How to Air Dry Clothes Indoors Without the Musty Smell

People who live in apartments don't have a proper space outside and have to dry their clothes indoors after washing. This leads to a musty smell in clothes due to poor ventilation and the retention of residues. So, you can contact an expert like ByNext to get tips on how to air dry clothes fast.

We guide our customers with modern techniques to dry clothes without dryers and remove the musty smell. After following our instructions, you won’t say that your clothes still smell after washing.

Here are multiple ways that’ll help you understand the use of hanging clothes dryer racks. So, let’s take a look.

Why Do Clothes Smell Musty When Air Dried Indoors?

Clothes with a musty smell even after washing could only mean one thing: indoor drying is not effective. There could be multiple reasons for the foul smell, such as trapped moisture and improper ventilation. Here, you can examine the causes of the mildew smell in your clothes.

Say Goodbye to Musty Laundry—Try ByNext Today!

Trapped Moisture

People who dry clothes indoors face a problem of trapped moisture due to the added humid conditions. This moisture buildup not only damages their outfits but also gives rise to molds and bacteria.

Bacteria and molds will penetrate deeply into your clothes, damaging the fibers and often tearing them apart. Moreover, if you have sensitive skin and wear clothes that harbor bacteria, you can contract a harmful disease.

Poor Ventilation

People who dry clothes indoors must have proper ventilation because limited airflow will not dry their clothes properly. The moisture in the air will delay the process of drying, and odors will be left behind because of it.

So, whenever you’re drying clothes indoors, keep the windows open and use dehumidifiers to dry outfits without hurdles.

Residue from Detergents

Residues from detergents on clothing after washing lead to moisture buildup and unpleasant odors. It occurs due to improper rinsing during the washing cycle and causes issues when drying clothes.

Therefore, a solution would be to use the appropriate amount of laundry detergent required for each load, as cold water is beneficial for keeping the outfit’s shape, but it doesn’t dissolve the detergent thoroughly. One tip would be to use warm or hot water according to the fabric's durability.

Also Read - If your clothes smell after the home dry cleaning, and you don’t have a solution, check out our blog on why do clothes still smell after dry cleaning for details.

How to Air Dry Clothes Indoors (Without the Smell)

Air-drying clothes indoors requires an effective technique to prevent the buildup of smell, moisture, and residue. For instance, using a hanging clothes dryer rack would be suitable to remove moisture and residues.

Here are multiple ways to dry your clothes and remove the smell.

Maximize Airflow

The first tip on how to dry clothes without dryers is to maximize airflow, such as utilizing fans, windows, and nearby vents. This way, more air will circulate through your space, allowing your clothes to dry safely and preventing moisture buildup and odor retention.

Control Humidity

Drying clothes indoors can be risky, as the humidity level inside can damage outfits by retaining moisture and leaving residues. So, you can use dehumidifiers and moisture absorbers (like silica gel) to keep the environment in your house breathable.

By using dehumidifiers and moisture absorbers, you can learn a useful tip on how to air dry clothes without smell. Hang silica gel packets or beads around the indoor air drying clothes, making sure it does not touch them. Remember that these work as a dehumidifier, not a moisture absorber.

Space Clothes Properly

When using a hanging clothes dryer rack to air dry clothes indoors, make sure to keep the space between outfits when drying them. The reason is that when you hang your clothes without space, the water and detergent residues will cause damage to fabrics. This happens because the air does not flow through them properly.

You can use wider hangers to dry your outfits, as they’ll create proper space between each one. The air will flow properly through your clothes, removing the dampness from the after-wash.

Use Quick-Dry Techniques

Opting for quick-drying techniques can save you time and preserve the fabric's quality. The best practice is to lay your clothes on a flat surface and place a towel underneath. It’ll absorb water and moisture quicker than expected, giving you a completely dry fabric.

Also Read - Tired of mildew smells in your clothes? Our blog will provide you with guidance on the correct washing techniques. 

Pre-Wash Tips to Prevent Musty Odors

Musty odors can appear on outfits if you don’t take care of the washing and drying process. For a solution, you can look for some pre-washing tips that’ll help you with an effective method to deal with the musty smell. So, let’s take a look at them.

Use the Right Detergent

The laundry detergent people use plays a crucial role in cleaning clothes and removing odors. However, some cleaning agents are ineffective due to the ingredients they contain.

Laundry detergents containing hypoallergenic formulas are best for removing odors from your outfits. So, whenever you’re about to do laundry, check whether your laundry detergent is made from a hypoallergenic formula or not.

Add Natural Deodorizers

This second pre-washing tip will help remove musty odors from your clothes, even when using a regular detergent. Add natural deodorizers, such as baking soda and vinegar, to your supplies before starting the washing process.

When washing clothes, add vinegar or baking soda during the washing cycle as per the required instructions. The laundry detergent will remove stains from your clothes while the natural deodorizers take care of odors. These are organic and remove themselves when you air dry clothes indoors.  

Avoid Overloading the Machine

Most people make the mistake of overloading their washing machines instead of remembering the size of the washers. The problem with overloading the washing machine is that it won’t give you proper results.

With no space left in the washer, the laundry detergent will not dissolve completely, leading to stains not being removed, improper spinning, and potential motor malfunction. 

