Ever pulled laundry off the drying rack only to be hit by that musty, damp smell? It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve just washed your clothes. But here’s the good news: there’s a simple laundry hack that costs just £1—and it could stop that bad smell for good.
Why do clothes smell damp after drying indoors?
Let’s start with the root of the problem. When you hang clothes to dry indoors, they often take longer to dry. That slow drying time gives moisture more time to linger in fabrics and create bacteria—the real culprit behind the damp smell.
Closed windows, poor air circulation, and chilly rooms only make it worse. With nowhere for the moisture to go, your room fills with damp air, and your clothes suffer.
The £1 trick that refreshes your laundry
Ready for the secret? It’s placing a bowl of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) near your drying rack.
That’s it. One simple item, usually under £1 in any supermarket, can do wonders.
Bicarbonate of soda works as a natural deodoriser. It absorbs moisture in the air and neutralises odors before they cling to your clothes.
How to use the hack effectively
It doesn’t take much effort. Here’s what to do:
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda in a small open dish or bowl.
- Put the bowl next to or beneath your drying rack.
- If possible, use 2 bowls—one on each side of the drying space—for larger loads.
- Leave the bowls near your clothes until they’re completely dry.
Replace the baking soda every few days—or when it starts to clump from absorbing moisture.
Other ways to stop musty smells naturally
Want to go a step further? Combine the £1 hack with these extra tips:
- Open a window while drying to let moisture escape outside.
- Use a fan or dehumidifier nearby to speed up drying.
- Spin-dry clothes longer before hanging to reduce leftover water.
- Space your clothes out on the rack so they’re not bunched together.
- Wash with a small splash of white vinegar to naturally fight odors and bacteria.
These methods help create a drying space that’s cleaner, drier, and less prone to smell.
Don’t ignore your drying environment
Your clothes aren’t the only thing holding moisture. The room they dry in plays a big role. If you’re drying in a bathroom or bedroom with poor airflow, even clean laundry can turn funky.
Try drying clothes in a room with good ventilation. If that’s not possible, you can use moisture-absorbing crystals or products like cheap salt-based dehumidifier pots. These also cost around £1 and work similarly to baking soda.
For quick fixes and better smells
If you’re really in a rush and the smell’s already set in, try this:
- Lightly spritz musty garments with a fabric refresher spray (or make your own with water and a few drops of essential oil).
- Iron or steam the piece to blast out trapped moisture and smells.
But prevention is key—and that’s where the baking soda trick shines.
One small change, big difference
It’s easy to overlook indoor drying issues, but something as cheap and simple as baking soda could solve a problem that’s been annoying you for ages.
For the price of a coffee, you can keep your laundry fresh, odor-free, and comfortable to wear.
So next time you hang your clothes up inside, grab a bowl and some baking soda. Your nose—and your wardrobe—will thank you.
