Nobody likes pulling freshly washed clothes from the laundry only to be greeted by a musty, damp smell. This unpleasant odour is not only frustrating but can also be a sign of mould or mildew build-up. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to banish that stubborn damp smell and keep your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
We’ll explore what causes the damp smell, how to remove it, and how to prevent it from coming back — all using household-friendly solutions.
What Causes the Damp Smell in Clothes?
The musty smell that clings to clothes usually comes from excess moisture and poor ventilation. Here are a few common reasons:
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Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for too long
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Drying clothes indoors without enough airflow
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Storing clothes in humid or poorly ventilated areas
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Washing at low temperatures that don’t kill bacteria or mould spores
When clothes stay damp for too long, mould and mildew start to grow, creating that stubborn odour.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Damp Smells from Clothes
1. Rewash Clothes with White Vinegar
White vinegar is a powerful natural deodoriser and mould killer.
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Add one cup of white vinegar directly into the drum of your washing machine.
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Run a hot water cycle (if the fabric allows).
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Skip the detergent on the first run to let the vinegar work effectively.
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Repeat with regular detergent if needed.
Tip: Don’t worry — the vinegar smell disappears as the clothes dry!
2. Use Baking Soda to Neutralise Odours
Baking soda works wonders to absorb and eliminate smells.
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Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into your washing machine drum or detergent drawer.
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Run a full wash cycle with warm water.
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Combine with vinegar for an extra-strong cleanse (vinegar in the drum, baking soda in the drawer).
3. Try an Antibacterial Laundry Cleanser
For clothes that can’t handle hot water, consider adding an antibacterial laundry rinse like Dettol or other fabric-safe disinfectants.
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These kill bacteria at low temperatures.
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They leave your clothes smelling fresher without harsh chemicals.
4. Dry Clothes Properly
Proper drying is essential to stop the smell from coming back.
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Dry clothes outdoors in fresh air whenever possible.
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If drying indoors, use a dehumidifier or place clothes near a well-ventilated window.
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Avoid hanging clothes too close together, which slows down drying time.
Also Read: How to Treat Damp Walls Before Painting
Additional Tips to Keep Clothes Smelling Fresh
Use Fabric Softener Wisely
Some fabric softeners can mask the smell temporarily, but they won’t solve the problem. Look for odour-eliminating softeners rather than heavily scented ones.
Don’t Overload the Washing Machine
Overloading prevents proper rinsing and spinning. This leads to clothes staying too wet and smelling musty.
Keep Your Washing Machine Clean
Sometimes the smell isn’t from your clothes, but from the washing machine itself.
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Run an empty hot wash with white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner once a month.
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Clean the rubber door seal, detergent drawer, and filter regularly.
You may also face mould issues in your home. Here is a helpful guide on how you can Mould Stains from Coloured Fabric.
How to Store Clothes to Avoid Damp Smells
Even if you’ve washed them well, clothes stored in a damp or closed-off space can quickly regain a bad smell.
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Make sure clothes are completely dry before storing.
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Use moisture-absorbing sachets or charcoal deodorisers in your wardrobe or drawers.
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Avoid plastic containers for long-term storage; opt for breathable fabric bags instead.
Natural Fresheners You Can Try
If you love fresh-smelling laundry, these natural ideas can help:
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Add a few drops of essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus) to a damp cloth and toss it in the dryer.
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Use scented drawer liners or natural cedar wood blocks in your wardrobe.
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Make your own fabric spray with water, baking soda, and a few drops of essential oil.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of damp smells in clothes doesn’t require harsh chemicals or expensive products. With the right methods — from using white vinegar and baking soda to improving drying and storage — you can enjoy fresh, clean, and odour-free clothes every time.
Don’t forget to regularly clean your washing machine, avoid overloading, and always ensure clothes are fully dry before putting them away.
Struggling with persistent damp or mould in your home? That could be the root of the problem. Visit our Damp and Mould Claims page to learn how you may be entitled to compensation if your landlord hasn’t taken action to resolve damp issues in your property.
