Andy Montoya
There are several reasons why your clothes might smell like cheese. One common cause is the growth of mould or bacteria on clothes due to trapped moisture, which can occur when laundry is left in the machine for too long or not dried properly. This can be resolved by ensuring that laundry is dried quickly and thoroughly, either outdoors or in a tumble dryer. Another potential cause is the use of excessive or low-quality detergent, which can leave a residue on clothes and create sour smells. It is important to follow the dosing instructions on the detergent packaging and consider switching to a higher-quality brand if necessary. Additionally, the washing machine itself may be the source of the odour if it has not been cleaned regularly, as stagnant water, limescale, bacteria, and mould can accumulate and cause laundry to smell. To address this, it is recommended to clean the machine with hot water, soda crystals, and washing powder, and to leave the door open to air dry after each use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Washing Machine | Using a dirty washing machine, or not cleaning it properly, can cause clothes to smell like cheese after washing. |
| Detergent | Using the wrong detergent, or using too much or too little detergent, can cause clothes to smell. |
| Drying | Not drying clothes properly or quickly enough can result in a cheesy smell. |
| Water Type | In areas with hard water, minerals can accumulate on clothes, trapping dirt and bacteria and causing sour smells. |
| Mould | Mould growth due to trapped moisture or water build-up in the machine can cause clothes to smell bad. |
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What You'll Learn
Washing machine cleanliness
If your clothes smell like cheese after washing them, the problem may lie with your washing machine. Firstly, check that your machine is clean. Washing machines can harbour stagnant water, which can turn mouldy, as well as limescale, bacteria, and mould, and are susceptible to blocked filters.
To clean your machine, run a 90-degree wash cycle with soda crystals and bio washing powder, then clean the filter. You can also use white vinegar to disinfect your machine and deodorise it.
If your clothes are taking too long to dry, they will begin to smell damp and musty. Try to dry your clothes quickly, ideally outdoors on a sunny day or in a tumble dryer. If you dry your clothes indoors, ensure they are dried in a well-ventilated room.
It is also important to ensure you are using the correct amount of detergent. Too much detergent can cause a build-up on your clothes, creating sour smells. On the other hand, too little detergent will not effectively clean your clothes. Always check the dosing instructions on the detergent packaging.
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Detergent quality
The quality of the detergent you use can significantly impact the smell of your clothes after washing. Low-quality detergents tend to leave residue on fabrics, which can cause a foul smell. This residue build-up may be due to using too much detergent, which doesn't rinse away properly, or it could be that the detergent contains low-quality ingredients.
Laundry detergents containing low-quality ingredients can leave a residue on fabrics, which then serves as food for bacteria, resulting in unpleasant odours. This is especially true if you are using too much detergent, as the excess soap will not be properly rinsed away and will remain trapped in the fabric. This can encourage waterlogging and mould growth, which will likely make your clothes smell bad.
Additionally, if you live in an area with hard water, minerals can accumulate on your clothes, trapping dirt and bacteria and interfering with the detergent's effectiveness. This can cause sour smells on your clothes.
To prevent these issues, it is important to use the correct amount of detergent. Check the detergent packet or bottle for dosing instructions, and consider investing in a measuring cup or switching to detergent capsules for more accurate dosing.
If you suspect that your clothes are smelling due to low-quality detergent, try switching to a laundry detergent brand with better-quality ingredients. Look for brands that are known for their freshness-enhancing ingredients, such as Surf, or consider a detergent specifically designed for hard water, such as Seventh Generation Free & Clear.
Finally, if you are unable to switch detergents or continue to experience issues, you may want to try washing your clothes at a higher temperature. Washing at 60°C or more can help to remove odours, although this may not be suitable for all fabrics or colour loads.
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Drying techniques
If your clothes smell like cheese, it may be due to mildew or mould growth, which can be caused by trapped moisture, poor ventilation, and humidity. To prevent this, it is important to optimise airflow, manage humidity, and ensure that your clothes are dried thoroughly.
- Optimise airflow: When drying clothes indoors, instead of bundling all your clothes together, spread them out to allow air to circulate freely. This helps air to circulate more effectively around each item, resulting in faster and more efficient drying. You can also use fans to enhance air circulation in the room.
- Manage humidity: To manage humidity, open a window in the drying room to allow moisture to escape and fresh air to circulate. Running a dehumidifier for at least 3 hours while drying clothes can also help to reduce humidity and prevent damp smells.
