Musty, mildew-ridden laundry odors can be a frustrating reality of washing clothes for a lot of households. Nathan Kilah, an internationally recognized fragrance and odor expert, further connects these offensive odors to microbes. To begin with, as he points out, washing practices and environmental conditions highly impacted the presence of all of these odors. This article explores the causes of musty laundry smells, effective prevention methods, and solutions to combat them.
Microbial growth is a big factor behind the musty odor that sometimes clings to clean laundry. Dr. Kilah explains that moisture-laden clothing — whether in the washer or the hamper — is a perfect microbial incubator. These microorganisms multiply quickly and create foul smells. “They sort of grow and inhabit the surfaces of the washing machine,” he explains. The old, damp smell may be perceived more as a putrid or acidic scent. Even for those who are not, the intensity of this scent is particularly intolerable.
The Role of Washing Practices
A washing routine is key to ensuring laundry won’t hold onto mildew odors. Dr. Kilah explains why cold-cycle washes are not very good at killing the microbes that cause the odors. To that end, he advocates for people to use warmer water cycles when it makes sense. Care limitations For example, there are restrictions in place depending on fabric type and care instructions that must be considered.
Beyond temperature, detergent selection plays a major role in odor retention. In fact, most of these powdered detergents have a source of peroxides in them which can work to kill at least some of the nasty microbes. Dr. Kilah stresses that making sure people use the right detergent—and the right amount—can make washing more effective.
Dr. Maryam Naebe helps illuminate this conundrum. She explains that some fabrics are just more odor-trapping than others. Polyester fibers repel water while trapping body oil. Their short time is especially vulnerable to the knowledge of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). Natural fibers such as wool are naturally more odour-retaining resistant due to their architectural profile.
Environmental Factors and Maintenance
Odor development is extensively influenced by the environment in which laundry is stored. High heat conditions can further increase microbial growth, so it’s important for people to ensure they are ventilating their laundry spaces. “Ventilation is number one in avoiding the issue of smelly laundry,” states Dr. Kilah.
The frequent cleaning of the washing machine itself is another preventative step suggested by experts. Dr. Kilah’s tip is to regularly use products made for washing machine maintenance every three months. This simple practice keeps spotty soap scum at bay and discourages bacterial and fungal proliferation.
One common remedy touted for musty odors is vinegar. Dr. Kilah cautions consumers to read their washing machine manufacturer’s instructions before using it to create one. This guarantees proper fitment and avoids any internal damage to the appliance.
Solutions for Smelly Laundry
When you encounter musty smells, time is of the essence. Rebecca Van Amber emphasizes the importance of re-washing offending items: “There’s no way to get rid of that musty smell except to wash them again.” She likes to dry her laundry outdoors in sunshine whenever possible. This chemical-based approach works to minimize smells without having to rewash everything.
Dr. Kilah is all about that approach, saying it plainly, “Get them out, get them dry.” Not only does sunlight help remove smells from outdoor fabrics, it creates a natural disinfectant benefit.
