How Long Can Clothes Stay in Washer Before Smelling?
Today’s washing machines are highly efficient at cleaning clothes. But, if you leave clothes in the washer for too long, they can start to smell musty and mildewed. To avoid this, it’s important to pay attention to how long clothes stay in the washing machine.
How to Determine How Long Clothes Can Stay in a Washer
The amount of time your clothes can stay in the washer largely depends on the type of fabric. Here is a helpful guide:
- Cotton and Synthetic Fibers: Cotton and other synthetic fibers can usually stay in the machine for up to three days if there is no water in the machine. If there is water, these items should be taken out after two hours.
- Wool and Silk: These fabrics are more delicate, so they should be removed from the machine after 30 minutes.
- Delicate Fabrics: Delicate fabrics should be removed from the washer as soon as possible. Aim to take them out within 15 minutes of washing.
Tips for Preventing Mildew and Musty Smell
To make sure your clothes don’t start to smell, there are several steps you can take:
- Wash clothing as soon as possible.
- Turn on the washer’s spin cycle after washing to help the clothes dry quicker.
- Remove the clothing from the washer as soon as the cycle is done.
- Hang the clothes up to dry, or put them in the dryer.
If you’re concerned about leaving your clothes in the washer too long, or you’re worried about musty and mildewed smells, it’s best to remove them as soon as the cycle is complete. This is the only way to make sure your clothes stay fresh and clean.