Why clothes smell musty during monsoon and how to fix it

Monsoon humidity, slow drying and poor airflow can leave clothes smelling musty. Small changes in washing, drying and storage can keep garments and wardrobes fresh.

In Short

• High humidity and low sunlight slow drying, encouraging bacteria and mildew growth
• Leaving wet laundry in machines too long worsens stale odours
• Better airflow between garments helps fabrics dry faster and smell fresher

The monsoon brings welcome relief from the summer heat, but it also creates the perfect conditions for clothes to develop an unpleasant musty smell. High humidity, reduced sunlight, and slow drying make it difficult for fabrics to dry completely, allowing bacteria and mould to thrive. The good news is that a few simple changes to your laundry routine can help keep your clothes fresh all season.

WHY DO CLOTHES DEVELOP A MUSTY ODOUR?

During the rainy season, moisture in the air remains high, preventing clothes from drying quickly. When damp clothes are left sitting for too long, bacteria and mildew begin to grow on the fabric. These microorganisms produce the stale, musty smell that often lingers even after the clothes appear dry.

Also read: Monsoon disappears again: India's rain deficit jumps to 45%, clouds vanish

COMMON MONSOON LAUNDRY MISTAKES

Certain habits can make the problem worse, including:

• Leaving washed clothes inside the washing machine for hours.
• Drying clothes in poorly ventilated rooms.
• Hanging clothes too close together, restricting airflow.
• Storing clothes before they are completely dry.
• Overloading the washing machine, which prevents proper rinsing and drying.

HOW TO PREVENT MUSTY-SMELLING CLOTHES

A few practical steps can make a big difference:

• Wash clothes as soon as possible after they become sweaty or wet.
• Hang garments with enough space between them for better air circulation.
• Dry clothes in a well-ventilated area, even if sunlight is limited.
• Use a fan, dehumidifier, or indoor drying rack to speed up drying.
• Ensure clothes are completely dry before folding and storing them.

SIMPLE WAYS TO REMOVE THE ODOUR

If your clothes already smell musty, try these remedies:

• Rewash them using your regular detergent with a small amount of white vinegar or baking soda.
• Dry the clothes thoroughly before wearing or storing them.
• Air them out in direct sunlight whenever the weather allows.
• Clean your washing machine regularly, as mould inside the drum can transfer odours to freshly washed clothes.

DON'T FORGET YOUR WARDROBE

• Even clean clothes can develop a musty smell if wardrobes remain damp.
• Keep wardrobes dry and well-ventilated.
• Use moisture absorbers, silica gel packets, or activated charcoal to reduce humidity.
• Avoid overcrowding shelves to allow air to circulate.
• Clean wardrobes regularly to prevent mould growth.

WHEN SHOULD YOU WORRY?

If clothes continue to smell musty despite proper washing and drying, inspect them for visible mould or mildew. Persistent dampness indoors may also indicate excessive humidity or poor ventilation, which should be addressed to prevent mould from spreading.

Musty-smelling clothes are a common monsoon problem, but they are largely preventable. Drying clothes thoroughly, improving airflow, cleaning your washing machine, and storing garments only when completely dry can help keep your wardrobe fresh throughout the rainy season

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