Households across the UK are being urged to follow a 30-minute laundry rule in March to prevent dampness and mould.
After what felt like a never-ending winter, spring has finally arrived and while temperatures may still be on the cold side, the first signs of sunshine are finally starting to appear. But spring weather can be unpredictable, with sunny conditions turning to rain showers at a moment's notice, which isn't the best when you're trying to get your clothes dry. Outdoor drying is definitely possible in spring, with the breezy conditions helping to speed the process along, but the changeable weather can often mean clothes end up being brought back inside.
And unfortunately, without the assistance of an outdoor breeze, it can result in clothes smelling damp and musty, despite being freshly washed. But according to laundry experts, that unappealing smell can be removed from your clothes using a simple 30-minute laundry rule and a bit of baking soda.
Laundry starts to smell musty due to a build-up of bacteria on your clothes after they’ve been washed and if they are left damp for too long, it causes bacteria to multiply which results in that unpleasant odour and creates an ideal environment for mould to thrive.
To avoid this problem, experts advise removing your clothes from the washing machine within 30 minutes of the cycle finishing, as this minimises the amount of bacteria that builds up and reduces nasty, musty smells as a result.
Adam Norris, senior product manager, Laundry at Hotpoint, explains: “One of the simplest ways to keep laundry fresh is by preventing moisture from lingering. Damp conditions allow bacteria to thrive, which can leave clothes smelling musty.
“The freshness countdown begins as soon as your cycle ends. Leaving wet clothes in the drum creates the perfect breeding ground for odour-causing bacteria. Even just thirty minutes can affect your laundry and allow mildew to form.
“Set reminders on your phone or use your machine's end-of-cycle alert to remove clothes promptly. And when drying, make sure clothes are completely dry before folding or storing.”
As for baking soda, this natural product is very effective at removing odours as it neutralises smells, rather than masking them like scented fabric conditioners.
In its online guidance published in 2024 on how to remove bad odours from clothing after washing, fragrance supplier Snif said: "Baking soda isn't just for baking — it's also a great product to use to deodorise your laundry.
"The bad odour coming from your clothes may be coming from bacteria, and some laundry detergents aren't powerful enough to break down stubborn bacteria and need a little assistance.
“Baking soda gives detergent a boost in the odour-fighting department. It works by regulating the water's pH level in your washer, keeping it from becoming too acidic.”
Baking soda can be added directly to your washing machine along with your regular detergent to de-odourise clothes as they wash, but for more stubborn smells, experts recommend pre-soaking clothes in a solution of hot water and baking soda for 30 minutes before washing in the machine.
Mr Norris from Hotpoint said: “Baking soda and white vinegar are great at-home remedies for absorbing odours before machine washing – and can be picked up at your local supermarket for just a few pounds.
He added: "If you choose to use baking soda, sprinkle a small amount directly onto the clothes that you are pre-treating, focusing on areas like sleeves and underarms.
“Wait 30 minutes for the solution to absorb the odour, then place the clothing in your washing machine. Just make sure you always check the care labels on your clothes first."
