If your freshly washed clothes emerge from the machine smelling worse than when they went in, you are likely making a common but critical error. A laundry professional has pinpointed the primary culprit behind this frustrating household issue.
The 'Number One' Laundry Error Exposed
Kelli, a specialist from the laundry service Splash 'Em Out, took to TikTok to highlight the widespread blunder. "Too much detergent," she stated plainly, adding that "laundry is not a soap show." She explained that excess detergent does not rinse out properly during the cycle. Instead, it clings to fabric fibres, creating a sticky residue that traps sweat and bacteria.
This bacterial feast on the leftover soap is what causes that persistent, unpleasant odour to reappear once clothes are dry. Kelli offered a stark warning: "Over-soaping re-deposits dirty water right back on to your clothes." She concluded with a key reminder for owners of larger machines: "Big machine does not mean big detergent."
Public Reaction and Alternative Solutions
The video sparked a wave of responses from viewers sharing their own laundry wisdom. One TikTok user cautioned against overusing fabric softener, noting its waxy build-up can make fibres waterproof and hinder proper cleaning.
Another popular suggestion was using white vinegar. "Always use a cup of vinegar right before your rinse cycle," advised one commenter. "The vinegar will remove the soap that's left over. You can also use vinegar as a fabric softener." A third viewer emphasised following the measuring lines on detergent caps and combining detergent with vinegar to combat bacteria and smells.
Others advocated for ditching traditional products altogether. One person revealed: "We exclusively use Vanish and nothing else. It's incredibly clean. We absolutely detest detergent and softener strong smell."
Expert Tip for Banishing Damp Smells
Separately, another laundry expert, Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, shared a clever technique for eliminating musty odours from drying clothes. The 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. "Place each washed item on a flat surface and cover with a clean towel, before quickly running an iron over its surface."
This process removes initial moisture, speeding up drying time. After ironing, clothes should be hung on a rack in a well-ventilated indoor space, avoiding cramped positions or proximity to walls to ensure good air circulation.
By avoiding the common pitfall of over-soaping and employing these simple additional strategies, you can ensure your laundry comes out truly clean and fresh every time.
