Top 5 tips to avoid musty smelling clothes when drying them indoors

The Folding Lady, Sophie Liard, has shared some valuable advice for those struggling with the common issue of damp-smelling clothes when drying them indoors.

Recent research reveals that a third of adults are concerned about their laundry smelling musty when dried inside, with 35% considering this a significant laundry problem. 

One in ten even feel self-conscious about wearing clothes dried indoors due to the fear of them smelling damp, and 18% confess to removing clothes from the airer prematurely, resulting in a musty odour.

But this is an unfortunate reality for many who lack outdoor space or cannot depend on the unpredictable British weather, leading to four in ten people having a permanent indoor airer.

Sophie Liard, who is also known as The Folding Lady, has partnered with Lenor Outdoorable to offer her insights on indoor clothes drying.

First and foremost she advises ‘take your time’ adding that this is key to making sure your clothes dry properly and keep them smelling fresh. 

She adds: “Even if you live in a flat and have to dry garments inside or when those April showers come along, it doesn’t mean your clothes have to smell musty.”

A representative for Lenor Outdoorable echoed these sentiments, stating: “Sometimes, due to wet weather or not having the outdoor space, we have no choice but to dry clothes indoors. This can lead to things smelling damp and the room too.

“We hope to help overcome that by mimicking the effect the sun has on wet fabrics as they dry inside, resulting in smelling fresh.”

THE FOLDING LADY’S TOP 5 TIPS FOR DRYING WASHING:

Hang clothes neatly 

Make sure items don’t overlap and hang them neatly on the rungs of a clothes horse. I used to throw garments on in a rush, but it actually takes more time in the long run for things to then dry, you’re better off stacking them neatly for more efficient drying.

Don’t be tempted to overload

This applies to both the washing machine and airer, rather than rushing to get everything done at once it’ll be more beneficial to do ‘little but often’ when it comes to washes.

Work upwards

Place smaller items, such as underwear, on the lower rungs and larger clothes, including shirts, higher up.

Look after delicates

Have a dedicated drying rack for delicate fabrics or hang them separately on hangers coming off the clothes horse to prevent stretching or damage. I was guilty of stretching my husband’s shirts before learning this.

Use fabric conditioner

The addition of a conditioner when washing will give the freshness of drying outside, even when inside. The perfect solution when you don’t have the option of hanging washing outdoors, especially when you can’t trust the British weather.