Why clothes smell musty during monsoon and how to fix it

Monsoon humidity can leave washed clothes smelling damp and musty. Drying them quickly, improving airflow and avoiding damp storage can prevent the odour.Monsoon humidity can leave washed clothes smelling damp and musty. (AI-generated image)During the monsoon, clothes can develop a damp, musty smell even after washing. High humidity slows down drying, while moisture trapped in fabric can create an ideal environment for bacteria and mildew to grow. If clothes are left damp for too long or stored before they are completely dry, the unpleasant odour can become stronger.WHY CLOTHES SMELL MUSTY DURING MONSOONThe main reason is excess moisture and humidity. During monsoon, the air contains more moisture, making it harder for freshly washed clothes to dry completely.When fabric remains damp for hours, microorganisms can multiply and produce the characteristic musty smell. This can be particularly noticeable in thick fabrics such as towels, jeans and bedsheets.DRY YOUR CLOTHES AS SOON AS POSSIBLEAvoid leaving wet clothes inside the washing machine after the cycle is over. Take them out and hang them up immediately. Even when there is no strong sunlight, spread clothes out rather than hanging them too close together. Better air circulation helps moisture escape faster.IMPROVE AIR CIRCULATION WHILE DRYINGDuring rainy weather, drying clothes indoors may be unavoidable. In that case, choose the most ventilated area of the house. Keep windows open when weather conditions allow and use a fan to improve airflow. Avoid overcrowding the drying rack, as clothes packed closely together take longer to dry.DON'T STORE CLOTHES UNTIL THEY ARE COMPLETELY DRYOne of the easiest ways to create a musty smell is to fold and store clothes while they are still slightly damp.Make sure every part of the garment, including thicker areas such as collars, waistbands and pockets, is completely dry before putting it into a cupboard.CLEAN YOUR WASHING MACHINE REGULARLYA washing machine can also contribute to unpleasant odours if moisture, detergent residue and dirt build up inside it.Clean the drum and detergent compartments regularly. Leave the machine door open for some time after washing to allow the inside to dry instead of keeping it closed while damp.AVOID USING TOO MUCH DETERGENTMore detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner clothes. Excess detergent can remain trapped in fabric and may also leave residue inside the washing machine.Using the recommended amount can help prevent residue from building up and contributing to unpleasant smells.WASH MUSTY CLOTHES AGAIN BEFORE WEARING THEMIf clothes already have a strong musty smell, simply drying them may not be enough.Wash them again according to the garment's care instructions and make sure they dry completely afterwards. For washable fabrics, an appropriate laundry product designed to remove odours can also help.KEEP YOUR CUPBOARD DRYThe problem can return if freshly washed clothes are placed inside a damp cupboard.Keep cupboards clean and dry, avoid packing clothes too tightly and allow some space between garments for air circulation. Moisture-absorbing products can also be used in cupboards, following their instructions.DON'T LEAVE DAMP TOWELS IN A PILETowels can develop a musty smell particularly quickly because they absorb and retain a lot of water.After use, spread them out fully rather than leaving them crumpled on a bed, chair or bathroom floor. This allows them to dry faster and reduces the chance of lingering odour.SIMPLE HABITS CAN KEEP MONSOON CLOTHES FRESHKeeping clothes fresh during monsoon largely comes down to controlling moisture. Wash clothes properly, remove them from the machine quickly, improve airflow, dry them completely and avoid storing anything damp.These simple habits can help reduce the musty smell and keep clothes fresher through the humid months.- EndsPublished By: Chaitanya DhawanPublished On: Sep 5, 2026 11:24 IST