Musty Smell In Clothes: During the rainy season, the smell of dampness starts coming from the clothes. Know how to remove it?
- bySherya
- 11 Jun, 2026
Washing Machine Cleaning: Constant humidity, low sunlight, and a lack of ventilation cause clothes to remain damp for extended periods of time. As a result, they can start to smell musty.

How to get rid of the damp smell from clothes during rainy season?
How to Remove Musty Smell from Clothes During Rainy Season: While the rainy season offers relief from the heat, drying clothes can become a major hassle. Constant humidity, low sunlight, and a lack of ventilation can cause clothes to remain damp for extended periods. As a result, clothes begin to smell musty and sometimes even harbor bacteria and fungus. If you're troubled by this problem during the monsoon season, you can try a few simple steps to keep your clothes fresh and fragrant.
Do not use excessive detergent
People often think that using more detergent will make clothes cleaner, but this isn't true. Excessive detergent leaves a residue on clothes, which traps moisture. This can lead to the rapid growth of odor-causing bacteria. Use a small amount of detergent when washing clothes, and add a little white vinegar or Dettol to the rinse cycle. This can help reduce odors.
It is necessary to remove excess water
To dry clothes quickly during the rainy season, it's crucial to remove excess water from them. If you're using a washing machine, you can run an extra spin cycle. This will remove a significant amount of water from the clothes and help them dry faster.
Dry clothes in the right place
If drying clothes indoors, choose a location with good ventilation. It's best to dry clothes near a window or under a fan. Avoid drying in highly humid areas like the bathroom or kitchen, as this can increase odors.
Take measures to reduce humidity
Clothes dry more slowly when the room is humid. An air conditioner or dehumidifier can be used. If these are not available, placing rock salt or silica gel packets near the clothes can help absorb excess moisture.
Iron on slightly damp clothes
If clothes are almost dry but still slightly damp, ironing them can be beneficial. This removes any remaining moisture and can also reduce odor-causing bacteria.
These are also options
During the monsoon, it's best to wear fabrics that dry quickly rather than heavy cotton or thick clothing. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is also less likely to produce a musty smell. Sometimes, the smell isn't caused by the clothes themselves, but rather by a dirty washing machine. Therefore, clean the machine regularly and leave the door open for a while after use to prevent moisture from accumulating inside.




