If you've ever opened your washer only to be greeted by a sour, musty odour, you're not alone. Knowing how to get smell out of clothes left in washer left in washers can save your favourite outfits—and your mood. To get rid of funky smells that linger in our laundry — and to prevent any unhealthy side effects from contact with our skin — we need to understand where they’re coming from and what’s effective against them.

Here are some common laundry odours, along with some science-supported methods for eliminating them. 

Why Laundry Left in the Washer Smells Bad

Leaving wet clothes in the washer for a few hours happens to everyone, but if they sit too long, you may risk mould and mildew developing. This affects your clothes, and the smell can also transfer to your washer, adding frustration to your laundry routine.

If you notice an odour coming from damp garments—or even the washer itself—it could be a sign they've been sitting too long. This musty odour might be caused by mildew, a type of mould that thrives in dark, damp places with little airflow.

First Step: Rewash Immediately (Don’t Just Dry It)

Rewashing clothes left in the washer too long should be your first step to help tackle odours. Don’t forget to set a timer to remind yourself when the cycle ends. Then, take a quick sniff. If clothes smell fresh, toss them straight into the dryer.

Some washers can develop an odour when they’re not occasionally cleaned out, and that odour may transfer to your clothes during a wash cycle. If your washer smells after clothes have been removed, it may be time to clean your washer.

#Pro Tip: Add 1 cup of white vinegar or 1/2 cup of baking soda for clothes smell to the wash. These natural deodorisers neutralise odours without harsh chemicals.

Use Odour-Fighting Add-Ins

If you’re wondering how to remove the smell from wet clothes more effectively, try combining baking soda and white vinegar. Fill a tub or basin with warm water and add a cup of vinegar, then let your clothes soak for about 30 minutes. Vinegar can damage certain parts of the washer and isn’t suitable for all fabrics

This ensures that all bacteria and odours are removed without leaving any residue. If the laundry still smells, repeat the process.

Deep Clean the Washing Machine

If rewashing, soaking with vinegar, and washing with baking soda don’t eliminate the smell, your washer could be the culprit. Mildew or detergent residue can build up if the washer isn’t cleaned properly, and might be lingering in the machine and transferring to your clothes.

Cleaning your washer with suitable products can help remove odour-causing residues. Always refer to your owner’s manual for guidance on the best way to clean your washer. This helps eliminate hidden buildup that may be contributing to persistent laundry smells after washing.

A Washing Machine can be cleaned through the following steps-

STEP 1: CLEAN THE WASHER TUB
STEP 2: CLEAN THE DETERGENT DISPENSERS
STEP 3: CLEAN IN AND AROUND THE WASHER DOOR

Preventive Tips to Avoid Future Smells

• Set a laundry timer or phone reminder to switch loads promptly.

• Use short or express cycles when you’re short on time.

• Leave the washer door slightly open after each cycle to ventilate.

• Consider keeping a jar of baking soda nearby to toss into quick washes when needed.

• Explore odour eliminators for clothes without washing options, like essential-oil-based sprays for emergencies.

For an instant refresh between washes, try our Fabric Refresher Disinfectant – Gardenia with Musk Notes. It’s crafted with plant-powered ingredients to gently deodorise your laundry, leaving a subtle, luxurious fragrance behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) Why do my clothes smell bad after sitting in the washer?

When clothes sit in a warm, damp washer for too long, bacteria and mildew develop, causing that sour odour.

Q2) Can I use fabric softener to mask the smell?

Fabric softeners may temporarily cover the smell, but won’t remove it. Rinsing with vinegar or baking soda is more effective.

Q3) What’s better for removing odours—vinegar or baking soda?

Both work well! Vinegar dissolves residues and kills bacteria; baking soda neutralises the odour. Together, they’re a powerful combo for how deodorising clothes.

Q4) How many times should I rewash smelly laundry?

Once is usually enough—if you use hot water and odour-fighting add-ins. For stubborn smells, a second cycle may be needed.

Q5) How do I prevent this from happening again?

Avoid leaving clothes in the washer for hours. Use reminders, wash small loads, and keep the washer clean to prevent that musty smell in the dryer and washer.

Want to keep your entire home smelling clean and inviting? Try these tips on how to freshen up your home with natural air fresheners and room sprays—because your laundry room deserves love, too.