Is it bad to leave laundry out overnight?

Author: Emiliano Waelchi  |  Last update: Monday, January 12, 2026

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 okay to leave laundry outside overnight?

Hang it out in the morning, usually do LOADS of washing if its a nice day and keep checking throughout the day if its dry and bring it in. Never leave it over night. If rain gets at clothes and you leave over night and the next day, the clothes will smell and need re-washing.

Is it bad to let laundry sit overnight?

Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine overnight is generally not recommended for several reasons. Wet clothes that sit in a closed, dark, and damp environment, such as the washing machine drum, are prone to developing unpleasant odors and even mildew.

Is it okay to let clothes air dry overnight?

Abandon Your Clothes Overnight

Martha Stewart says leaving wet clothes overnight is “perfectly alright.” Martha's blog even says this can be a smart move if you're air drying the next morning—because sitting overnight helps get rid of excess water.

Why should we not leave clothes outside at night?

Also, make sure to never dry your garments open-air at night. The reason why we should not dry garments at night is because the humidity level increases drastically at that time. However, the higher the humidity level, the higher the possibility of bacteria and fungi growing there.

How I Dry Clothes Without A Dryer | Laundry Routine

Why you should do laundry at night?

Most people will see that they have a lower tariff overnight, usually between 11 pm and 7 am. This is the best time to do your washing as you'll save money. Saving money on electricity is only part of the equation. In order to get the best possible wash, you also need to use top-quality products.

Is it bad to sleep with outside clothes?

While clothes can pick up and spread germs, in most cases, the risk they present is low. (1) “The main reason not to sleep in outside clothes is discomfort,” Robert Philip Lindeman, MD, Ph. D. tells Sleepopolis.

Can I leave the washing machine on overnight?

Don't leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher on overnight and unattended. Don't leave mobile phones, tablets or e-cigarettes charging overnight. Check that your hob and oven switches are all off. Turn heaters off, rake out fires and put a fire guard in place.

Will clothes dry outside if it's cold?

In fact, drying clothes outside around freezing temperatures is possible thanks to the power of wind. On still and windless days, putting the drying rack in your bathroom and running the extractor fan can help draw out moisture, ensuring your clothes dry efficiently.

How long can clothes sit in the washer before they smell?

Lucinda Ottusch, a home economist spokesperson from the Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science, has said that laundry can be left for up to 12 hours in the household appliance. Over an eight to 12 hour period it is unlikely an unwanted odor will form, and even more unlikely for bacterial mildew to develop.

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.

Can you leave washing up overnight?

Warm, damp spaces encourage the growth of harmful bacteria, which can spread to other parts of the kitchen. These bacteria can be harmful to your health, especially if they get onto your hands or kitchen surfaces. Washing your dishes right away helps keep your kitchen safe and sanitary.

What days should you not do washing?

One of the most prevalent New Year's superstitions is that on January 1 no washing should be done. However, some people go one step further and make it a custom to keep any dirty clothes unwashed from Christmas until New Year's Day.

Can you let laundry sit 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.

Is it bad to air dry clothes inside?

Air drying clothes indoors can lead to several health risks like raised humidity levels that lead to mold or mildew growth. This can irritate asthma or allergies, and cause several breathing issues.

Is it safe to leave clothes on the radiator overnight?

Can Drying Your Clothes on a Radiator Be Unhealthy? Yes, drying clothes on a radiator can have health implications. Wet clothes release moisture into the air as they dry, significantly increasing indoor humidity levels.

Can you leave washing out overnight?

A: Yes! 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.)

Does cold ruin clothes?

Extreme cold in and of itself doesn't hurt most textiles. We actually use liquid nitrogen for bedbugs in some situations. However extreme cold does make textiles very brittle so being anything other than extraordinarily careful with super cold textiles risks having them break and shatter.

Will clothes dry outside at night?

Keep an eye on humidity levels and bring clothes in overnight to avoid dew or frost. Darker clothes absorb more heat, so should dry faster. Synthetic or blended fabrics, such as polyster and nylon, generally dry faster than natural fibres like cotton or wool.

Is it okay to leave the washing machine outside?

You can keep your washing machine on the balcony while taking care of a few things. Make sure the balcony has a grill to work as a boundary for your washing machine to avoid any mishappenings. Keep the washing machine at a decent distance from the walls.

Is it safe to leave a dryer on overnight?

General safety

Don't leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher running overnight or while you are out.

How wet should clothes be after washing?

HOW WET SHOULD CLOTHES BE AFTER WASHING? Clothes fresh out of the washer should feel wet but not drenched, and you shouldn't be able to wring out any water. This is because most wash cycles end with a spin to remove excess water from the laundry before it finishes.

Why shouldn't you wear your clothes to bed?

Even if they look clean, they will eventually become ridden with germs and bacteria. Additionally, pollutants or pollen can attach to your garb, increasing the allergy symptoms of both you and those around you. Because you can't see these substances, you may be putting yourself in harm's way and not even know it.

Does bacteria go through clothes?

Germs do survive on textiles for hours, days, and weeks and can transfer onto skin and other surfaces. It is biologically plausible that infectious diseases can be transmitted directly through contact with contaminated textiles.

Why should you change your clothes as soon as you arrive home?

Though it's certainly possible for something harmful, such as lice or scabies mites, to cling to your outfit, for the most part, the germs on your clothes aren't dangerous. Snyder says washing your hands when you return home is a far more effective infection-prevention strategy.

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