Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for hours after the cycle ends creates the perfect conditions for mould, which can leave garments smelling stale and musty. To prevent this, laundry should be unloaded within 30 minutes of the cycle finishing, according to Karishma Darji, a self-storage specialist at Ready Steady Store.
The 30-minute rule for fresh laundry
Darji explains that the warm, damp environment inside a closed washing machine encourages mould to develop on freshly washed clothes. Even when mould is not visible, it can leave clothes smelling damp and musty, often requiring them to be washed again.
She advises: "Try to unload the washing machine within 30 minutes of the cycle ending. To help airflow, leave the washing machine door slightly open between washes to help prevent lingering damp smells inside the machine itself."
Keeping knitwear fresh after storage
Winter garments such as jumpers and cardigans that have been packed away can develop a musty aroma when brought out again. Darji suggests airing knitwear beside an open window for several hours before wearing. If the odour persists, the items should be washed and dried thoroughly before being returned to storage.
"Drying your knitwear properly can have an impact on its longevity, so it's important to avoid stretching the fibres," she adds. "Dry your jumpers flat on top of a towel rather than hanging them up. This helps them to keep their shape and prevents fabric from becoming misshapen as it dries."
When stored in wardrobes, knitwear risks stretching and snagging, so it is best to fold items neatly, but only once they are fully dry.
