Tip to stop your wet laundry smelling moldy

Drying clothes in winter, especially without a tumble dryer, is one of the most common household problems. Low temperatures, persistent humidity and poor indoor ventilation slow down the drying process, resulting in that typical damp smell that spreads through fabrics and lingers even after several hours of drying on the rack.

This is a widespread problem that affects many households and very often makes the wash itself seem pointless. 

The smell of mold in this instance is not caused by poor detergents or ineffective washing, but rather by moisture that has permanently seeped into the fibers of the fabric. When clothes take too long to dry, micro-organisms find an ideal environment in which to proliferate, and thus transform the smell of the laundry, making it unpleasant to wear.

The towel and iron method

There is, however, a very effective and affordable trick that involves removing some of the moisture before hanging the clothes out to dry. After washing, each garment should be placed on a flat surface and covered with a clean, dry towel. Simply give the towel a quick ironing stroke. The heat absorbed by the towel will allow excess water to evaporate without stressing the fibers.

How to hang out the laundry?

If you place a drying rack in direct contact with walls, the drying clothes will risk accumulating humidity and prevent air dispersion. It's best to choose a well-ventilated room, leaving a space between each piece of garment. Clothes should not be stacked: air circulation speeds up the drying process and reduces the risk of stagnation. Overloading the drying rack, on the other hand, prolongs drying time and increases the likelihood of damp odors recurring, even after long hours of waiting.

A valuable aid against dampness

If you dry your laundry indoors, the use of an air dehumidifier is a great help. Dehumidifiers are devices that remove excess moisture from the air, helping to create a drier, more favorable environment for drying. This will significantly reduce the risk of mold and condensation.

(MP/©GreenMe.it/Translation and adaptation: The Global Lifestyle/Pic: Denny Müller via Unsplash)