Can I leave wet clothes in the dryer overnight?

Author: Rhea Ruecker  |  Last update: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Even house expert Martha Stewart states that there are no adverse effects if the clothes are left overnight in the washer or dryer. The best way to determine whether the clothes are okay is to smell them. If the clothes do not have an unpleasant odor, they are fine to put out to dry.

What happens if I leave wet clothes in the dryer overnight?

Wet clothing should not really be left in the dryer longer than overnight. Because a dryer is a dark and moist place with damp clothing in it, it is an invitation for bacteria to grow, and your clothes could quickly become moldy and smell. That's why you should not leave it in the dryer longer than 8 -- 12 hours.

Will soaking wet clothes dry overnight?

Wetness: The initial moisture level of the clothes also affects drying time; very wet clothes will take longer than those that are merely damp. In general, if the conditions are favorable (low humidity, warm temperatures, and some wind), clothes could dry reasonably well overnight, possibly within 6 to 12 hours.

Can you leave a clothes dryer on overnight?

No, it is not safe to switch on a tumble dryer and go to sleep or leave it unattended. Tumble dryers generate heat to dry clothes, and there is a potential risk of fire if they are left running without supervision.

Is it bad to put wet wet clothes in the dryer?

It is not recommended, and will put a strain on the machine. The excess water will also drain into the bottom of the dryer and cause damage, both to the dryer and the floor.

Why Is my Dryer Hot but Clothes are Damp ?

Is it OK to dry wet clothes inside?

Clothes can dry indoors in winter, but it can affect air quality, humidity and lead to mould. Try avoiding drying laundry in the rooms where you spend the most time e.g., your living room and bedroom. Instead, place the drying rack in the bathroom, the kitchen or hallway where you spend less time.

Is a dryer ruined if it gets wet?

Water—even clean water—can damage the inner workings of the appliance, including the motor. Call a qualified service and repair expert to assess the damage.

Is it okay to leave clothes out to dry overnight?

Nothing bad will happen to your washing if you leave it out overnight, other than it will get a little damp from any dew. In the height of summer you don't even need to worry about dew. (I sometimes peg my washing out before I go to bed in summer so that it gets a head start for the morning.)

Is it safe to tumble dry overnight?

For safety reasons, do not leave the dryer running overnight or when you leave home.

Why does the inside of my dryer smell burnt?

A clogged dryer vent can smell a few different ways depending on the operational state of the dryer. If the dryer is on, it can smell like something is on fire. This usually means that the lint is dry and starting to burn slightly. Other common smells include the concentrated smell of fabric softener or a musty odor.

What to do with wet clothes overnight?

If you left clothes in the washer overnight, you may need to freshen them up before drying. A quick rewash may be all you need. Or, for a more thorough refresh of your laundry, run the same load on another full cycle and try adding a presoak option to help combat stubborn odors.

Why shouldn't we dry clothes at night?

Do not leave laundry outside at night as it risks humidity and bad odors. Better to spread it out during the day for good drying in the air fresh.

Is it okay to leave clothes soaked overnight?

Soaking clothes overnight, whether inside a washing machine or out, is best avoided. Follow recommended guidelines when soaking clothes and using chemicals, and always remember that prolonged soaking can and will damage your clothes.

Is it safe to dry clothes overnight?

While it's best practice to place your garments in the dryer or on the clothesline right after the cycle finishes, it's perfectly okay to leave your wet clothes in the washer overnight, Martha says. "I mean, don't leave it for a long time—don't leave it for a week," she says.

What happens if you leave wet clothes in the dryer now it stinks?

Damp clothes left inside the machine for too long can cultivate a moist environment, a haven for mildew. Thorough Lint Filter Cleaning: Start as previously directed by meticulously cleaning the lint filter. White Vinegar Magic: Soak a few sturdy towels with white vinegar until they're damp but not dripping.

How long before wet clothes mildew?

Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer Can Cause Bacteria and Mildew to Grow. The biggest downside of leaving your clothes in the washing machine for more than eight to twelve hours is that, after this period, there's a greater chance that bacteria, mold, and mildew will grow.

Can wet clothes sit in the dryer overnight?

Even house expert Martha Stewart states that there are no adverse effects if the clothes are left overnight in the washer or dryer. The best way to determine whether the clothes are okay is to smell them. If the clothes do not have an unpleasant odor, they are fine to put out to dry.

How do you dry wet clothes fast at night?

Once you've hanged your clothes, you can hasten the process with the use of a fan or heater if you have any. If this doesn't work for you, another trick is to set your laundry up in your room while the air conditioner is on. Leave them overnight to help the clothes dry faster.

Is it safe to leave dry soon on overnight?

Safe enough to be left on overnight, their gently-heated bars are kinder to clothes than tumble drying or scorching hot radiators so they won't harm delicate items like underwear, woollens or do untold invisible damage to expensive specialist leisure wear or sports kit by destroying its wick-away properties.

Can you put soaking wet clothes in the dryer?

No Soaking Wet Clothes

You should always avoid putting soaking wet clothes into a clothes dryer. Clothes that are soaking wet or dripping are heavy and this added weight in a standard dryer could damage it as it spins the load around.

Can I dry my laundry at night?

To set up nighttime drying, hang clothes on a drying rack or clothesline outside, or use an indoor drying rack in a well-ventilated area. Periodically checking the clothes during nighttime drying will ensure they are drying properly.

Do not allow to lay on itself when wet.?

It means don't allow to lay on ITSELF, meaning don't leave it in the wash wet and laying on itself all bunched up but remove immediately. The material will wrinkle and those wrinkles won't necessarily be completely removed with the tumble dry low setting it instructs to use or even medium setting on the dryer.

Can wet clothes in the dryer cause fire?

Stuffing too many wet clothes or bedding into a dryer can cause an excess of lint to accumulate. Since lint buildup reduces a dryer's ability to ventilate, the machine may quickly overheat and cause a fire to break out.

What to do if clothes are still wet after dryer?

A good airflow is the key for a dryer to work properly. If your clothes are still wet after a drying cycle it could mean that the Air Vent is clogged. To fix this problem, you will have to unplug the dryer and disconnect it from the vent. Once everything is disconnected, it's time to vacuum the vent.

Where does the water in the dryer go?

Clothes dryers draw in air through openings, heat it and then pass it through the tumbler where the clothes are. It picks up moisture in the process, which it expels through an exhaust duct.

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