Laundry Smells Damp? Here Are 10 Washing Machine Settings Tips To Fix It Right Now

There's a moment of pure joy in pulling out freshly washed clothes, until a musty whiff hits the nose. That's when joy turns into annoyance. The culprit? Not always poor washing powder or bad luck. Often, it's the way the washing machine is set. Many households leave these settings untouched, assuming the default is best.

But here's the twist: the 'default' setting is usually designed to save water and power, not to tackle stubborn odours from sweaty gym T-shirts or clothes left in a basket for days. Combine that with our humid climate, and you have the perfect recipe for laundry that smells like it spent the night in a damp store room.

It's time to look at those washing machine buttons with fresh eyes. Here are 10 washing machine settings tips to finally get rid of that damp laundry smell.

10 Washing Machine Settings and Expert Tips to Fix Damp Smelling Laundry; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Turn Up The Temperature For Certain Loads

Cold washes save electricity, but they don't always kill odour-causing bacteria. Sweat, body oils, and the remnants of last night's roadside pav bhaji feast cling stubbornly to fibres, especially in towels and bedsheets. Washing them at 40°C or higher once in a while can work wonders.

Imagine soaking a greasy kadhai in cold water, it just doesn't cut it. The same logic applies here. High heat helps break down the grime and neutralises bacteria that thrive in warm, damp conditions. Not every garment can handle this, so check labels, but for items like cotton shirts, towels, and bedsheets, a warmer wash can make the difference between 'fresh' and 'funky.'

Yes, it uses more power, but when the choice is between a slightly higher bill and wearing clothes that smell like a closed cupboard during peak monsoon, the answer is obvious.

2. Use The Extra Rinse Setting

A single rinse often leaves behind traces of detergent and dirt, especially with hard water, which is common in many cities. This residue not only feels rough but also traps odours. An extra rinse ensures every bit of soap is gone, leaving clothes truly clean.

Think of it like rinsing your chai glass, skip the second rinse, and the next cup will carry yesterday's flavours. The same goes for laundry. Leftover detergent can react with sweat and natural oils, making clothes smell stale faster.

Most modern machines have an 'Extra Rinse' or 'Double Rinse' button. It may add a few more minutes to the cycle, but the payoff is softer, fresher-smelling clothes. Plus, for people with sensitive skin, this small change can prevent itchy rashes caused by detergent build-up.

3. Slow Down The Spin Speed For Delicates

It's tempting to crank the spin to maximum so clothes dry faster on the line. But high spin speeds can sometimes trap odours deep inside certain fabrics, especially synthetics, which are notorious for clinging to smells.

Reducing the spin speed for sportswear, scarves, and thin blouses allows water to flush through more evenly. You might have to dry them a little longer under the sun, but they'll come out smelling cleaner.

There's also a bonus: slower spins are gentler on fabrics. Clothes keep their shape and colour longer, saving you from replacing that favourite ₹1,500 kurta because it went limp after a few washes. Fresh smell and longer life, it's a win-win.

4. Switch To A Longer Wash Cycle For Heavily Soiled Clothes

Fast cycles are convenient for lightly soiled laundry, but for items that have been sitting in the laundry basket for days, or gym wear drenched in sweat, short washes simply shuffle the dirt around.

A longer wash gives detergent more time to work and water more time to carry away grime. Think of it as letting spices simmer in a curry; the flavours (or in this case, cleaning agents) need time to penetrate.

Sure, it's not the go-to option for a quick mid-week wash, but for your weekend laundry marathon, letting the machine take its time is worth it. The difference in smell is noticeable, and satisfying.

Also Read: 5 Best Mini Washing Machines Helping You Conquer Laundry In Any Small Home

5. Adjust the Water Level Manually

Automatic water sensors are convenient but not always accurate, especially if the load has bulky items like blankets or jeans. Too little water means dirt and detergent get trapped instead of being washed away.

Manually increasing the water level for larger or heavier loads ensures everything gets a proper rinse. Picture trying to wash your hair with just a trickle of water, you'll never feel clean enough. Clothes feel the same way.

Yes, it might use more water, but for loads where freshness matters most, like school uniforms or the outfit you're wearing to a wedding reception, it's a small but powerful tweak.

