Monsoon laundry tips: dry clothes and no musty smell
In the monsoon, wash smaller loads more often, dry clothes indoors with good airflow, and never leave wet or damp clothes sitting in a basket or the washing machine. Musty smells come from clothes that stay damp for too long.
Wash smaller loads, more often
Big loads take much longer to dry when the air is humid. Washing a little every day or two means each load dries faster, and less laundry waits around in the basket.
Get as much water out as you can
If your machine allows it, use an extra spin. Clothes that come out less wet dry much faster indoors.
Dry clothes with moving air
- Hang clothes with space between them, not bunched together.
- Dry them near an open window, in a covered balcony, or under a ceiling fan.
- Turn thick clothes such as jeans inside out, and turn them over halfway through.
- Use the gaps between showers to dry clothes outside.
Keep damp and dirty clothes apart
Hang up wet towels and damp clothes to dry before they go in the laundry basket. Don't leave washed clothes sitting in the machine, as they start to smell within hours in humid weather.
Make sure clothes are fully dry before you put them away
Clothes can feel dry on the outside and still be damp at the seams and collars. Check these before you fold them. Ironing helps clothes that are nearly dry, because the heat drives out the last of the moisture.
Keep cupboards fresh
Leave cupboard doors open for a while on dry days, and use a moisture absorber inside if your home gets very humid. Keep spare clothes and blankets in a closed container, and see our guide on storing winter clothes.
Look after your laundry basket too
Empty your basket often in the rainy season, and leave the lid open now and then to let air in. If it starts to smell, clean it by hand and let it dry fully. Our care and cleaning guide explains how.
