Drying Clothes Indoors Without the Musty Smell

Drying laundry indoors is a common routine for many households, especially during wet or unpredictable weather. But while it’s often the only option, it can come with a familiar and frustrating downside: musty-smelling laundry, a smell that clings to clothes long after they’re dry. Unpleasant odours are a common result of improper laundry practices, making it important to address the root causes.

It’s usually caused by slow drying times, poor airflow, or excess indoor moisture, conditions that are all too common in bathrooms, laundries, or closed-off rooms. These issues not only cause musty smells but also prevent your clothes from coming out truly clean.

The good news? That musty smell can be avoided. With a few small changes to how and where you do your indoor clothes drying, you can prevent musty-smelling clothes for good. If clothes are not dried properly, they can smell damp and develop persistent odours. Choosing the right drying setup, creating better ventilation, and adjusting a few laundry-day habits can make a big difference to how your washing smells once it’s dry.

No matter the season or space you’re working with, fresh-smelling laundry is possible. Here’s how to get it right, every time.

Why Does Laundry Get a Musty Smell Indoors?

That musty odour has a few common culprits: poor ventilation, high indoor humidity, and slow drying times are top of the list. When clothes stay damp for too long, whether balled up in the machine or crowded on a drying rack, mould and mildew get the perfect chance to move in. Leaving dirty laundry unwashed or in piles can also contribute to musty smells, as lingering moisture and bacteria promote odour. Clothes can smell damp if not dried quickly, and washing machines themselves can be a source of odours if not maintained, as residue and moisture can lead to mould growth inside the appliance.

Understanding what causes the smell is the first step toward banishing a smelly laundry for good. Proper drying and good ventilation help prevent clothes from developing odours, keeping your laundry fresh and clean. Mould growth can occur in both clothes and washing machines if moisture is trapped, so regular cleaning and maintenance are essential.

Preparation for Indoor Drying

Getting your laundry ready for indoor drying is just as important as the drying process itself when it comes to preventing musty smells and keeping all your clothes smelling fresh. Start by making sure your drying space has good air circulation – open windows, use fans, or position your drying rack in a spot where air can circulate freely. This helps prevent trapped moisture, which is a breeding ground for mildew growth and those unpleasant, musty odours.

Before you even hang up your wet clothes, give them an extra spin in the washing machine to remove as much excess moisture as possible. The less damp your clothes are, the faster they’ll dry and the less likely they are to develop a damp smell. If you have a tumble dryer, use it for a short cycle to kickstart the drying process, or opt for a sturdy drying rack that allows air to reach every item.

Regularly cleaning both your drying area and your washing machine is key to preventing the buildup of dirt and debris that can cause unwanted smells. Don’t forget to use a water softener if you live in a hard water area – this helps prevent mineral deposits on your clothes, which can contribute to musty smells over time.

Proper washing and rinsing are essential for clothes that smell fresh. Avoid overloading your washing machine or dryer, as this can lead to poor air circulation and leave clothes smelling damp. For an extra boost of freshness, try adding scent boosters or a few drops of essential oils to your laundry routine.

Finally, make it a habit to check and maintain your washing machine and dryer regularly. This ensures your appliances are working efficiently and your clothes are always properly cleaned and dried, helping you prevent musty smells before they start.

How to Prevent a Musty Smell When Drying Indoors

Choose the Right Indoor Drying Setup

• Start with a quality indoor clothes drying rack or airer, like the 35m 3 Tier Drying Station, which has a large drying capacity and is ideal for large loads.
• Look for designs that allow airflow from all sides and have thick rails like the 27m XL H-Frame Airer

Ventilation Is Key

• Even in cooler weather, ventilation makes a difference. Opening a window or running an exhaust fan helps move damp air out of the room. 
• If there's a slight breeze, it helps stop condensation from building up around your drying space.

Dry Wet Clothes Quickly

• A quick win: run an extra spin cycle on your washing machine to remove more water before drying.
• Help speed things up, with small heaters or the portable and stylish Absodry, a moisture absorber that pulls excess moisture from the air.

Use a Dehumidifier

• Dehumidifiers aren’t just for the wet season, they’re great year-round for anyone who dries laundry indoors regularly. They work quietly in the background, reducing room humidity and helping your clothes dry faster.

Wash Laundry Promptly

• Leaving damp clothes sitting in the machine, even for an hour, can cause odours to set in. 
• Move laundry to your drying rack or airer as soon as the wash cycle ends for the freshest results.

Cleaning the Washing Machine

A clean washing machine is the foundation of fresh-smelling laundry. If your washing machine isn’t regularly cleaned, it can quickly become a source of musty smells and unpleasant odours that transfer to your clothes. To keep your machine in top shape, run an empty wash cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar every month – this helps dissolve soap scum, residue, and any lingering mildew smells.

Don’t forget to give special attention to the rubber seal and detergent drawer, as these areas can trap dirt and moisture, creating a breeding ground for mould and mildew. A deep clean with a washing machine cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water can help remove stubborn buildup and keep your machine smelling fresh.

