Homemakers and appliance manufacturer Whirlpool have recommended adding baking soda to laundry loads to eliminate persistent musty smells from freshly washed clothes.
Increasing the amount of detergent used does not resolve damp odours and can instead leave residue on fabrics and inside the machine, according to publication Evz.
Whirlpool, a major producer of home appliances, suggested adding roughly half a cup of baking soda directly to a regular load of laundry alongside normal detergent. Baking soda helps neutralize trapped odours in garments, towels, and bed sheets.
Users should inspect washing machine manuals and clothing care labels before trying the method. If items remain damp for an extended period and develop a heavy odor, a repeat wash may be required followed immediately by complete drying.
Causes of post-wash odours
One of the primary causes of damp smells is leaving wet laundry inside a closed drum for too long. A humid environment without air circulation encourages musty smells to develop rapidly.
Placing clothes into wardrobes before they have dried completely also creates persistent odours. Dampness frequently lingers inside the thick seams, cuffs, and dense fabric layers of items such as jeans, hoodies, towels, and bed linen.
Overloading a washing machine prevents clothing from moving freely during the cycle. When items are crammed together, detergent cannot rinse out properly, leaving garments inadequately cleaned.
Pouring extra laundry powder into the dispenser does not guarantee cleaner or fresher clothes. Excess detergent accumulates on fabric fibers and builds up inside the washing machine tub, so users should follow dosage guidelines based on load size, soil level, and water hardness.
Vinegar treatment and machine maintenance
Vinegar is another household product used to fight persistent damp smells. The American Cleaning Institute, an industry trade association, lists vinegar as a viable option alongside baking soda for laundry care.
Whirlpool recommended soaking smelly garments for approximately 30 minutes in a solution containing one part vinegar to two parts water, followed by a thorough rinse before washing. However, experts warned against regularly pouring vinegar directly into the washing machine without checking the manufacturer guide, as frequent exposure can damage internal components over time.
When every load emerges with a bad smell, the washing machine itself may be contaminated by accumulated detergent, fabric softener, dirt, and moisture. In front-loading models, water and grime collect inside the folds of the rubber door seal gasket, creating a primary source of bad odours.
Owners should regularly inspect the detergent tray, drum, and lower drain areas where water gathers, running a self-cleaning cycle periodically if the appliance offers one. Leaving the washing machine door and detergent drawer slightly open after each wash allows air to circulate and dries out the interior.
Best practices for fresh laundry
Experienced homemakers advised several key steps to keep laundry smelling fresh after every cycle:
- Remove wet items from the drum promptly after washing
- Avoid overloading the machine drum past recommended capacity
- Follow correct detergent dosage recommendations
- Hang laundry outside or transfer it to a tumble dryer immediately
- Ensure garments are completely dry before storing in wardrobes
- Clean and maintain the washing machine structure regularly
The guidance follows earlier reports by Ukrainian news agency UNIAN explaining washing machine control symbols, including cotton flowers, wool skeins, spirals, and hands in basins, which vary by manufacturer. UNIAN also highlighted homemaker tips on spraying exterior doors with vinegar solution.
