. See bamboo tank top for men. Thick items such as towels and hoodies hold moisture longer and can smell more if they are left. Take them out first and hang them so that they dry as quickly as possible. You can look at the brand Nordic Weaving if you want to see what it has in the collection.
Make it a habit
The easiest thing is to make it a fixed routine: start the wash when you know you can hang the clothes out when it is finished. Set an alarm on your phone if you often forget. If you do not have time, run the wash later. Get the clothes out before they have sat long, and use a drying rack or line. See Decoy to see what the brand has in the collection. It saves you extra washes and bad smells.
Frequently asked questions
How long can clothes sit in the washing machine
Preferably no more than a few hours. Moisture and warmth can cause a smell, especially in summer.
What should I do if the clothes have sat too long
Wash them again on a short programme without extra detergent, and hang them up at once.
How do I avoid a smell in the machine
Leave the door open between washes, wipe the rubber seal and run a cleaning cycle now and then.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
