Households across the UK are being urged to follow a 30-minute laundry rule in October to prevent dampness and mould. As autumn weather turns colder and wetter, line drying clothes is often out of the question, forcing many to dry washing indoors where it can develop a damp, musty smell despite being freshly washed.
According to laundry experts, this unpleasant odour can be avoided with a simple 30-minute rule and the use of baking soda. Laundry starts to smell musty due to a build-up of bacteria on clothes after washing; if left damp for too long, bacteria multiply, causing odours and creating an ideal environment for mould to thrive.
The 30-minute rule explained
Experts advise removing clothes from the washing machine within 30 minutes of the cycle finishing, as this minimises the amount of bacteria that builds up and reduces 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.”
Norris adds: “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.” He recommends setting reminders on your phone or using the machine's end-of-cycle alert to remove clothes promptly, and ensuring clothes are completely dry before folding or storing.
Baking soda as an odour solution
Baking soda is effective at removing odours because it neutralises smells rather than masking them like scented fabric conditioners. In guidance published in 2024 on removing bad odours from clothing after washing, fragrance supplier Snif said: “Baking soda isn't just for baking — it's also a great product to use to deodorise your laundry.”
Snif added: “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 with regular detergent to deodorise clothes as they wash. For more stubborn smells, experts recommend pre-soaking clothes in a solution of hot water and baking soda for 30 minutes before washing.
Expert tips for pre-treatment
Norris from Hotpoint added: “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.”
He advised: “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.”
