Wet laundry in the washing machine
Doing laundry is part of keeping a clean home. Leaving freshly washed, wet clothes sitting in the washing machine doesn't just damage the clothes, it damages the machine too. Of course, it happens to everyone now and then: the laundry gets forgotten and ends up sitting overnight. When it does, there's no need to walk around feeling guilty about it, afraid of being seen as someone who breaks the unwritten rules of the laundry room.
That said, leaving laundry in the machine occasionally is one thing, making a habit of it is another. When wet clothes are left sitting for too long, mold can develop quickly. Mold-affected clothes have a sharp, unpleasant smell and can be permanently ruined. If wet laundry is regularly left in the machine, there's a good chance the machine itself will start to harbor mold as well. It's worth making an effort to avoid this as much as possible.
Clothes that smell of mold
If your clothes or other laundry have developed a moldy smell, the most important thing is not to put them in the dryer. Instead, wash them again. If the laundry smells sour or musty, there are several household remedies that can help neutralize the odor. One option is to wash the items with distilled white vinegar, mix vinegar and water, soak the laundry for around 15 to 20 minutes, then wash as normal. Don't leave mold-affected items sitting for too long, as they can be permanently damaged.
Keeping microorganisms at bay
The enzymes in laundry detergent don't just break down dirt, they also target microorganisms. Different detergents contain different types of enzymes, so it can be worth switching brands occasionally. Using a detergent with a different enzyme profile helps keep a broader range of microorganisms under control.
Keep an eye on your washer and dryer
To reduce the risk of fire, it's important to be home when running the washing machine or dryer. Avoid overloading the machine, as running a full cycle with too much laundry can be a fire hazard. If you're in the habit of running the dryer overnight, it's best to stop, dryers can overheat and catch fire.
Keep the machine clean
Buildup of dirt and mold inside the washing machine is more common than you might think. To keep it in good condition, clean it regularly, consult your machine's manual for specific instructions. Don't forget to clear the drain filter, where a surprising amount of debris can accumulate. When the machine is not in use, leave the detergent drawer and drum door open to reduce the risk of mold and bacterial growth.
Washing bed linen at 90-95°C from time to time is a good habit to get into, and using a whitening detergent helps too. High temperatures are effective at killing microorganisms, including those that survive lower wash cycles. Whitening detergents work by reducing microorganisms through the bleaching agents they contain. Alternatively, run an empty cycle at 90-95°C with around 200ml of a low-pH acid such as distilled white vinegar or citric acid. The acidic environment prevents bacteria from surviving, leaving you with a fresh, clean machine ready for your clothes, towels, and bed linen.
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