How to Remove Musty Smell From Clothes After Washing
You take your clothes out of the washing machine expecting them to smell clean and fresh, but instead they have a damp, stale, or musty odor. It is frustrating—especially when the clothes look perfectly clean. The good news is that musty-smelling clothes are usually caused by moisture, incomplete drying, detergent buildup, bacteria, mildew, or a washing machine that needs cleaning . Simply adding more detergent or fragrance may temporarily mask the odor without solving the underlying problem. To remove the smell, you need to identify where the odor is coming from, wash the clothes appropriately, dry them completely, and prevent the moisture or residue that allowed the odor to develop in the first place. For Charleston residents, this can be especially important. Humid weather can make it harder for laundry to dry completely, allowing damp fabrics to develop unpleasant odors. College Laundry has also published guidance on keeping laundry fresh and mildew-free , which is particularly re...