Why Do Clothes Get a Stagnant Water Smell?

Clothes left in stagnant water or sitting wet for too long can develop a distinct musty smell. This odour is often caused by moisture that remains trapped in the fabric, which leads to the growth of bacteria, mould, or mildew. Whether you’ve accidentally left your clothes in the washing machine overnight or stored damp clothes in a drawer, these odours can be stubborn. In this guide on how to remove stagnant water smell from clothes, we will understand several natural and effective ways to eliminate this smell and leave your clothes fresh again.

What Causes the Stagnant Water Smell in Clothes?

To effectively treat and prevent stagnant water odours, it’s essential to understand what causes them. Here are a few key reasons:

• Prolonged Moisture: Leaving clothes in a damp state for too long can cause bacteria and mould to grow, which is the primary cause of musty smells.
• Inadequate Drying: When clothes are not fully dried, especially in humid environments, the moisture can become trapped in the fibres, leading to that stale, unpleasant odour.
• Clothes Forgotten in the Washing Machine: Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine without transferring them to the dryer promptly can cause a musty smell as they sit in the damp environment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Stagnant Water Smell from Clothes

Follow these detailed steps to completely remove the stagnant water smell from your clothes:

1. Rewash the Clothes Properly

The first step is to rewash the affected clothes. Sometimes, a proper wash with a few additions can make a big difference in eliminating stubborn smells.

Steps:

• Select the Right Water Temperature: If the fabric allows, use hot water. Hot water helps break down bacteria and odours that have developed from stagnant water. For delicate fabrics, use the warmest setting that is safe for the fabric type.
• Use a Quality Detergent: Choose a high-quality detergent for deep cleaning. Detergents with enzymes are especially effective at breaking down organic matter that contributes to bad odours.

Bonus Tip: Add 1 cup of white vinegar directly into the drum of the washing machine. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant that helps kill odour-causing bacteria.

2. Use White Vinegar for Deep Deodorizing

White vinegar is one of the most effective natural solutions for eliminating musty odours. Its acidic properties help neutralize bacteria and get rid of the stagnant water smell without damaging your clothes.

Steps:

• Add One Cup of White Vinegar: Pour one cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener compartment or directly into the washing machine drum.
• Choose a Long Rinse Cycle: Select a long rinse cycle to ensure the vinegar can work through the clothes properly. The longer rinse will help deodorize the fabric by breaking down bacteria.

Why Vinegar Works: White vinegar neutralises the pH of fabrics, kills bacteria, and helps remove mildew smells embedded deep in the fibres. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly option that leaves no chemical residue behind.

3. Add Baking Soda to Neutralize Odours

Baking soda is another natural deodorizer that works wonders on musty smells. It absorbs odours and helps soften the fabric, making it an ideal addition to the washing process.

Steps:

• Sprinkle Half a Cup of Baking Soda: Add half a cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine drum before running the cycle.
• Combine with Detergent: You can use baking soda in combination with your regular detergent to enhance the deodorizing effect.

Bonus Tip: For particularly tough smells, you can pre-soak clothes in a mixture of water and baking soda for 30 minutes before washing. This method allows the baking soda to absorb odours thoroughly.

4. Air Dry the Clothes Outside

Drying your clothes in fresh air and sunlight is one of the best ways to ensure that the musty smell is completely eliminated. Sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant, and the breeze helps evaporate any lingering moisture.

Steps:

• Hang Clothes Outside: After washing, hang your clothes on a line outdoors, preferably in direct sunlight. The UV rays from the sun kill bacteria and fungi that might still be present in the fibres.
• Ensure Proper Airflow: If drying indoors, make sure there’s proper airflow to allow the clothes to dry completely. A fan or open windows can help circulate air.

Why It’s Important: Drying clothes completely is essential to prevent any dampness from returning and causing the odour again.

5. Use Essential Oils for Extra Freshness

If you want to add a pleasant, natural scent to your clothes after deodorizing, you can use essential oils. Certain essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil not only provide a fresh scent but also have antibacterial properties that keep odours at bay.

Steps:

• Add a Few Drops to the Laundry: Add 3-5 drops of lavender or tea tree oil to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. Alternatively, mix the essential oils with your detergent before starting the cycle.
• Spray Essential Oils After Drying: You can also create a fabric spray by mixing essential oils with water in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the clothes after drying to leave them smelling fresh.

Bonus Tip: If you’re sensitive to smells, tea tree oil is an excellent choice as it has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it perfect for removing mildew.

What are the Home Remedies to Keep Clothes Fresh?

Here are some additional home remedies you can try to keep your clothes smelling fresh:

• White Vinegar and Baking Soda Mix: This is the ultimate combination for fighting odours. Use it regularly in your wash to keep clothes fresh.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon is a natural deodorizer. Adding a few tablespoons to your wash or rinsing your clothes with lemon juice and water can leave them smelling crisp and clean.
• Essential Oils: Lavender or eucalyptus oils can be added directly to the wash for long-lasting freshness or sprayed on clothes after drying.

How to Prevent Future Smells in Clothes?

Prevention is key to avoiding musty odours in your clothes.

• Don’t Leave Clothes in the Washing Machine: Always remove clothes from the washing machine as soon as the cycle finishes. Wet clothes left quickly develop musty smells in the machine.
• Fully Dry Clothes Before Storing: Ensure that your clothes are completely dry before folding and storing them in drawers or wardrobes. Moisture trapped in the fabric can quickly lead to odour buildup.
• Air Dry Whenever Possible: Hanging clothes outside to dry in fresh air can prevent future odours. If you dry indoors, ensure there’s good airflow to prevent dampness.

Conclusion

By following these natural steps, you can effectively remove stagnant water smells from your clothes and keep them fresh for longer. Regularly airing and properly drying your clothes, along with using natural deodorizers like vinegar and baking soda, will help prevent these odours from returning. Keep these simple remedies in mind for fresher, cleaner laundry every time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use bleach to remove the musty smell from clothes?

Yes, bleach can be used, but only on white fabrics or colour-safe fabrics. For delicate clothes, it’s best to use natural alternatives like vinegar or baking soda.

2. Why does my washing machine smell musty?

A musty washing machine can transfer odours to your clothes. Run an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar to clean out any bacteria or mildew from the machine.