There’s nothing worse than musty odours on freshly washed clothes. Often, these unpleasant smells can be caused by fairly common issues that can easily be rectified.
Musty smells can be caused by not drying clothes properly, overloading the washing machine and not using enough detergent.
However, unpleasant odours on your clean clothes can also be caused by a dirty washing machine which can become laden with a built-up detergent and fabric softener as well as mould and mildew.
One person who has been struggling with musty smells on her clothes and towels is Dee Rosewarne.
She posted on the Facebook group, ‘Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips: “So fed up with my washing machine. All my washing comes out with this horrid musty smell, especially towels.
“I clean the machine regularly and always leave the door and dispenser drawer open after use, and make sure there’s no water left in the drum seal by putting kitchen roll in to soak up any excess. I’m not sure what else I can do but it’s driving me nuts.”
The most suggested method was to use soda crystals in each wash.
Leehann Carly Stafford said: “Clean filter door too monthly. Use soda crystals in the drum when washing whites or towels – it cleans the washer too. Add white vinegar to the drawer for towels or whites. Again, it cleans the clothes and washer. This routine changed my wash. Saves cleaning!”
Sarah J Kilsby commented: “White vinegar and soda crystals on 90C wash or a dishwasher tablet. Also, reduce the amount of clothes you put in.”
Ann Roberts replied: “Use liquid detergent and an empty hot wash with soda crystals.”
Jenny Charlesworth suggested: “Try a scoop of soda crystals in every wash.”
Val Cornwall posted: “Try a packet of soda crystals and put on a boil wash.”
Rebecca Palmer said: “Put a scoop of soda crystals in every wash with your powder and fabric softener. It gets rid of the horrible smells and everything comes out lovely and clean.”
Soda crystals can soften water in washing machines, prevent limescale build-up and can even remove stains from washing.
Soda crystals are available to purchase from most local supermarkets for around £2.
