The smell of freshly washed sheets or clean, ironed clothes is something we all like. However, sometimes, Even though it’s fresh out of the washing machine, the clothes don’t smell as good as they should. nor is it as clean and free of mold as would be expected.
The causes can be diverse, but often the main thing is a very common mistake and very easy to avoid.
The mistake that prevents clothes from being bacteria-free
Washing clothes not only helps sanitize it, eliminating stains, bacteria, sweat and bad odorsis also essential to prolong the useful life of garments. Of course, as long as we do it properly and using gentle and non-aggressive products (neither with the clothes nor with the environment), and let’s take into account a series of tips in the washing and drying process.
Otherwise, you can spoil clothing and even encourage the proliferation of bacteria and mold, something not healthy. When washing in a machine, we usually take into account factors such as the separation of the clothes, the type of detergent or the washing cycles, but there is a fairly widespread habit that can cause both the clothes and the washing machine to become contaminated: not ventilate it well.
Risks of moisture in clothing
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Humidity favors the appearance of bad odors. And if it is for a long period of time (from 8 to 12 hours) the environment it creates makes greatly increases the risk of mold growthwhich can leave visible stains on the fabrics and will require a new wash.
Prolonged humidity can also weaken fabric fibers and make clothes degrade faster.
Besides, mold spores can cause allergic reactions or breathing problems in some people, especially those with asthma.
Lack of ventilation encourages contamination of clothing
For all these reasons, after completing the washing cycle, we must get the clothes out of the washing machine as quickly as possible. If we leave it inside for a long time, the humid and closed environment, in addition to encouraging the growth of mold and the appearance of bad odors, will leave deeper wrinkles in the clothes. And the longer it takes to remove and ventilate it, the worse it will be.
The ideal is to take it out at the end of the wash and hang it quickly to dry (or put it in the dryer, if we have it and the clothes are suitable for this device).
If you have forgotten your clothes in the drum for a few hours, you can do a smell test: if it smells fresh and clean, it may still be good; If you notice any kind of musty smell, it is better to wash it againeven if it is with a short program.
Piling up clothes prevents ventilation
Getting clothes out of the washing machine quickly is key, but It’s not worth leaving it piled up for hours.even if it is already outside the machine.
Damp clothes will not only pick up bad odors that you will no longer be able to eliminate without washing them again, bacteria and fungi can also proliferate in the fabrics.
The washing machine can accumulate moisture
It’s not just damp clothes that can grow bacteria and mold. The interior of the washing machine can also become a nest of humidity.. And another very common mistake is, after taking out the clothes, closing the washing machine. The environment inside the drum just after removing the clothes is still very humid and by closing the door we will create a microenvironment that is very conducive to the proliferation of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
The ideal is leave the washing machine door open to allow air to circulate and both the drum and the tires dry completely. It is advisable to leave it open for a few hours or even all dayif possible.
Furthermore, it is convenient clean the washing machine regularlypaying special attention to recesses that can accumulate soap or fabric softener residue or moisture, such as the rubber on the drum. In addition to removing mold, you’ll help ensure it runs efficiently for longer. You can do it without aggressive commercial products, with a very effective natural solution of vinegar and baking soda, as we explain in the article How to clean the washing machine with vinegar and baking soda and leave it sparkling.