How Long Can You Leave Clothes in the Washer Without Ruining Them?
How Long Can You Leave Clothes in the Washer Without Ruining Them?
You left clothes in the washer and wonder if they’re still OK. Maybe you forgot a load overnight, or you got busy and couldn’t switch the load. Leaving wet clothes in the washer can cause mildew, odors, and even mold stains. But how long is too long? Here’s what helps and what makes it worse when leaving clothes in the washer.
Leaving wet clothes in the washer creates a warm, damp environment where mildew and bacteria thrive. Mildew causes musty odors and dark stains within 8 to 12 hours. The key is to move clothes to the dryer as soon as possible, and to re-wash if clothes have been sitting for more than 8 hours.
You can leave clothes in the washer for 8 to 12 hours before mildew starts to grow. If clothes have been sitting for less than 8 hours, move them to the dryer. If clothes have been sitting for more than 8 to 12 hours, re-wash them with Tide Free and Gentle and half a cup of baking soda. Don’t leave clothes for more than 24 hours.
What Helps
Move Clothes to the Dryer Promptly
The best thing you can do is move clothes from the washer to the dryer as soon as the wash cycle ends. This prevents mildew and odors.
Use a Delay Start Feature
If you know you’ll be busy, use the delay start feature on your washer. Set the wash cycle to finish when you’ll be home to switch the load.
Re-Wash If Clothes Have Been Sitting
If clothes have been sitting for more than 8 to 12 hours, re-wash them. Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the wash and half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse to remove odors.
Use the Right Detergent
Use Tide Free and Gentle. It has enzymes that break down organic matter and odors.
Add Lysol for Disinfecting
Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse to kill bacteria and odors.
Use the Right Products for Odor Removal
For odors: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
For stains: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
For ink: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
For machine care: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Dry in the Sun
If clothes have a mildew smell, dry them in the sun. UV light kills mildew and removes odors.
Clean the Machine Monthly
Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner monthly to prevent mildew buildup in the machine.
Leave the Washer Door Open
Leave the washer door or lid open between loads to allow the drum to dry. This prevents mildew in the machine.
Use a Fan or Dehumidifier
If your laundry room is humid, use a fan or dehumidifier to reduce moisture.
What Makes It Worse
Leaving Clothes for More Than 12 Hours
Leaving clothes for more than 12 hours allows mildew to grow. The longer clothes sit, the worse the mildew and odor.
Leaving Clothes for More Than 24 Hours
Leaving clothes for more than 24 hours guarantees mildew growth and may cause permanent stains.
Closing the Washer Door
Closing the washer door traps moisture and speeds up mildew growth. Leave the door open.
Washing in Warm or Hot Water and Leaving
Warm and hot water create a warmer environment that speeds up mildew growth. Cold water washes are safer if you might leave clothes.
Overloading the Washer
Overloading prevents clothes from rinsing properly, leaving more moisture and increasing mildew risk.
Using Too Much Detergent
Excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mildew. Use the recommended amount.
How Long Is Too Long?
| Time in Washer | Risk Level | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 hours | Low | Move to dryer |
| 4 to 8 hours | Low to medium | Move to dryer, check for smell |
| 8 to 12 hours | Medium | Re-wash if musty smell |
| 12 to 24 hours | High | Re-wash with baking soda and vinegar |
| More than 24 hours | Very high | Re-wash, check for stains, may need oxygen bleach |
How to Re-Wash Clothes That Sat in the Washer
Step 1: Check for Smell
Smell the clothes. If they smell musty, re-wash. If they smell fine, move to the dryer.
Step 2: Re-Wash with Baking Soda
Re-wash with Tide Free and Gentle and half a cup of baking soda. Baking soda removes odors.
Step 3: Add Vinegar to the Rinse
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse. Vinegar kills mildew and removes odors.
Step 4: Add Lysol for Disinfecting
Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse for extra disinfecting.
Step 5: Check for Stains
Check for dark mildew stains. If stains are present, apply OxiClean and re-wash.
Step 6: Dry in the Sun
Dry in the sun if possible. UV light kills mildew and removes odors.
FAQ
How long can you leave clothes in the washer? You can leave clothes in the washer for 8 to 12 hours before mildew starts to grow. If clothes have been sitting for less than 8 hours, move to the dryer. If more than 8 to 12 hours, re-wash.
What happens if you leave clothes in the washer too long? Leaving clothes in the washer too long causes mildew, musty odors, and dark stains. The longer clothes sit, the worse the mildew.
Can you leave clothes in the washer overnight? Leaving clothes overnight (8 to 12 hours) is usually OK if the weather is cool. In warm, humid weather, mildew can start growing in 8 hours. Re-wash if clothes smell musty.
How do you remove the musty smell from clothes left in the washer? Re-wash with Tide Free and Gentle and half a cup of baking soda. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse. Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer for extra disinfecting. Dry in the sun.
How do you prevent mildew in the washer? Move clothes to the dryer promptly, leave the washer door open between loads, use the delay start feature, and clean the machine monthly with affresh.
References
- Tide. “Laundry Tips.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “Mildew Prevention Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Laundry Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Consumer Reports. “Washer Care Guide.” consumerreports.org.