Check and replace the washing machine filter regularly to ensure proper water flow and prevent clogs that can lead to musty odours. After each wash, leave the door open for a while to improve air circulation and allow the interior to dry out completely – this simple step goes a long way in preventing musty smells.

Always use a clean and dry washing machine for your laundry to avoid transferring dirt and debris to your freshly washed clothes. Follow your washing machine’s user manual for specific cleaning instructions, and set a regular cleaning schedule to keep your machine running smoothly and your clothes smelling fresh.

Bonus Freshness Tips

• Add white vinegar to your rinse cycle, it’s a natural deodoriser.
• Use fresh-scented laundry detergents that leave clothes smelling clean.
• Clean your washing machine monthly to prevent build-up that can transfer to clothes.
• Always use enough detergent – using too little detergent can leave your clothes less clean and allow odours to linger.
• Use handy dosing balls to measure detergent accurately and avoid residue buildup from overuse.
• Wash sweaty clothes as soon as possible to prevent sweaty smells and mildew.
• For added freshness, use fabric softener or fabric conditioner, but avoid overusing them as this can cause residue buildup and lingering odours.
• Run an occasional hot water cycle to keep your washing machine odour-free and help eliminate bacteria.
• Regularly washing clothes and cleaning your machine helps prevent lingering odours and keeps your clothes fresh.
• Proper washing techniques are key for clean clothes and maintaining that just-washed, clothes fresh feeling.

Natural Deodorisers

If you want your clothes smelling fresh without relying solely on commercial products, natural deodorisers are a great addition to your laundry routine. Baking soda is a powerful odour absorber – just add half a cup to your wash cycle to help eliminate musty odours and keep your laundry smelling clean. White vinegar is another natural hero; pour half a cup into the rinse cycle to balance the water’s pH and prevent residue buildup that can cause unpleasant smells.

For a gentle, lasting scent, try adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil to your wash or rinse cycle. These not only leave your clothes smelling fresh but can also help reduce the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions compared to some synthetic fragrances.

Natural deodorisers work well alongside your regular laundry detergent, enhancing the freshness of your clothes without overpowering scents. They’re also perfect for freshening up clothes that have been stored for a while or for anyone looking to reduce the environmental impact of their laundry routine. With regular use, you’ll notice fewer lingering odours and a naturally clean scent every time you open your wardrobe.

Common Indoor Drying Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading drying racks
• Drying in closed, humid spaces
• Leaving clothes bunched or folded while drying
• Ignoring musty smells until they become permanent
• Leaving dirty clothes unwashed for too long can lead to laundry smelling bad
• Not drying clothes thoroughly, which can cause clothes to smell bad and mildew

These mistakes can result in your clothes smelling bad or developing a persistent mildew smell, making it important to address them promptly for fresh, clean laundry.

Storage and Maintenance

How you store your clothes after washing is just as important as how you wash and dry them when it comes to preventing musty smells. Always store clothes in a well-ventilated area to avoid trapped moisture and the risk of mildew growth. Opt for breathable storage containers or fabric bags that allow air circulation, rather than plastic bins that can lock in dampness and lead to mildew smells.

Keep your storage spaces clean and dust-free with regular cleaning, and avoid overcrowding shelves or drawers – this helps air move freely around your clothes, keeping them smelling fresh. For an extra touch of freshness, tuck a sachet of scent boosters or a few drops of essential oils into your storage containers.

Check on your stored clothes regularly to make sure they remain clean and free from damage. Storing clothes in a cool, dry place is best for preventing mould growth and musty odours, and using a dehumidifier in particularly humid areas can help keep excess moisture at bay.

Finally, rotate and rearrange your stored clothes from time to time. This simple habit helps prevent musty smells from settling in and ensures all your clothes stay fresh, clean, and ready to wear whenever you need them.

Best Products to Support Fresh Indoor Drying

Investing in the right gear makes all the difference. Hills Home indoor airers and accessories are built for stability, airflow, and ease of use, perfect for getting laundry dry faster and preventing musty clothes. Maintaining your washing machines is also crucial – avoiding a dirty washing machine helps prevent mould, mildew, and unpleasant odours from transferring to your laundry. A regular deep clean of your washing machine can enhance the effectiveness of drying products and keep your clothes smelling fresh. Pair with a compact dehumidifier if you’re drying your clothes indoors regularly and want to keep moisture levels under control.

Conclusion

Drying clothes inside doesn’t have to come with a musty smell in the laundry. With the right setup, better airflow, and a few smart habits, indoor clothes drying can be just as effective and fresher as hanging washing outdoors. From spacing clothes properly to using a dehumidifier, small changes can make a big difference in helping you prevent musty clothes.

Ready to freshen up your laundry routine? Explore Hills Home’s range of space-saving airers and accessories designed to make indoor clothes drying easier, faster, and fresher no matter the weather.