Speed Up Air Drying Indoors (How to Air Dry Clothes Fast)

Most people are unaware that the ‘how to air dry clothes' process can be sped up to save time. For instance, an hour of drying outfits can be reduced to 30 minutes, and if you don’t know how to air dry clothes fast, here are the tricks you can follow.

Wring Clothes Thoroughly Before Hanging

After you’re done washing your clothes, avoid the mistake of hanging them directly, as this can prolong the drying process. Instead, wring your outfits thoroughly, and then hang them on the drying racks.

This small trick will help minimize the water in your clothes to some extent, allowing them to dry faster.

*Note: Keep in mind that not every fabric is wringable. Read the care label.

Use a Heated Drying Rack or Portable Clothes Dryer

If your how to air dry clothes outside solution is not yielding results, you can use a heated drying rack or a portable clothes dryer to speed up the process. Just remember to place your racks in a well-ventilated area to prevent dampness on your outfits.

For portable dryers, hang your clothes evenly inside and set the temperature according to the fabric requirements. This way, you can dry your clothes quicker than expected.

Rotate or Flip Clothes Midway Through Drying

Rotating or flipping clothes midway can help you dry clothes more quickly than expected. That’s because the airflow will evenly pass through the outfits, removing dampness and the after-wash effects.

How to Air Dry Clothes Without a Dryer (and Outside Too)

How to dry clothes without dryers and outside can be efficient if you follow a proper technique. Most people end up making a mistake that damages their outfits with a damp structure and faded color. Therefore, you can refer to the following tips for the correct drying procedure.

Drying Naturally Indoors Without a Dryer

Drying clothes indoors can offer multiple effective ways to keep your clothes durable. For instance, you can use drying line, drying racks, and fans to achieve a natural drying process.

This way, there won’t be a risk of odors due to humid conditions, and you can get rid of the cigarette smell easily.

How to Air Dry Clothes Outside

How to dry clothes without dryer requires a proper technique with no hurdles to prevent the risk of damage. There are multiple factors to consider for outdoor drying, like the sunlight, strong winds, and your outdoor space.

During the summer season, the sunlight will dry your clothes when you hang them outside, and in the windy season, the airflow will do the job. Remember to maintain the time clothes are exposed to the climatic conditions outside.

What to Do if Clothes Already Smell Musty?

People often stress when they see their clothes still smelling after the wash, and instead of looking for solutions, they discard the fabric. But don’t worry. Here are some tips you can follow if your clothes already have a musty smell.

• Rewash with vinegar or baking soda

• Try steaming

• Use fabric sprays

• Expose them to sunlight if possible

Extra Tips to Keep Clothes Fresh

There are additional tips you can follow to keep your clothes fresh after washing to deal with odors. If you’re unaware of that, here are those tips that’ll help you keep your clothes fresh and durable.

• Clean your washing machine regularly.

• Don’t leave damp clothes sitting after washing.

• Use mesh drying bags for delicates.

• Keep indoor drying spaces clean and free from dust.

Skip the Smell—Let ByNext Handle Your Laundry

If you’ve tried all the DIY techniques and your clothes still have odors, consider contacting ByNext. We know how to air dry clothes without smell while keeping them fresh and spotless.

Here are the reasons that’ll guide you on why people recommend our cleaning service.

Why Choose ByNext?

Choosing ByNext will offer you multiple benefits that’ll make your schedule hassle-free and your clothes fresh with a pleasant scent. Here are the reasons to get our cleaning service.
 

• Trusted laundry and dry cleaning experts.

• Doorstep pickup & delivery across NYC.

• Eco-conscious cleaning that protects fabrics.

• Save time: no more waiting for clothes to dry.

• Loved by thousands of happy customers.

Get Started in Seconds

Now you can bid farewell to the musty smell in your clothes by utilizing the laundry services offered by ByNext. Our modern cleaning techniques and materials will wash your clothes thoroughly and gently remove odors.

So, book now and experience the after-effects of clothes maintenance by professionals.

Schedule a Fresh & Odor-Free Laundry Pickup

FAQS - How to air dry clothes

Is air drying good for your clothes?

Air drying indoors or outdoors is beneficial for your outfits, as it gently removes odors and moisture without causing further damage to the fabric. Furthermore, the natural drying process keeps the fabric soft and prevents wrinkles from forming.

How long do clothes take to air dry?

Air drying clothes takes time, like 2 to 12 hours, depending on the fabric type. For instance, lightweight fabrics dry more quickly than heavier ones. Moreover, the humidity and temperature play an essential role in drying the outfits.

What is the difference between air dry and normal dry?

The difference between regular or machine drying and air drying outfits is that the dryer generates heat while the natural process dries clothes by air. Moreover, air drying takes hours while a dryer dries clothes within 30 to 90 minutes.

Wrap Up!

There you have it! The guide on how to air dry clothes inside without hurdles and causing damage to outfits. You’ll even get tips on drying clothes indoors if you have poor ventilation and inadequate moisture absorption, converting a bad idea into a successful one.

Furthermore, the technique you are guided with to dry clothes without dryers will work for all kind of odors and smells, even the smoke smell. This way, you can keep your clothes spotless with a pleasant scent.