SHOULD YOU REWASH LAUNDRY LEFT IN THE WASHER OVERNIGHT?
Finding wet laundry left in your washer when you’re about to start a new load can be frustrating, but reviving those clothes is typically simple. You won't usually need to rewash laundry left in the washer overnight. However, under the right circumstances, mildew can begin forming on clothes quickly.
If you detect an odor, simply rewashing clothes that were left overnight should be your first step. Use the guide below to learn the signs of clothes left for too long, discover what to do if you left clothes in the washer overnight and get tips to help you stay on top of laundry day.
SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE LEFT YOUR CLOTHES IN THE WASHER FOR TOO LONG
Your nose can be your best ally when it comes to keeping your family's clothes fresh. If you notice an odor coming from damp garments—or even the washer itself—it could be a sign they've been sitting too long. This musty odor might be caused by mildew, a type of mold that thrives in dark, damp places with little airflow.
Musty odors clinging to your clothes can transfer to your washer, or vice versa, and create a vicious cycle of unpleasant smells.
HOW TO FRESHEN UP CLOTHES ACCIDENTALLY LEFT IN THE WASHER
Usually, a quick rewash can help get rid of odors if you left clothes in the washer overnight, but stubborn odors might need some extra attention. Check out the steps below to learn how to use vinegar and baking soda to tackle odors and find out if your washer might be part of the problem.
1. REWASH
Rewashing clothes left in the washer too long should be your first step to help tackle odors. Use the right settings for the soil level and fabric you're dealing with, and consider adding a presoak option to the cycle. If appropriate for your fabric, you can also select the Steam Option on select Maytag® washers. With this option, steam permeates deep into fibers for potent cleaning action. Don’t forget to set a timer to remind yourself when the cycle ends. Then, take a quick sniff. If clothes smell fresh, toss them straight into the dryer. If not, move on to step two.
2. SOAK IN VINEGAR
Fill a tub or basin with warm water and add a cup of vinegar, then let your clothes soak for about 30 minutes. Vinegar can damage certain parts of the washer and isn’t suitable for all fabrics (especially delicates), so rinse your clothes well before you toss them back in the washing machine and check the care tags before you soak items. Move on to step three if you’re still catching whiffs of pungent odors.
3. WASH WITH BAKING SODA
Baking soda can help neutralize odors and is usually safe for your washer. Just load your clothes, then sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the drum (never the dispenser). Add your detergent, start the wash cycle and let the baking soda tackle the tough odors.
4. CLEAN THE WASHER
If rewashing, soaking with vinegar and washing with baking soda don’t eliminate the smell, your washer could be the culprit. Mildew or detergent residue can build up if the washer isn’t cleaned properly and might be lingering in the machine and transferring to your clothes. Remove the clothes and follow this guide to give your washer a thorough clean.
You can also use affresh® washing machine cleaner to tackle stubborn odors and grime.1 Just place a tablet in the empty washer, run a Clean Washer cycle (or a hot water cycle) and wipe away any residue once it’s done.
SHOP AFFRESH® WASHING MACHINE CLEANER
affresh® washer cleaner removes odor-causing residue and grime left behind by daily laundry. The time-released tablets provide a deep clean, helping keep your washer fresh and running smoothly without complicated maintenance routines.
PREVENTING FORGOTTEN LAUNDRY: TIPS & TRICKS
Forgetting clothes in the washer may set you back, but the simple tips below can make it easier to stay on top of the process from start to finish.
Enable end-of-cycle signal: Most washers have an end-of-cycle signal—whether it’s a buzz or a catchy tune—that lets you know it's time to switch the laundry. You’ll likely even hear it from other rooms, making it easier to keep up with your laundry routine. You can also set a timer for yourself if your washer and dryer are too far away to hear.
Establish a routine: Setting a regular day and time for washing your clothes can make it easier to remember to move them from the washer to the dryer.
Use the Quick Wash cycle: When it suits your load’s soil level and size, set the washer to a Quick Wash cycle so laundry is still fresh in your mind when it’s time to switch clothes to the dryer.
Leverage smart features: Smart washers like these models from Maytag brand often come equipped with features to help you stay on top of your laundry routine. The Schedule Wash cycle lets you tell the Maytag™ app when you want the washer to finish, then automatically schedules a start time so clothes are ready for the dryer on your time. Or, get an end-of-cycle notification on your smartphone, then use “Assign a Task” to remind family members to keep laundry moving.
- Use specialized settings: Some washers come with features that can help keep laundry fresh until you’re ready to transfer to the dryer. Select Maytag® washers feature the 16-Hr Fresh Hold® Option that keeps clean clothes smelling fresh in the washer. This feature uses intermittent tumbling and an internal fan that circulates air through clothes for up to 16 hours after the wash cycle ends, depending on the model.
Leave a note: If you’re heading out or know you’ll be busy after starting the wash, leave a note in a spot you’ll see—like on the fridge or by the front door—reminding you to transfer clothes.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHERS & DRYERS
Maytag® washers and dryers help maintain freshness and bring added flexibility to your laundry routine. Select washers feature the 16-Hr Fresh Hold® option that uses an internal fan and intermittent tumbling to help keep your clothes smelling fresh for up to 16 hours after washing. Plus, Maytag® dryers with Advanced Moisture Sensing monitor inside moisture and air temperature to help clothes dry evenly.
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DISCOVER MORE FROM MAYTAG BRAND
1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
