how to avoid freshly washed clothes that go smelly in the wardrobe?

[IheartBruceparry]

They all come out smelling lovely, then after a while in the wardrobe or drawers, my clothes no longer smell nice. In fact some smell like they need another wash! Is there anything I can do to keep them fresh?

[Iggly]

Are they completely dry when you put them away? Is there anything else which could be contaminating the clothes eg mould? Have a look at the back and corners.

[IheartBruceparry]

No mould. Some might not be totally dry sometimes (bad me). But I would say they usually all are. I think they start to smell like clothes in a charity shop after a while. Please note I like charity shops, just not the smell of their clothes.

[leeloo1]

I have this with bedding - I swear its completely dry (line dryed usually) when I put it away, but when I get it out again it often smells manky - especially pillow cases (which I have more of, so I guess don't all get used as often), which often go straight back in the wash rather than being put on the bed. :(

[leeloo1]

dried even!

[IheartBruceparry]

I wondered if putting a tumble drier sheet in the 'drobe might help, or some kind of essential oil type affair. Does anyone do this?

[dexter73]

I think you need to find out why the clothes are smelling bad rather than trying to mask the smell. Make sure that your clothes are completely dry before putting them away and maybe leave the wardrobe door open a bit to let fresh air in. Perhaps have a look at the walls at the back of your wardrobe to see if there is any mould on the walls.

[HettyAmaretti]

Are you using Ecover products, by any chance? Everyone I've ever known who's used it has had this problem... Such a shame.

A change of detergent scoop of oxi powder in the machine with each wash until everything has been washed once will sort the problem.

Probably worth giving the drawer, filter and seal a good clean for good measure. Also, do you do a regular maintenance wash in the machine? Run on empty on the longest, hottest cycles with a wit of white vinegar.

[HettyAmaretti]

A change of detergent and a scoop of oxi powder...

[valiumredhead]

They need to be bone dry before putting them away or they will reek.

[cecilyparsley]

I find that clothes are more likely to go smelly if washed at a lower temperature, over 50 or 60 it doesn't usually happen