6. Use the Pre-Wash Function for Stubborn Odours

Sweat from summer days, food spills from dinner parties, or even the faint whiff from clothes left in a cupboard for months, these need extra attention. A pre-wash cycle gives your detergent a head start.

This function works like soaking clothes before scrubbing, something many grew up watching mothers do in big plastic buckets. The initial rinse loosens dirt and odour particles so the main wash can focus on deep cleaning.

It's especially handy for kids' clothes, which often carry a mix of playground dust, food stains, and mystery marks that defy explanation. The result? Clothes that smell genuinely clean, not just perfumed by detergent.

7. Reduce Load Size for Better Circulation

Stuffing the drum to the brim is a classic laundry mistake. While it feels efficient, overcrowding means clothes can't move freely, leading to uneven washing. Some parts might smell fresh, while others stay musty.

Washing smaller loads allows water and detergent to reach every fibre. It's like stirring dal, you can't just dump all the ingredients and hope for even cooking without enough space to move.

If budget is a concern, splitting loads for the dirtiest items (like socks, gym wear, and bedsheets) can be a middle ground. You'll still get fresh-smelling laundry without doubling your electricity bill.

Here Are 10 Washing Machine Settings Tips That Will Fix the Damp Smell and Give You Fresh Laundry; Photo Credit: Pexels

8. Use Delay Start Wisely

Many machines let you set a delay so clothes finish washing right when you get home. While convenient, leaving damp clothes sitting inside the machine for hours before drying is a surefire way to get that damp, musty smell.

If using delay start, time it so you can take the clothes out immediately. Even 30 minutes of sitting wet in a closed drum during humid weather can undo all the good work of your detergent.

Think of it like leaving pakoras in hot oil for too long, the taste changes, and not for the better. Prompt drying is the secret weapon in the battle against stale smells.

9. Choose the Right Spin for the Fabric Type

Each fabric holds water differently. Cotton can handle high spins, but woollens and synthetics prefer gentler treatment. Using the wrong spin can leave fabrics either too wet (making them smell later) or overly wrung out (damaging fibres).

Most machines have fabric-specific presets, use them. Cotton cycles usually have strong spins, while 'Wool' or 'Delicate' settings use slower speeds and more water to ensure odours don't settle in.

It's the laundry equivalent of choosing the right knife for chopping, sure, you can use a butter knife for everything, but why struggle?

10. End with a Drum Clean or Tub Clean Cycle Regularly

Even the best washing machine can start smelling if the drum itself isn't clean. Residue from detergent, fabric softener, and dirty water can cling to the inner walls, quietly passing that odour onto every wash.

Running a 'Tub Clean' cycle once a month, often with a special cleaner or just white vinegar and baking soda, clears the build-up. It's like giving your cooking pot a deep scrub instead of a quick rinse, you reset it to fresh.

Not only does this keep clothes smelling better, but it also prolongs the life of the machine, saving thousands of rupees in repair or replacement costs.

Products Related To This Article

1. Whirlpool 7 kg Magic Clean 5 Star Fully Automatic Top Load Washing Machine Grey

2. Haier 6 kg 5 Star Oceanus Wave Drum Washing Machine Fully Automatic Top Load

3. Samsung 8 kg, 5 star, Eco Bubble Tech, Digital Inverter Motor, Soft Closing Door

4. LG 7 Kg, 5 Star, Steam, Inverter Direct Drive Technology

5. IFB 8 Kg 5 Star Powered by AI with 9 Swirl Wash

A fresh-smelling wardrobe isn't magic, it's a mix of the right settings, a little extra attention, and avoiding habits that trap odours. Small changes, like upping the rinse or adjusting spin speeds, can make a world of difference.

Think of it as tuning a musical instrument. The right notes bring out the melody; the wrong ones spoil the song. In laundry, those 'notes' are your machine settings. With these tweaks, your clothes won't just look clean, they'll smell like they've been sun-dried in a field of fresh blossoms, even if the actual drying happens on your balcony overlooking the main road. So next time your washing machine hums to life, remember: freshness is in the settings. Shop now on Amazon.

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.