How Long Can Wet Laundry Stay in the Washer?
It's a common scenario: a load of laundry is put into the washer only to be forgotten until the next morning. When this happens, clothes often develop a mildewy odor due to the growth of bacteria overnight. However, if clothes still smell fresh and clean, running the load through a second cycle may not be necessary.
According to Martha Stewart, it's acceptable to leave wet clothes in the washer overnight, as long as they're not left for too long—certainly not for a week. If transferred to the dryer in the morning, they should be fine.
How long is too long for clothes to stay in the washer?
While placing garments in the dryer or on the clothesline right after the cycle finishes is best practice, wet laundry should generally not stay in the washer for more than 8-12 hours.
Mildew and mold thrive in warm, damp environments, and the washer provides an ideal setting if laundry is left too long. As bacteria grow, they produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for the musty smell.
Mary Gagliardi, in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox, notes that factors like soil level, detergent, wash water temperature, extra rinses, and the use of bleach can impact how clean the laundry gets and how long it can sit in the washer.
Washing clothes with bleach can provide more leeway when leaving wet clothes in the washer overnight. Bleach loads, such as socks, towels, sheets, underwear, t-shirts, and dishtowels, can be started before bed and dealt with in the morning without issue.
Can Towels Stay Wet in the Washer Longer Than Other Laundry?
Towels, due to their thickness and high absorbency, retain moisture longer than other laundry items. This increased retention makes them particularly prone to mildew and bacterial growth if left in the washer. Unlike lighter fabrics, towels take longer to dry and stay damp for extended periods, providing a perfect environment for mold and bacteria to flourish.
Removing and drying towels promptly after the wash cycle, preferably sooner than other laundry, helps prevent the development of unpleasant odors and bacterial contamination. A study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology highlights that towels can harbor more bacteria due to their moisture retention properties, making prompt drying essential.
How to Tell If Clothes Were Left in the Washer for Too Long
Unsure if wet laundry has been sitting too long? Try smelling it. If the smell is acceptable, it might still be fine. However, the mold and bacteria that start to grow on damp clothes and environments are very pungent. Even if only one item smells off, it's a good indicator that the entire load needs to be re-washed. Using a non-scented laundry detergent free of harsh chemicals can help detect any off smells more easily.
How to Prevent Laundry From Smelling Bad
To prevent bad-smelling laundry, identifying the source of the stench is essential. If wet clothes were left in the washer for a few days, that's likely the reason. However, soil buildups on the inner workings of clothes washers, especially high-efficiency washers, can also cause odors. Soil buildup can include leftover dirt, stains, oils, and lint that stay behind after the cycle is complete.
Remove Soil Buildup From the Washer:
Running a monthly bleach clean-out cycle of the washing machine is an effective way to eliminate soil buildups. Here's how to do it:
Select hot water.
Select the "extra rinse" option if the washer has this feature. If not, this can be done manually when the cycle ends.
Add disinfecting bleach to the bleach dispenser, filling it to the maximum level.
Run the cycle without any laundry in the washer.
Run an extra rinse cycle if an extra rinse option couldn't be added to the first cycle to ensure no bleach remains in the washer.
Wash Smaller Loads:
Cramming too many articles of clothing into the washer can prevent thorough cleaning. Stick to smaller loads to ensure items are washed well.
Dry Out Wet Clothes Before Washing Them:
If there are damp clothes, like gym clothes, let them dry out a little before tossing them into the hamper. This prevents damp, possibly smelly clothes from contaminating the rest of the laundry before it hits the washer.
How to Avoid Leaving Clothes in the Washer
To avoid leaving clothes in the washer for too long, consider these tips:
Set Timers or Reminders: Use a timer on a phone or an alarm to remind when the wash cycle is complete.
Use a Smart Washer: Some modern washing machines have mobile app connectivity that can send alerts when the cycle is done.
Plan Laundry Time: Start laundry when there will be time to move it to the dryer promptly.
Family Involvement: If living with others, communicate and remind each other about laundry duties.
Opt for Machines with Both Wash and Dry Features: Consider a washer-dryer combo to avoid the need to transfer clothes between machines.
What to Do If the Washer Has a Mildew Odor
If the washer has a mildew odor, here are some steps to eliminate it:
Run a Cleaning Cycle: Utilize the cleaning cycle available on most modern washers. For instance, Whirlpool’s “Affresh” cycle or LG’s “Tub Clean” feature can effectively eliminate odors.
Leave the Door Open: After each wash, prop the washer door open to allow air circulation, which helps prevent moisture buildup that leads to mildew.
Clean the Gasket: Regularly wipe down the rubber gasket around the door where mildew tends to accumulate.
Clean the Detergent Box: Ensure the detergent drawer is cleaned frequently as soap residue can build up and harbor mold.
Dry Out the Drum: After the last load of the day, use a dry towel to wipe the inside of the drum, removing any residual moisture.
Regular Maintenance: Once a month, run an empty wash cycle with hot water and a cup of bleach or a washing machine cleaner to kill any lingering bacteria or mold.
Additional Tips:
Use the Right Detergent: Opt for high-efficiency (HE) detergent to minimize soap residue, which can contribute to mold and mildew growth.
Don’t Overload the Washer: Overloading can hinder thorough cleaning and rinsing, resulting in residue that fosters mold growth.
Remove Laundry Promptly: The best way to prevent odors and bacteria is to move laundry to the dryer as soon as the wash cycle ends.
Removing laundry from washers early is very important to avoid odor and mold growth. Also consider exploring a laundry service near Belmont Shore, like Coco Laundry. Our seamless integration of self-service laundromat and laundry services provides a comprehensive solution for your diverse wardrobe needs. At Coco Laundry, we take pride in offering a range of services, including wash dry and fold, pick-up & delivery, and meticulous dry cleaning – a one-stop shop for all your garment care needs. Whether you opt for dish soap, commercial stain removers, or DIY solutions, taking prompt action and using the appropriate methods can help banish grease and oil stains for good. So next time you encounter an oil stain, don't despair—arm yourself with these effective techniques and reclaim your clothes from unsightly marks.
