Please tell me that I’m not the only mom who starts some clothes in the washing machine, but then forgets that those wet clothes are sitting there until a day or two later, when they have morphed into a damp stinky mess. Sound familiar?
And then you think, “Hey, no big deal, I’ll just rewash them,” so you start the washing machine over, rewash the clothes, put them in the drier, and they still come out stinky?
So you wash and dry again. Rinse and repeat. And they still smell!
I finally figured out a solution!
Maybe this is old news to some of you, but after years of being a busy (and forgetful) mom, I just figured this out myself, and wanted to share with any other busy moms out there who leave therir clothes in the washer .
Ready? It’s actually quite simple.
Instead of rewashing the wet clothes in the washer, just throw them in the drier, and THEN rewash and dry them, just like normal.
Instead of rewashing the wet clothes in the washer, just throw them in the drier, and THEN rewash and dry them, just like normal.
Simple, right? I don’t understand the science behind why you have to dry them first before you rewash them, but it’s the only way I’ve been able to get that mildew smell out of clothes that I’ve left in the drier! It totally works!
And it has made my life so much easier and less frustrating.
So what do you think? Do you ever leave your wet washed clothes in the washer? Do you have any great laundry tips to share? Is this tip as life-changing for you as it has been for me?! 😉
Leave a comment and let me know!
Here’s another useful post that shows you how to repair your broken underwire bra.
Happy washing!!
If you liked this project, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin’, and Instagram.
xo, Laura
Anonymous says
I have left clothes in the washer as well. Drying usually helps but not always. I put a generous 1/2 cup of baking soda in the washer and rewashed the clothes on the hottest temp that was safe for the clothes. That works great!! I have a front load washer and it is also helpful to clean the seals with baking soda and water or bleach or vinegar on a monthly basis to help with build up and smells.
Lisa
Laura @ Make Life Lovely says
Drying and a little extra Tide has always worked for me, but I love the idea of of adding some baking soda to the wash as well. Thanks for the idea! I should start cleaning the seals, too- I have to admit I’ve never done this. Thanks for the tip!
pam says
Sprinkle baking soda over the smelly clothes then splash some white vinegar on top. It starts fizzing away and then I let them set for about 5 minutes and throw my soap in and wash over again. Baking powder/vinegar is a great combo for cleaning tough toilet mold. Now that the kids are gone we don’t really use all 4 bathrooms and a ring of mold can grown in a seemingly clean looking toilet. Sprinkle with baking powder than pour vinegar in and let it fizz away for a few minutes and it comes right off.
Mom Avarra says
I just put in a little borax and rewash, the smell always comes out for me.
riley4ever says
I very much appreciate that this pin led me right where I expected, to the answer I was seeking. Thank you for being upfront, with no silly tricks to get me to subscribe (which I will) and for this pin leading to some kind of continued mystery on where to click or where to go once the pin was followed. And…Im trying your drying trick on my son’s clothes right now! I never imagined the answer to this timeless question could possiblynbe so simple! Thank you! He has to work soon, so I’m REALLY hoping it works! (: