Will leaving clothes in the washer overnight make them smell bad?

Author: Prof. Nico McClure  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

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.

Will clothes stink if left in the washer overnight?

Laundry can start to develop a musty smell if left in a washing machine for too long, typically within 24 hours. The exact time can vary depending on factors like humidity, temperature, and the type of fabric.

Is it okay to leave clothes in the washing machine overnight?

It's generally recommended to avoid leaving wet clothes in the washer for more than 24 hours. After this time, they can start to develop a musty smell and may even grow mold or mildew, especially in warm and humid conditions.

What happens if you leave your clothes in the washer too long?

Moist conditions provide an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria. Leaving wet clothes in the washer for an extended period can lead to the proliferation of bacteria on your clothing. Some fabrics are sensitive to moisture and can develop stains if they are left damp for an extended period.

Why do clothes smell bad after being left in the washing machine?

Because it starts to grow mold and bacteria . The laundry is compressed after spinning so the clothing is still wet. After a few days in a closed dark environment anything from the air and water or left on the clothing will begin to replicate more...

How long can you leave wet clothes in the washer before they smell?

How to get smell out of clothes that were left in the washer?

HOW TO FRESHEN UP CLOTHES ACCIDENTALLY LEFT IN THE WASHER
  1. REWASH. Rewashing clothes left in the washer too long should be your first step to help tackle odors. ...
  2. SOAK IN VINEGAR. ...
  3. WASH WITH BAKING SODA. ...
  4. CLEAN THE WASHER.

Is it bad to leave clothes 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 many hours can you leave clothes in the washer?

How long can you leave wet washing for? If damp clothes or bedding have been left in the washing machine or a basket for more than 8-12 hours we recommend giving it another wash. If it's been over 12 hours it's a safe bet that they will need to be re-washed.

How to get rid of wet laundry smell?

Add 1 cup of white vinegar to your machine's detergent cup or mix a cup of white vinegar with ½ cup water and then add to the washer — no need to add a detergent. Hot water combined with vinegar will break up any bacteria accumulated on your clothes. As a result, the funky musty smell will go away.

Can I leave washing out overnight?

It's entirely up to you exactly when you hang the washing out - if you need to leave early in the morning, you can hang it out while it's still dark. Nothing bad will happen! In fact, in the summer you can even hang the washing out before you go to bed so that it's all ready for the sun as soon as it comes up.

How long can you leave washing in the machine before it smells?

Generally, you should avoid leaving your clothes in the washing machine for more than 8 to 12 hours. Past this length of time, your clothes will become incredibly susceptible to bacteria and mould growth. This is what will cause them to smell slightly pungent and unpleasant.

Is it okay to leave clothes in water 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 leave washing machine on overnight?

Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on – like your fridge or freezer. 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.

How long does it take for clothes to stink in the washer?

Don't allow your wet clothes to sit too long. The Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science's lead home economist, Lucinda Ottusch, gives a concrete guideline of 8-12 hours before odor, a sign of mildew, begins to occur.

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 I put soaking wet clothes in the dryer?

No Soaking Wet Clothes

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. Always let your washer fully complete its spin cycle before removing the damp clothes and putting them in your dryer.

What to do if you left clothes in the washer 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 do my clothes smell bad after leaving them in the washing machine?

Leaving Your Clothes in the Washer Too Long

Unfortunately, letting wet clothes sit in the washer is a surefire way to invite musty smells, as bacteria and mildew start to grow. What to Do: Set a timer or reminder on your phone to switch your clothes over to the dryer as soon as the wash cycle is done.

Why do my clothes still smell of bo after washing?

Over time, detergents and fabric softeners can accumulate inside the washing machine, especially if too much is used or if it's not suitable for your specific machine. This buildup can trap odors and foster bacteria and mold growth, which in turn can leave clothes smelling less than fresh.

What happens when you leave clothes in the washer too long?

Mildew and mold thrive in warm, damp environments, and the washer provides an ideal setting if laundry is left too long. As bacteria grow, they produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for the musty smell.

How to get musty smell out of clothes left in the washer?

If you'd prefer to run the load again, make sure to throw in a cup of vinegar along with your detergent. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodoriser, so your clothes will be smelling fresh again when you take them out.

Is it better to leave clothes in the washer or dryer?

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.

Can I leave water in the washing machine overnight?

If damp clothes or bedding have been left in the washing machine or a basket for more than 8-12 hours we recommend giving it another wash. If it's been over 12 hours it's a safe bet that they will need to be re-washed.

How do you get the smell out of wet clothes?

Vinegar is a disinfectant that helps to remove smells. Alternatively, you can add some Comfort Intense Fabric Conditioner to your washing machine drawer (following the dosing instructions on the label) – this will add a beautiful fragrance to your clothes.

Is it bad to sleep next to drying clothes?

For health reasons, it is best to avoid sleeping in rooms where clothes are being dried, as the air is saturated with moisture and detergent.

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