Why Do My Clothes Smell After Washing?

Have you ever pulled your laundry out of your washing machine, expecting that fresh, clean scent, only to be greeted with a musty or sour smell? It's frustrating, right? If your clothes smell after washing, you're not alone. There are a few reasons this happens, from bacteria build-up to detergent residue, or even hard water issues.

In this article, you’ll learn what's causing those smells and how you can fix it for good.

Common Reasons Clothes Smell After Washing

If you’ve noticed that your clothes don’t smell as fresh as they should after a wash, there could be a few hidden culprits. From soap residue to lingering bacteria, these common issues are often behind those unpleasant odours. 

Let’s break down what might be causing your clothes to smell.

Soap Residue

You may think that using more detergent than needed might seem like a good idea, but it can actually do more harm than good. Excess detergent doesn’t rinse out properly and leaves behind soap scum on your clothes. This residue clings to fabrics, leading to a musty and unpleasant smell. 

This is a common issue when clothes don’t come out of the wash smelling as fresh as they should. To prevent this, pay close attention to the detergent instructions and only use the amount/dose suggested. It’s important to make sure your machine has enough water to rinse properly, as this helps clear out any lingering detergent, leaving your clothes clean and smelling fresh.

Bacteria Build-Up

Bacteria thrive in damp clothes, especially when sweat or body oils are present. If you're not washing your clothes at a high enough temperature (i.e. 60 degrees Celsius or more), bacteria can stick around, causing badly smelling clothes post-washing. Running a hot wash every so often can help get rid of the bacteria that's hiding in your laundry.

Moisture Trapped in Fabrics

Forgetting to take wet clothes out of the machine and leaving them for too long can lead to that classic musty smell. Mildew begins to form, so your clothes still smell after washing. To avoid this, take clothes out as soon as the cycle finishes.

Hard Water

If you live in a hard water area, minerals like calcium can mix with detergent and leave residue on your clothes. This can cause clothes to smell musty, even after being washed. Calgon is a water softener, which means you use less detergent, and your clothes come out softer and fresher.

How to Remove Bad Smells from Clothes After Washing

Let's focus on getting rid of bad-smelling clothes after washing. 

Here's what you can do:

1. Clean Your Washing Machine 

To keep your clothes smelling fresh, it’s important to clean your washing machine regularly and keep it in tip-top condition. Often, the machine itself is the source of unpleasant odours. Over time, dirt, bacteria, and detergent residue can build up, leading to lingering smells in your laundry.

Start by wiping down the drum and door seal with a damp cloth to remove surface grime. Pay special attention to the washing machine seal, as dirt can get trapped in the hard-to-reach folds of the rubber. You should also clean the washing machine filter and detergent drawer regularly to ensure proper drainage and prevent lingering odours from trapped debris. To keep your machine in top condition and kill 99.9% odour-causing bacteria, run an empty wash with Calgon Anti-Bacterial Gel once a month. You can use a vinegar solution every couple of months — in a separate cycle from the Calgon cycle — for further cleaning. 

With these habits in place, your washing machine will thank you, and so will your clothes!

Use Calgon Anti-Bacterial Gel to eliminate any bacteria. It’s a quick step that’ll keep your washing machine, and your clothes, smelling clean and fresh. You can also learn how to get rid of washing machine smells by following similar steps.

2. Avoid Overloading the Machine

Overloading prevents clothes from rinsing properly. Detergent gets trapped, which can lead to residue build-up, making your clothes smell musty after washing. Keep loads manageable to allow for proper cleaning and rinsing.

3. Dry Clothes Quickly

If you leave clothes in the drum for too long after washing, this lets moisture settle in, which can cause a musty odour. Remove clothes as soon as the cycle finishes; either hang them up or put them in the dryer right away.

4. Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Using too much detergent causes residue build-up, which leads to bad smells. Use the recommended amount, and if you live in a hard water area, add a water-product softener like Calgon, which means you can add less detergent. 

5. Use Fabric Conditioner

Using fabric conditioners does more than make your clothes soft; it also keeps them smelling fresh. A little bit goes a long way, leaving that newly washed scent even after they’ve dried. Just don’t go overboard, as using too much can bring back the very smells you’re trying to avoid. Keep it light, and your laundry will stay fresh.

6. Don't Over-Dry Clothes

Over-drying your clothes can make them smell musty. Leaving them in the dryer for too long or forgetting them on the line can cause the fibres to trap moisture, creating a stale smell. Keep an eye on drying items and remove clothes as soon as they’re dry. A bit of care can go a long way to help keep your clothes smelling great.

Why Do My Clothes Still Smell Musty After Washing?

If your clothes still smell after washing, the issue might not be with the clothes themselves. Often, the problem lies within your washing machine. Over time, residue and limescale can build up inside the machine, trapping odours that cling to your laundry. If your clothes aren’t smelling fresh, it’s a sign that your machine may need some extra attention. Let’s take a closer look at what might be causing the problem.

Limescale Build-Up

Hard water causes limescale build-up inside your washing machine, which can trap odours and leave your clothes smelling musty after washing. Using Calgon in every wash as part of your usual laundry routine will help prevent this build-up, keeping your machine and your clothes smelling fresh.

FAQs

Why do my clothes smell bad after washing?

Leftover detergent, bacteria build-up, or moisture left in the fabric can cause bad smells. Regular washing machine cleaning can help.

How do I remove bad smells from clothes after washing?

Clean your washing machine, avoid overloading it, and use the right amount of detergent. Dry clothes promptly to prevent musty odours.

Why do my clothes smell musty even after washing?

Limescale build-up, or overloading the drum, can contribute to musty-smelling clothes after washing.