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 relevant when moisture is the source of recurring odors.

Quick Answer: How Do You Remove Musty Smell From Clothes?

To remove a musty smell from clothes after washing:

Do not put the smelly clothes away or wear them yet.
Check whether they were left damp in the washer or laundry basket.
Rewash them using the correct amount of detergent and the hottest water permitted by the care label.
For washable fabrics, consider an appropriate odor-removing laundry booster according to its label.
Clean the washing machine if multiple loads have the same odor.
Dry the clothes completely as soon as the wash cycle ends.
Do not overload the washer or dryer.
Store clothes only when they are completely dry.
If the odor keeps returning, investigate the washer, dryer, storage area, or persistent moisture problem.

The key is removing the source of the odor rather than simply covering it with fragrance.

Why Do Clothes Smell Musty After Washing?

A musty smell usually develops when moisture remains trapped in fabric for too long.

Damp clothing creates conditions where odor-causing microorganisms can thrive. Detergent residue, body oils, dirt, poor airflow, and a damp washing machine can make the problem worse.

Common causes include:

1. Clothes Were Left Wet in the Washing Machine

One of the most common causes is leaving freshly washed clothes sitting in a closed washer.

The drum remains dark and damp, while wet fabric stays pressed together. The longer laundry remains wet, the more likely unpleasant odors are to develop.

What to do: Move clothes to the dryer or drying area promptly after the wash cycle finishes.

If this happens frequently, reviewing common laundry mistakes can help you identify other habits that may be contributing to unpleasant odors. College Laundry's guide to common laundry mistakes to avoid covers several problems that can affect laundry results.

2. Clothes Did Not Dry Completely

Laundry may feel dry on the outside while remaining slightly damp in thicker areas such as:

Waistbands
Pockets
Cuffs
Seams
Towels
Hoodies
Bedding
Thick athletic clothing

If those areas remain damp after drying, the odor can return after the clothes are folded or stored.

What to do: Check thick garments carefully before putting them away.

3. Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning

Sometimes the clothes are not the primary problem.

Residue, detergent buildup and moisture can accumulate around parts of a washing machine, particularly seals, dispensers and other areas that remain damp between cycles. That residue can contribute to odors transferring back onto laundry.

If several unrelated loads suddenly smell musty, inspect the machine before repeatedly rewashing your clothes.

4. You're Using Too Much Detergent

More detergent does not automatically mean cleaner clothes.

Excess detergent may leave residue behind, particularly when the machine cannot rinse the load effectively. That residue can trap oils, dirt and moisture and contribute to unpleasant odors.

Follow the detergent manufacturer's instructions and account for your machine type, load size and water conditions.

For more general laundry-care guidance, you can also review these tips to extend the life of your clothes.

5. The Washing Machine Is Overloaded

A packed washer may not allow enough water and mechanical movement to clean and rinse clothing properly.

Overloading can also make drying more difficult because garments leave the washer tightly packed and retain more moisture.

Better approach: Leave enough room for clothing to move freely during the wash cycle.

6. Laundry Is Drying Too Slowly

Humidity, poor ventilation and limited airflow can make drying difficult.

This is particularly relevant in Charleston, where humid and rainy conditions can make it harder for laundry to dry quickly. If you regularly struggle with laundry during warm and humid weather, College Laundry's Charleston summer laundry survival tips provide additional practical guidance.

How to Remove Musty Smell From Clothes: Step-by-Step

If your clothes already smell musty, use this process rather than simply spraying them with fragrance.

Step 1: Separate the Smelly Clothes

Remove musty-smelling garments from clean laundry.

Do not mix them with freshly washed clothes because the odor can transfer.

Separate items according to their care labels, colors and fabric types.

Step 2: Check the Care Label

Before trying an odor-removal method, check the garment's care instructions.

Pay attention to:

Recommended washing temperature
Machine-wash instructions
Hand-wash requirements
Drying instructions
Bleach restrictions
Fabric-specific warnings

Never assume every fabric can tolerate the same treatment.

Step 3: Rewash With the Correct Amount of Detergent

Run another wash cycle using the detergent amount recommended for your machine and load.

Avoid the temptation to add extra detergent because the clothes smell bad.

More detergent is not necessarily the solution.

For heavily affected garments, follow the instructions for an appropriate laundry odor treatment or oxygen-based laundry product that is compatible with the fabric.

If you prefer having laundry professionally processed, wash-and-fold laundry services can be an option for customers who want washing, drying and folding handled for them.

Step 4: Consider a Laundry Odor Booster

Some washable fabrics benefit from an appropriate odor-removing laundry additive.

If you use vinegar, baking soda, oxygen bleach or another laundry additive, follow the product instructions and fabric-care requirements carefully.

Do not mix cleaning chemicals indiscriminately.

In particular, never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar or other acidic products, because dangerous gases can form.

Step 5: Dry the Clothes Completely

Drying is one of the most important parts of odor removal.

Use the drying method permitted by the garment's care label.

