It happens to almost everyone you start the washing machine, plan to take the clothes out immediately, and forget.
Sometimes for a few hours, sometimes until the next morning.
Then the familiar question arises is the laundry ruined, or can you just continue as usual?
According to cleaning and home maintenance experts, in most cases, there is no reason to panic. Laundry that has remained wet in the machine for a limited time does not necessarily require another cycle.
If clothes have been in the machine for about 8 to 12 hours after the program ends, no major issues are expected.
During this time, strong odors usually do not develop, and significant mold buildup does not occur.
However, the longer the time especially beyond 12 hours the higher the risk of musty smells, mainly because the machine drum is a closed, warm, and humid environment.
The possible odor comes from the fact that even after washing, small amounts of bacteria and yeasts remain on fabrics.
When clothes stay wet without ventilation, these microorganisms can start multiplying, creating unpleasant smells.
It is important to know that you may not always smell it immediately, but the process can begin without any visible or noticeable sign.
Additional Recommendations
The simplest way to know what to do is by using your senses.
If the clothes smell normal, you can move them to dry or into the dryer without worry.
If a sour or musty odor appears, it is recommended to run another wash, sometimes a short cycle with detergent, before drying.
Several factors affect the likelihood of odors.
Front-loading machines tend to retain more moisture compared to top-loading machines.
The type of fabric also matters towels, jeans, and thick fabrics hold water longer and are more prone to odors.
Additionally, high temperature and humidity accelerate the process.
To reduce the chance of this happening again, it is recommended to leave the machine door slightly open after finishing, especially if immediate removal of laundry is not possible.
Simple ventilation can reduce moisture and odors.