For how long can you leave wet laundry in the washing machine?

There are times when you might forget to take your wet laundry out of the washing machine, either due to rushing off to work or getting sidetracked by other chores. But for how long can you leave wet laundry in the machine before it becomes a problem? 

Leaving wet clothes in the washer isn’t ideal; mould and mildew can thrive in damp environments, leaving your laundry with an unpleasant odour and potentially even staining your clothes.

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Additionally, wet fabrics sitting for extended periods can develop wrinkles that might be difficult to iron out later. So, to avoid these unpleasant surprises, here’s how long you can or should leave wet laundry in the washing machine.

How long can you leave wet laundry in the washing machine?

Ideally, transfer laundry to the dryer or drying rack immediately after the wash cycle. However, life can sometimes get in the way. To avoid mildew and odours, it’s best not to leave wet clothes in the washer for more than 8 to 10 hours.

There are also other factors that can affect how long wet laundry can sit including:

1. Water quality:

Hard water with high mineral content can trap residue, making clothes more prone to mildew if left damp. If you have hard water, be extra mindful.

2. Wash temperature:

Hot water washes remove more bacteria, so clothes might tolerate slightly longer wait times compared to cold washes.

3. Detergent:

Antibacterial detergents can help protect against odour-causing bacteria, giving you more leeway if laundry is left behind.

Ultimately, how long you should leave your laundry in the washer depends on the specific situation. If your laundry has been in the washer for less than 12 hours and there’s no musty odour, it’s probably safe to transfer it to the dryer or hang it to dry. However, if there’s a mildew smell or signs of visible mould, it’s best to wash it again to get rid of it.

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To minimise risk altogether, leave the washer door open a bit after washing, run a rinse and spin cycle if there will be a delay, and wash bulky items separately so they dry completely. By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risks of leaving laundry in the washing machine. 

Remember, the quicker you can dry your clothes, the fresher they’ll stay! So it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start the washing process at a more comfortable time or set a reminder to dry the clothes an hour or two after the machine is expected to be done with its job, just in case it skips your mind frequently.