If your clothes have a moldy smell after being left in the washing machine for too long, you can try the following steps to remove the odor:
Remove the clothes immediately: Take the clothes out of the washing machine as soon as you notice the moldy smell. Leaving them inside the machine for an extended period can make the odor more difficult to remove.
Shake off loose mold spores: Take the clothes outside or to a well-ventilated area and gently shake them to remove any loose mold spores. This step helps prevent spreading the spores further.
Pre-treat the affected areas: If you notice mold stains on specific areas of the clothes, pre-treat those spots with a stain remover or a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Gently rub the solution into the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
Wash with vinegar or baking soda: Rewash the clothes using either white vinegar or baking soda. You can choose either method, but do not mix them together.
a. Vinegar method: Fill the washing machine with hot water and add one cup of white vinegar. Allow the clothes to soak for about an hour. Then, run a regular wash cycle with detergent. Vinegar helps eliminate the moldy smell.
b. Baking soda method: Dissolve one cup of baking soda in warm water and add it to the washing machine. Run a regular wash cycle with detergent. Baking soda helps neutralize odors.
Use an odor-eliminating laundry booster: If the moldy smell persists, you can try using an odor-eliminating laundry booster. These products are specifically designed to remove stubborn odors from clothes. Follow the instructions on the product for the recommended usage.
Dry in sunlight: After washing, hang the clothes to dry in direct sunlight if possible. Sunlight has natural disinfectant properties and can help remove odors. Make sure the clothes are completely dry before storing them.
Check the washing machine: It's essential to clean your washing machine to prevent mold and mildew growth. Run an empty cycle with hot water and bleach or a washing machine cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. This step helps remove any remaining mold spores and prevents future odor problems.
Remember, prevention is key to avoid moldy smells in the future. Ensure that you promptly remove your clothes from the washing machine after each cycle and allow the machine to dry properly between uses.