If laundry smells musty after sitting wet, rewash it using the warmest water allowed by the garment’s care label, then remove it promptly. If the smell persists—or freshly washed clothes come out musty—check the washer too: odor inside the machine can transfer to laundry.
1. Rewash clothes that smell like mildew
Wet laundry left in a washer can develop mildew odor, and the smell may linger in the washer as well. Whirlpool explains this in its washer odor guidance.
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Wash the affected clothes, towels, or linens again, choosing the warmest water permitted by each item’s care label. Follow the garment label and washer manual before adding a new laundry product; Maytag advises checking both when considering laundry products in its guide to removing mildew smell from clothes. Move the load to the dryer or hang it to dry as soon as the cycle ends.
2. Clean the washer if it smells musty
Smell the empty drum. If it has a musty odor, the washer may be the source of the smell on clothes, including items that seem clean after washing or drying. Maytag and Whirlpool both identify washer odor as a possible cause of lingering laundry odor (Maytag; Whirlpool).
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Use the washer’s Clean Washer cycle, if it has one, and follow the owner’s manual for the approved cleaning product and instructions. Whirlpool says its Clean Washer cycle uses higher water volumes with washer cleaner or liquid chlorine bleach, but the model’s instructions determine what is appropriate. Whirlpool recommends running the cycle monthly; Maytag also recommends at least monthly cleaning, with more frequent cleaning potentially needed for frequent use or hard water (Whirlpool washer-cleaning guidance; Maytag washer-cleaning guidance).
A washing-machine cleaner is an optional choice, not a universal requirement. Use only a product permitted by the manual and follow both the washer and product directions. Do not substitute vinegar: Whirlpool warns that it may damage washer components over time (Whirlpool washer-cleaning guidance).
Rank #2
- Use what Your Vet Uses: Thornell is an excellent provider of pet odor eliminator for home and laundry products to the veterinary industry in North America. Use what the pros use! This powerful dog and cat odor eliminator concentrate for laundry can be used safely on towels, bedding, blankets, clothing, and all other machine-washable items.
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3. Use the right detergent type and amount
Use detergent formulated for your washer—particularly HE detergent in a high-efficiency washer—and measure the amount recommended for the load and product. Whirlpool notes that non-HE detergent can leave film residue that contributes to odor, while excess detergent can also contribute to washer odor (Whirlpool’s HE detergent explainer; Maytag’s clothing odor guidance).
4. Clean the dispenser and door gasket as directed
Inspect the detergent dispenser and, on a front-load washer, the door gasket for residue or dampness. Clean these areas only as the washer manual directs; instructions vary by model. A musty gasket or dispenser can be part of the washer odor problem, so include them when checking a smelly machine.
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- One 5 lb box of OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor Eliminator and Stain Remover Powder laundry booster to get out tough stains and stubborn smells
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- Tough on stains yet gentle on fabric, this chlorine-free, color-safe, fabric stain remover formula removes odors and stains to help keep the clothes you love look newer, longer
5. Remove wet loads promptly and let the washer air out
Take laundry out soon after the cycle finishes rather than leaving it damp in the drum. Between loads, leave the door or lid open to let the interior dry if the washer manual permits it. Whirlpool recommends removing wet clothing promptly and allowing the washer to air out between cycles (Whirlpool washer odor guidance).
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