Damp clothes smell?

Question

sometimes when i put a load of washing on i end up having to go out for the day and they sit in the machine. i understand this makes them smell but what i need to know if the best way to get rid of the smell. i wash them again and some times they are ok but others they are not. i have heard about adding carb soda but no one gives an amount

any help would be great

laura

Answer 1

Believe it or not, adding 3/4 to 1 cup of ammonia to the washer and rewashing it will eliminate the odors. It also works well on stubborn odors caused by perspiration. This is the cheapest method. You can also use any kitchen degreaser such as Mean Green or Fantastik.

Answer 2

I get it too, but only on black clothes weirdly enough! Use a fabric softner with a reasonably strong (but obviously one you like) scent, dry as much as you can and anything that you know from experience smells paticularly badly in the airing cupboard as this seems to stop the smell, and iron items that smell on a steam setting when they are still partially damp. Open the window in the room where you are drying the clothes and try to dry them in the sun. Basically, the quicker the clothes dry, the less the smell. If all that fails, get a hanger, attach it so it somehow hangs out of your window and put the item you want to wear on that for about an hour before you wear it. It seems to blow the smell away!

Answer 3

We have this problem due to the weather around here. Every 2 weeks or so we do an empty load with a gallon of vinegar, no soap, and on the hottest water. It keeps the washer smelling fresh so it doesn't get on the clothes.

Answer 4

here's the way to do it: run a load like normal but add about a cup of borax (for a regular size load) to the wash. borax is a water softener and makes your detergent work much better at lifting out the odors and stains.
then when you run it through the dryer add a few extra dryer sheets for added protection.
you may have to search around for borax. it may be hidden in the far corners of the detergent aisle. it's quite common here in nevada but that's because they have borax mines not far from here.
hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 5

Change your detergent. Bounce always smells strong and fresh without a perfumy smell. Love it! Clothes never smell funky, but try not to leave your clothes in there like that, the smell is mildew starting to build up..mold can form on clothes like that too.

Answer 6

I would rewash them if the smell is strong. If it is not that bad then put them on a rinse cycle and put softener in the water and that will do it.

Answer 7

wash again and then use a bounce fresh thing in the dryer..soemtimes they will smell if you overload the washer too

Answer 8

fabric softener with a light, clean scent always helps me

Answer 9

hi laura run them through another rence cycle and that should do it hope this helps

Answer 10

baking soda is what you want one cup, along with soap ( yep use it again)