Depending on the fabric, that may mean:

Tumble drying
Low- or medium-heat drying
Air drying
Line drying
Flat drying

Make sure thick areas are completely dry before folding.

Step 6: Clean the Washing Machine

If the smell returns after rewashing, stop focusing only on the clothes.

Inspect the washing machine.

Clean the areas specified in the manufacturer's maintenance instructions, including accessible detergent dispensers and door seals where applicable.

Also check whether the machine has a cleaning or tub-clean cycle.

If the machine itself smells musty, repeatedly washing clothes in it may not solve the problem.

How to Remove Musty Smell From Different Types of Clothes

Different fabrics can require different approaches.

Cotton Clothes

Cotton is generally durable, but you should still follow the care label.

Wash using the recommended temperature and detergent amount, then dry thoroughly.

Avoid storing cotton garments while they are even slightly damp.

Towels

Towels are especially prone to developing musty odors because they absorb and retain significant amounts of water.

To keep towels fresh:

Do not leave wet towels in a closed hamper for long periods.
Wash them according to the care label.
Avoid excessive detergent.
Do not overload the washer.
Dry them completely.
Store them in a dry, ventilated area.

If your towels have become rough or lost their softness along with developing odors, College Laundry's article about reviving towels through professional laundry care may be useful.

Workout Clothes

Synthetic athletic fabrics can hold onto body oils and odors.

Turn garments inside out before washing if the care label allows it, avoid excessive detergent, and make sure they dry completely.

Don't leave sweaty workout clothes compressed inside a gym bag or laundry hamper.

For businesses managing frequent athletic laundry, College Laundry also offers a dedicated laundry service for gyms.

Bedding and Sheets

Sheets, blankets and other bedding can develop odors when moisture becomes trapped in thick fabric.

Wash them according to their care instructions and make sure they are completely dry before making the bed or storing them.

Bulky bedding can also be difficult to wash and dry effectively in a small residential machine.

For larger bedding items, proper washing is particularly important. College Laundry also provides linen services for customers with ongoing linen-care needs.

Hoodies and Thick Garments

Hoodies, sweatshirts and similar garments have thick areas that can retain moisture.

Pay special attention to:

Hoods
Cuffs
Waistbands
Pockets
Seams

If the garment feels cool or damp after drying, give it additional drying time according to the care label.

What If Clothes Still Smell Musty After Washing?

If your clothes still smell musty after a second wash, don't simply keep repeating the same cycle.

Check these five areas:

1. The Washing Machine

Is there a noticeable odor inside the drum?

2. The Detergent

Are you using more detergent than necessary?

3. The Load Size

Are you filling the machine too tightly?

4. The Drying Process

Are clothes completely dry before being folded?

5. The Storage Area

Is the closet, laundry room, hamper or storage space damp?

If the odor returns across multiple loads, the problem may be environmental or appliance-related rather than a single piece of clothing.

If you're comparing home washing with professional care, College Laundry's guide on the difference between a laundromat and laundry service explains how the two options differ.

How to Prevent Musty Smells From Coming Back

Removing the odor once is good. Preventing it from returning is better.

1. Remove Wet Laundry Promptly

Don't allow wet clothes to sit forgotten in the washing machine.

Make transferring laundry part of your normal wash routine.

2. Don't Put Damp Clothes in the Hamper

A wet towel thrown into a closed laundry basket can make the entire hamper smell.

Allow damp items to dry before placing them with other dirty laundry whenever possible.

3. Don't Overload the Washer

Give clothing enough room to move during washing and rinsing.

4. Use the Correct Amount of Detergent

Follow the detergent manufacturer's directions rather than assuming more soap means better cleaning.

5. Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly

Follow the appliance manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions.

Pay particular attention to areas where moisture and residue accumulate.

6. Improve Airflow

If you dry clothes indoors, increase airflow where possible.

A fan, ventilation or another appropriate drying method can help reduce the time clothes remain damp.

7. Store Clothes Only When Completely Dry

This is one of the simplest and most important prevention steps.

A garment that is only slightly damp can develop an unpleasant smell after being folded and placed in a closed drawer or closet.

Charleston's Humidity Can Make Musty Laundry More Difficult

Charleston's climate adds another challenge to laundry care.

When humidity is high, water evaporates more slowly. Clothes, towels and bedding can therefore remain damp for longer, particularly when they are dried indoors without sufficient airflow.

For Charleston households, practical strategies include:

Moving wet laundry to the dryer promptly
Using adequate airflow when air drying
Avoiding overcrowded drying racks
Ensuring towels and bedding are completely dry
Keeping closets and laundry areas ventilated
Not storing clothing while damp
Checking washing machines regularly for odor and residue

If humidity makes laundry management difficult, using a professional service can also reduce the amount of time wet laundry remains sitting around the home.

When Should You Stop Trying Home Laundry Methods?

Most everyday laundry odors can be addressed by correcting washing, drying and storage problems.

However, consider professional laundry care when:

A persistent odor returns after proper washing and drying.
Bulky bedding is difficult to wash or dry at home.
You have large amounts of laundry that need consistent processing.
Your schedule makes it difficult to move laundry promptly.
You need specialized care for certain garments.
You manage frequent linen changes for an Airbnb or other rental property.

