Households across the UK are being urged to follow a 30-minute laundry rule when washing clothes to prevent dampness and mould. While summer brings sunshine ideal for outdoor drying, high pollen levels and unpredictable weather often force drying indoors, which can leave clothes smelling damp and musty. According to laundry experts, this unpleasant odour can be easily removed by following a simple 30-minute rule and using baking soda.
Why Clothes Smell Musty
Laundry starts to smell musty due to bacteria build-up on clothes after washing. If left damp for too long, bacteria multiply, causing odour and creating an environment for mould. Experts advise removing clothes from the washing machine within 30 minutes of the cycle finishing to minimise bacteria growth and reduce musty smells.
Adam Norris, senior product manager for laundry at Hotpoint, explains: “One of the simplest ways to keep laundry fresh is by preventing moisture from lingering. Damp conditions allow bacteria to thrive, which can leave clothes smelling musty. The freshness countdown begins as soon as your cycle ends. Leaving wet clothes in the drum creates the perfect breeding ground for odour-causing bacteria. Even just thirty minutes can affect your laundry and allow mildew to form.”
Tips for Prompt Removal
Norris recommends setting reminders on your phone or using your machine's end-of-cycle alert to remove clothes promptly. He adds: “When drying, make sure clothes are completely dry before folding or storing.”
Baking Soda as a Natural Deodoriser
Baking soda is effective at removing odours as it neutralises smells, rather than masking them like scented fabric conditioners. In its 2024 guidance on removing bad odours from clothing, fragrance supplier Snif stated: “Baking soda isn't just for baking — it's also a great product to use to deodorise your laundry. The bad odour coming from your clothes may be coming from bacteria, and some laundry detergents aren't powerful enough to break down stubborn bacteria and need a little assistance. Baking soda gives detergent a boost in the odour-fighting department. It works by regulating the water's pH level in your washer, keeping it from becoming too acidic.”
Baking soda can be added directly to the washing machine along with regular detergent. For stubborn smells, experts recommend pre-soaking clothes in hot water and baking soda for 30 minutes before washing. Norris from Hotpoint said: “Baking soda and white vinegar are great at-home remedies for absorbing odours before machine washing – and can be picked up at your local supermarket for just a few pounds.”
How to Use Baking Soda
Norris advises: “If you choose to use baking soda, sprinkle a small amount directly onto the clothes that you are pre-treating, focusing on areas like sleeves and underarms. Wait 30 minutes for the solution to absorb the odour, then place the clothing in your washing machine. Just make sure you always check the care labels on your clothes first.”
