Laundry Tips for Smelly Clothes

We’ve all been there – opened the washing machine to unload a pile of fresh laundry, only to find the clothes we put in smell as bad as they did before.

Or sometimes worse… musty, fusty, stale and (yuck) claggy to touch.

So what can you do?

Follow these easy steps to banish smelly laundry for good – and get washing smelling fresh and clean again.

1. Give your washing machine some TLC

Clean laundry starts with a clean washing machine, so do yours a favour: give it a regular deep clean.

Not only will this remove any detergent residue, mould and limescale that’s built up, causing nasty smells – it will also help it work better for longer.

2. Don’t overload your washing machine

Cramming in too many clothes stops the detergent and water doing their job, as they can’t move freely around the drum.

To get fresh-smelling laundry every time, make sure you choose the right capacity washing machine, like the Bosch WGG254Z0GB 10kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with handy features including Anti Stain, Speed Perfect, Unlock & Reload, 60 degree, Steam function, Hygiene plus and Drum Clean.

Check our range of 7kg to 10kg capacity Beko, Blomberg, Bosch, Haier, Hoover, Hotpoint, LG and Samsung washing machines to find the best washing machine for you.

3. Use the right amount of laundry detergent

More detergent means cleaner laundry, right?

Wrong. Too much detergent is as bad as too little.

It can affect the rinsing cycle, leaving soap scum to clog your washing machine. Your laundry may also feel stiff and sticky, irritating sensitive skin.

So always follow the dosing guidelines, taking the size of your load and water hardness into account.

Some washing machines have a handy ‘Automatic Dosing’ feature so you’ll never use too much detergent – like the Bosch WGG254F0GB 10kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine with i-Dos, Anti Stain, Iron Assist, Speed Perfect, Active Water Plus and Reload function.

Washing laundry at the hottest safe temperature for the fabric should also banish musty smells. Check each item’s care label first.

4. Don’t leave wet laundry in your washing machine

The longer damp laundry sits in your washing machine, the smellier it gets thanks to the moisture left behind in the drum.

Removing it fast will also stop smelly mildew building up in your machine, as will leaving the door and detergent drawer open (when empty) to air the seals and drum.

5. Dry your laundry properly – and fast

Try to get your laundry dry within a few hours.

If you have a tumble dryer, choose the right drying cycle and temperature for the fabric type and size of load, so the heated air can do its job.

Tumble dryer balls can also help by separating items, as they help the air move freely around the drum.

Don’t have a tumble dryer, or need to dry delicate items? Make sure they’re properly spaced out when hanging on an airer. An energy-efficient dehumidifier will also help laundry dry quicker indoors, while costing only pennies to run.

6. Don’t leave laundry in the tumble dryer

As when washing, remove laundry from the tumble dryer as soon as you can. Shake it out to check it’s dried through. It may need to go back in or to be aired for a while

Don’t have a tumble dryer but looking to buy one? Read how to choose between a heat pump, condenser or vented tumble dryer.

7. Dry laundry outside if you can

Sunshine is your friend when it comes to making laundry smell fresh and clean.

Its UV rays don’t just kill any bacteria on the cloth. They also have a natural bleaching effect – good news if you love brilliantly white laundry.

8. Store laundry in a clean dry place

Finally, there’s no point spending precious time and energy doing your laundry if you don’t have a clean, dry place to store it when it’s dry.

So sort out cupboards and drawers to ensure they’re as airy as possible to keep clothes smelling fresh and clean.

If you’ve tried all this, and your washing still isn’t as fresh as a daisy, it might be time for a new washing machine or tumble dryer. Head on over to our see our range of laundry products and find your right match. We’ve also got lots of useful articles and handy buying guides to help you choose. Or if you’d prefer to hear expert advice in person, find your local store.