College Laundry provides professional laundry solutions for customers who need larger-volume or recurring laundry support. Businesses and organizations can also explore its commercial laundry services for ongoing laundry needs.

For short-term rental owners, specialized Airbnb laundry service can help with recurring sheets, towels, pillowcases and other guest linens.

Can Professional Laundry Service Help With Musty Clothes?

Yes—professional laundry can be useful when the problem is difficult to manage at home, particularly when you have large or bulky loads.

College Laundry's wash-and-fold service handles the washing, drying and folding process and offers pickup and delivery in Charleston.

The benefit is not simply having someone else wash your clothes. Professional processing can make it easier to maintain a consistent laundry routine, especially for busy Charleston residents, students, families and businesses.

If you regularly struggle to move laundry from the washer to the dryer on time, manage large loads, or completely dry bulky items, outsourcing the process may be a practical solution.

For larger quantities, College Laundry also provides bulk cleaning and laundry services designed for higher-volume laundry requirements.

Musty Smell vs. Mildew Smell: Are They the Same?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe odors rather than a precise diagnosis.

A musty smell is generally associated with dampness and microbial activity. Persistent odors can indicate that moisture is remaining in fabric, inside the washing machine, in storage areas, or elsewhere in the environment.

If you see visible mold or mildew, or suspect a larger moisture problem in your home, address the underlying moisture issue rather than relying solely on laundry products.

Can You Prevent Musty Smells Without Using Strong Fragrances?

Yes.

A fresh-smelling laundry load does not require heavy fragrance.

The more important factors are:

Proper washing + correct detergent amount + complete rinsing + thorough drying + clean equipment + dry storage.

Fragrance can make laundry smell different, but it does not necessarily solve the underlying source of an odor.

Musty Laundry Checklist

Before putting clothes away, ask:

Are they completely dry?
Did they sit wet in the washer?
Was the washer overloaded?
Did I use the correct detergent amount?
Does the washing machine itself smell?
Were thick areas completely dried?
Was the laundry room adequately ventilated?
Is the closet or storage area dry?

If you can answer “yes” to all of these and the odor continues, investigate the washing machine or the environment where the clothes are being stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my clothes smell musty after washing?

Clothes can smell musty after washing because of trapped moisture, incomplete drying, detergent residue, an overloaded machine, a dirty washing machine, or poor airflow. Leaving wet laundry sitting for too long can also contribute to odor development.

How do I get a musty smell out of clothes?

Start by checking the care label, then rewash the clothes using the correct amount of detergent and an appropriate wash temperature. Dry them completely and investigate the washing machine if the smell returns.

Why do my clothes smell worse after washing?

If clothes smell worse after washing, the washing machine itself may have an odor problem, the load may have been overloaded, too much detergent may have been used, or the clothes may not have dried completely.

Does vinegar remove musty smells from clothes?

Vinegar is commonly used as a laundry odor-removal method, but it should be used carefully and according to fabric and product guidance. Never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach.

Does baking soda remove musty smells from clothes?

Baking soda can be used as a laundry odor-control aid for some washable fabrics. Follow the product and garment-care instructions and avoid combining incompatible cleaning products.

How long can wet clothes sit before they smell?

There is no single guaranteed time because temperature, humidity, fabric, load size and machine conditions all matter. The safest practice is to move wet laundry out of the washer as soon as the cycle finishes.

Why do towels smell musty even after washing?

Towels absorb a lot of moisture and can retain odor when they are not washed, rinsed or dried effectively. Overloading, excessive detergent and slow drying can also contribute.

How do I stop clothes from smelling musty in a humid climate?

Dry clothes completely, improve airflow, avoid overcrowding the washer and drying area, clean your washing machine regularly, and never store clothing while damp. Charleston's humid conditions can make thorough drying especially important.

Should I rewash clothes that smell musty?

Yes, if the garment is washable, rewashing can be a reasonable first step. Check the care label, use the correct detergent amount, and dry the garment completely afterward.

When should I use a professional laundry service?

Professional laundry can be useful when you have large loads, bulky items, recurring odor problems, limited time, or frequent laundry needs for households, short-term rentals or businesses.

Final Thoughts

A musty smell after washing does not necessarily mean your clothes are permanently ruined.

In most cases, the solution starts with identifying the source: moisture, incomplete drying, detergent residue, an overloaded washer, poor airflow or a washing machine that needs cleaning.

Rewash washable garments appropriately, dry them completely, and make sure your storage area is dry. If the problem keeps returning, investigate the machine and the surrounding environment instead of repeatedly adding more detergent or fragrance.

For Charleston residents who don't have the time, equipment or space to manage large laundry loads, professional wash-and-fold service can make the process easier. College Laundry offers pickup, washing, drying, folding and delivery services in Charleston, helping customers spend less time managing laundry and more time on everything else.

Ready for fresh, professionally handled laundry? Contact College Laundry to get started and make laundry day one less thing on your to-do list.