If Your Laundry Smells Like Damp, You Could Be ‘Overdosing’ It - Expert Reveals the Easy Fix to Freshen Winter Loads

As the resident hound in my house, I am the first person to catch a whiff of mildew or damp smells on fresh laundry and it’s something that bothers me greatly.

That’s why I am so intrigued to learn from experts that the problem is usually ‘overdosing’ laundry.

Here, an expert in bedding reveals what laundry overdosing is, why it happens and the simple fix to avoid the damp smells on clothing it produces, including on towels and linens, so you only have to do a load of laundry once like a pro.

What is Laundry Overdosing?

Simply put, it’s when you use too much detergent or softener, and it clings to the fibers of your laundry items, trapping moisture inside and unpleasant smells with it.

Rachel Fraser, Product Specialist at home retailer Pillow Talk says, ‘Overusing detergent or fabric softener when drying indoors can leave a residue that traps moisture, reduces absorbency, and makes fabrics feel coarse.

‘One of the biggest culprits behind that musty, "wet dog" smell in laundry during winter is excess moisture, either because items aren’t drying quickly enough or because there’s too much detergent residue trapped in the fibres. When detergent builds up, it acts like a sponge, holding onto water and creating the perfect environment for bacteria and mildew to thrive.’

Rachel notes this can be a particularly seasonal winter issue, adding that as temperatures drop and outdoor drying becomes impossible, many households are turning to indoor racks, radiators, and dryers to get laundry dry. 'But how you wash and dry your bed sheets and towels this winter could be the difference between soft, fresh fabrics and stiff, smelly, or worn-out ones,' she says.

It only takes small missteps in winter laundry routines to quickly lead to musty smells, rough sheets and towels, damage to fabrics, and having to wash loads again with even more detergent.

Rachel says, ‘People often assume more detergent means a deeper clean, but it’s actually the opposite. Overdosing can stop fabrics from rinsing properly, especially when you’re drying clothes indoors, where there’s less airflow. That leftover product mixes with moisture and warmth, which is why things can start to smell even after washing.’

In addition to this, it can be harder to properly air-dry laundry, which has lots of benefits. In winter, this is an added issue that can lead to those damp smells. Rachel explains, ‘During colder months, people often wash and dry more frequently but with less ventilation.’

Here, she shares her top tips for keeping clothes, bedding, and towels fresh through the colder months, without relying on outdoor drying.

• Avoid overloading and overdosing: ‘It’s tempting to use extra detergent when clothes smell damp, but this actually makes things worse,’ Rachel says. ‘Too much detergent can build up in fabrics and stop them from drying properly. Use the correct amount and run an extra rinse cycle if needed.
• Ditch the fabric conditioner for towels: ‘Fabric softeners can coat the fibres of your towels, making them less absorbent,’ she says. ‘Instead, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle once a month, it helps lift residue and keeps towels fluffy.’ This also applies when washing microfiber cloths, which are a more planet-friendly cleaning item, as they can be washed and reused hundreds of times. Ditching the softener keeps their microfibers absorbent.
• Dry smart, not fast: Rachel advises using low to medium heat in tumble dryers, or air-drying near a dehumidifier or open window to prevent condensation. ‘Over-drying on high heat can make towels stiff and cause shrinkage,’ she adds. ‘And never dry items directly on radiators, as it can trap moisture indoors and create musty smells.’
• Follow care labels and give items space: ‘Different materials need different care,’ Rachel says. ‘Always check the label, wash delicate items like silk pillowcases in laundry bags, and avoid cramming too many bulky items like duvets or toppers into one load.’ We particularly like the multipack of mesh laundry bags from Walmart. They’re highly rated by shoppers, and the various sizes make them very useful across all different types of laundry loads.
• Protect your investment: To extend the life of bedding, Rachel recommends using washable protectors for mattresses and pillows, rotating between two or three sheet sets. ‘This keeps your bedding hygienic, makes laundry less overwhelming, and helps everything last longer,’ she adds.

As winter sets in, these small changes can make a big difference, not just for keeping laundry soft and fresh, but for maintaining a healthier home environment and avoiding moldy and mildew smells.

How to Avoid Overdosing Your Laundry

To help you avoid overdosing your laundry, Rachel explains, ‘Generally, most loads only need about half to three-quarters of the amount listed on the detergent cap. Modern formulations are very concentrated, and using less is usually more effective.

‘When filling the detergent drawer, aim for roughly two tablespoons of liquid detergent or a heaped tablespoon of powder for an average load. If you’re washing towels or bedding, add an extra rinse cycle to make sure all the product is removed.’

This is something I do at home, especially when it’s my daughter’s clothing, as she has sensitive skin and any detergent residue can aggravate her eczema. I’ve also found that a much smaller amount of detergent than recommended still goes a very long way, reducing how often I need to buy detergent, which is welcome as the cost of living continues to rise.

I avoid detergents with optical brightening blue colors, as it is hazardous to the environment. I love the luxurious smell of the EWG-verified Attitude detergent with Geranium, available at Amazon. A small amount goes a long way, and if you air-dry laundry as I do, this fills the air with a subtle geranium smell that is very pleasant.

Bedding expert Rachel adds, ‘If airdrying, dry your laundry near a window or use a dehumidifier to help moisture escape faster, it’ll make a huge difference to that lingering damp ‘wet dog’ smell.’

Indeed, I run a small dehumidifier that I bought from Amazon next to my wet laundry, making sure the air intake vent is facing my laundry rack. This vastly speeds up slow winter drying and also helps banish damp smells from fresh loads.

What to Shop

Finally, Rachel says, ‘For winter washes, it’s also worth occasionally running an empty hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar to clear out any detergent residue in your machine.’

Next, learn why your house feels damp and the things to declutter this winter to avoid mold.