- Ensure thorough drying: It is important to ensure that your clothes are completely dry before storing them, as damp clothes can develop mould and mildew, which can cause musty odours. Give your washing an extra spin or rinse cycle before hanging them to remove excess water. If using a tumble dryer, set it to a low heat with a high fan speed and rotate the items regularly to ensure even drying.
- Use dryer sheets: When line drying, use dryer sheets during low-pollen times to manage allergens. Give your clothes a good shake before bringing them indoors.
- Wash and dry at higher temperatures: Washing your clothes at 60°C or higher can help to prevent musty odours. Similarly, drying your clothes in direct sunlight or in a hot tumble dryer can help to ensure they are thoroughly dried and prevent the growth of mould or mildew.
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Water temperature
If your clothes smell like cheese, it could be due to the water temperature you're washing them at. Washing at lower temperatures may not effectively remove odours from your clothes, and could also be insufficient to prevent the growth of mould or bacteria, which can cause a cheese-like smell. Try washing your clothes at 60°C or higher to eliminate any unwanted smells.
However, it's important to note that not all fabrics are suitable for washing at high temperatures, and you should always check the care label on your clothes before selecting a temperature. If you're unable to wash your clothes at a high temperature, you could try using a more powerful detergent that's designed for lower temperatures, such as Persil.
In addition to washing at a higher temperature, there are several other steps you can take to prevent your clothes from smelling like cheese. Firstly, make sure you're using the correct amount of detergent. Too much detergent can lead to a build-up of residue on your clothes, which can trap moisture and encourage the growth of mould or bacteria. On the other hand, too little detergent may mean your clothes aren't getting clean enough. Always check the dosing instructions on the detergent packaging, and consider using a measuring cup or dosing ball to ensure you're using the correct amount.
It's also important to ensure your washing machine is clean and well-maintained. Washing machines can harbour stagnant water, bacteria, mould, and limescale, which can all contribute to unpleasant odours. Regularly cleaning your machine, including the filter, can help prevent this. Leaving the door open after use to allow the machine to air dry can also help prevent the build-up of moisture and mould.
Finally, make sure you're drying your clothes properly. Clothes that take too long to dry can develop a musty smell, so it's important to ensure they're dried thoroughly and as quickly as possible. If drying indoors, consider using a dehumidifier to help speed up the drying process.
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Hard water
If your clothes smell like cheese, it could be due to several reasons, one of which is hard water. Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. When hard water is heated, these minerals can precipitate out and form scale, which can build up in pipes, water heaters, and washing machines. This scale buildup can then provide a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause your clothes to smell like cheese.
In addition, hard water can also affect the performance of detergents. Detergents are designed to work effectively in soft water, which has a lower mineral content. In hard water, the minerals can interfere with the detergent's ability to remove soil and odours from clothing, resulting in your clothes retaining a cheesy smell even after washing.
To address this issue, you can take several measures. Firstly, consider using a water softener to treat your hard water. This will reduce the mineral content and improve the effectiveness of your detergent. Alternatively, you can opt for detergents specifically designed for hard water, which are formulated to work better in water with higher mineral content.
Another approach is to focus on cleaning your washing machine. Over time, washing machines can accumulate mould, mildew, and detergent residue, particularly in hard water areas. This buildup can cause unpleasant odours, including a cheesy smell. To tackle this, run your washing machine with a washing machine cleaner or a cup of clear ammonia, followed by a high-temperature wash cycle with vinegar or bleach. This process will help remove any gunk and buildup, eliminating the source of the odour.
Additionally, you can take preventative measures by maintaining your washing machine. Leave the washer door open after each use to allow it to air dry and prevent the buildup of mould and mildew. Also, consider using less detergent and fabric softener, as excessive use can lead to residue buildup, contributing to the cheesy smell.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheese-like odour could be due to mildew or mould in your washing machine. Try cleaning your machine with a specialist cleaning product, soda crystals, or vinegar. Remember to also clean the filter and leave the door open after use to prevent the build-up of mould.
To prevent your clothes from smelling like cheese, wash them at 60°C or higher. It is also recommended to dry the clothes as quickly as possible, preferably outdoors or in a tumble dryer.
It could be due to the type of fabric. For example, delicate synthetic items are often washed at lower temperatures, which may not be sufficient to prevent the build-up of bacteria or mould.
