If your freshly washed clothes are emerging from the machine smelling worse than when they went in, a common household error is likely to blame. A laundry professional has pinpointed the "number one mistake" that countless people make, leading to garments that remain dirty and odorous despite a full wash cycle.
The 'Gross Fact' About Over-Soaping
Kelli, a laundry expert from Splash 'Em Out, took to TikTok to share crucial advice. She explained that the primary culprit is simply using too much laundry detergent. "Laundry is not a soap show," she stated, debunking the myth that more soap equals cleaner clothes.
Kelli revealed what she termed a "gross fact": excess detergent does not fully rinse out. Instead, it adheres to fabric fibres. This sticky residue then traps sweat and bacteria within the material. The unpleasant smell that reappears once clothes are dry is caused by bacteria feeding on the leftover soap, she disclosed.
"Over-soaping re-deposits dirty water right back on to your clothes," Kelli noted, emphasising how the practice is counterproductive. She concluded with a clear warning: "Big machine does not mean big detergent."
Public Reaction and Alternative Solutions
The expert's video sparked a significant response from viewers, many of whom shared their own laundry hacks and observations. One TikTok user commented on fabric softener, noting its waxy composition can make fibres waterproof and hinder proper cleaning.
Another popular suggestion involved using white vinegar. "Always use a cup of vinegar right before your rinse cycle," advised one person. "The vinegar will remove the soap that's left over. You can also use vinegar as a fabric softener."
A third viewer reminded others to follow the measuring lines on detergent caps, which are designed for different load sizes. Meanwhile, a fourth revealed they exclusively use a product like Vanish to avoid the strong perfumed smells of detergents and softeners.
Expert Tip for Banishing Damp Smells
Separately, another laundry authority, Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, shared a favoured technique for eliminating damp, musty odours from drying clothes. His method requires only a clean towel and an iron.
"In order to prevent any damp or musty smells from clinging to your clothing as they dry, you can initially heat them up before hanging on your drying rack," Dimitrov advised. The process involves placing each washed item on a flat surface, covering it with a clean towel, and then quickly running an iron over the surface.
This action removes initial moisture, meaning garments are likely to dry faster. After ironing, clothes should be hung on a rack in a well-ventilated indoor space, avoiding positions too close to walls to prevent dampness. Proper air circulation is key to faster, fresher drying.
By avoiding the common pitfall of over-soaping and employing smart drying techniques, households across the UK can achieve cleaner, fresher-smelling laundry with ease.
