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What to do if the laundry smells after washing?
Does your laundry smell after washing? There are two options for you. First, you can, of course, put the laundry back in the washing machine and hope that the smell is fresher afterward.
The safest solution is our Bactador Odor and Stain Remover . Simply spray the clothes with it and let it air dry . The Bactador microbiology truly eliminates the bad odor permanently.
If your laundry often smells bad after washing, you should investigate possible causes. This way, you can ensure your laundry always smells fresh and clean.
How do I get the musty smell out of my laundry?
You can permanently remove musty and stubborn odors with Bactador microbiology. Simply spray Bactador Odor and Stain Remover on your clothes and let it dry. With Bactador Laundry Rinse, you not only remove odors from your laundry but also prevent them from recurring in your washing machine.

How can I prevent smelly laundry?
To prevent your laundry from smelling after washing, there are a few tips you can follow.
Do not overload the washing machine
Did you know that you can put too much laundry in your washing machine? An overloaded machine prevents clothes from being properly cleaned and rinsed, which can lead to unpleasant odors. This happens because the detergent and water can't reach every item. It's better to wash clothes in smaller batches.
Ensure correct dosage of detergent
Over- or under-dosing detergent can cause your laundry to smell unpleasant after washing. If the laundry is heavily soiled or if you have hard water , you may need a little more to make your laundry smell fresh after washing. However, using too much detergent can cause a musty smell.
Therefore, you should measure your detergent according to the principle of "not too much, not too little, but just right." You can find the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.
Use of special detergents against odors
Conventional detergents often use fragrances to make laundry smell good after washing. However, these only mask the odor and do not eliminate it permanently. As a result, some odors, such as sweat, can be noticeable again shortly after washing.

There are products specifically formulated to eliminate stubborn odors. Our product tip for truly permanent odor removal from laundry : Bactador Laundry Rinse Deodorizer. Suitable for all washable fabrics and all washing temperatures. With Bactador microbiology, you'll not only protect your clothes but also your washing machine. Try it out and say goodbye to smelly laundry!
Consider using higher temperatures when washing
A washing temperature that's too low can also be the cause of unpleasant-smelling laundry. Increasing the washing temperature can help remove bacteria and germs that cause bad odors. Be careful, though: not all fabrics tolerate high temperatures. Therefore, always check the care label on your clothes before increasing the temperature.
And not all bad odors can be removed with high temperatures! Bactador laundry rinse is especially suitable for stubborn odors like urine, sweat, pet odors, or vomit, as well as for fabrics that only tolerate low temperatures.
Why does dark laundry smell after washing?
Dark laundry is generally unsuitable for high washing temperatures. This means that bad bacteria and odors cannot be completely removed. Conventional detergents therefore often rely on fragrances to temporarily mask the smell. With Bactador Laundry Conditioner, you can truly permanently remove stubborn odors, even at low temperatures.
Remove laundry from the drum in good time
"I'll take care of the laundry later" – does that sound familiar? It's important to remove the laundry from the drum immediately after the wash cycle. Leaving it in for too long can lead to unpleasant odors. This is due to the moisture that accumulates in the fabrics . This creates the ideal breeding ground for bad bacteria and mold. Bactador's microbiological laundry rinse can help with this, too.
Remember to leave the washing machine open briefly after each wash cycle to allow it to dry . This also prevents residual moisture and unpleasant odors. Many washing machines can be set to finish washing at a specific time, allowing you to plan ahead.

Drying laundry in the fresh air or in the dryer
Proper drying is a good way to combat unpleasant smelling laundry.
In the fresh air
When drying laundry in the fresh air, there are four things you should keep in mind:
- The room where the laundry is drying should be warm and dry. Always ventilate it well to allow moisture to escape.
- If the weather is good, you can let your laundry dry outside.
- Shake out the laundry before hanging it up.
- Hang individual items of clothing on the clothes rack with sufficient space between them. This allows air to circulate and dry the laundry.
In the dryer
Just as with loading your washing machine, you should be careful not to try to dry too much at once . Otherwise, the air won't circulate sufficiently, and your laundry won't dry properly.
Also, leave the door open after each drying cycle to allow moisture to escape. This will help prevent mold.
If you have used Bactador laundry conditioner in your laundry, please do not use a dryer so that the ingredients remain active and can permanently remove unpleasant odors.
Regular cleaning of the washing machine and dryer
Regularly cleaning your washer and dryer is important if you don't want your laundry to smell after washing. Bad bacteria and dirt can accumulate in the appliances and then transfer to your clothes. Don't forget the seals and the drum!
Our tip: Wash your laundry with Bactador Laundry Deodorizer. This way , you'll clean and protect your washing machine with every wash thanks to the microbiological ingredients. Run a high-temperature wash cycle every now and then. And don't forget to clean the detergent drawer, too.
The dryer's lint filter should be cleaned regularly and the water tank emptied. The heat exchanger also needs regular cleaning.
Last resort: ask a specialist
If the problem persists despite all your efforts, you should consult a professional. They can check the washer and dryer to determine if there is a technical issue.
Conclusion
- If your laundry smells after washing, you can easily remove the smell with the Bactador Odor and Stain Remover
- Whether you do it yourself or ask a professional: Fix the problem for fresh and clean-smelling laundry
- The microbiological Bactador Laundry Rinse Deodorizer takes care of the most stubborn odors during the washing process and protects not only your laundry but also your washing machine