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Original poster

Why do you hang your washing outside when it always ends up smelling like damp?

327 replies

lilybit2025 · 04/05/2026 23:46

Apart from the obvious cost savings compared to using a tumble dryer, I don’t understand why people hang their washing outside because no matter what I do, mine always ends up smelling damp and completely unpleasant!

OP posts:
Whataretalkingabout · 06/05/2026 18:55

I know what the problem is !
The OP has left the laundry out late at night and it has got "darked on", as ie, Mumsnet rules. That or it is due to spider willies.

Usedoccasionally · 06/05/2026 18:48

It sounds like you are bringing it in before it’s properly dry . I dry outside but also pop things on an hanging airer inside overnight just to finish off or in the airing cupboard - unless it’s really warm out .

Twinmum0822 · 06/05/2026 18:44

I can’t stand how my washing smells when it’s been outside. It loses the laundry smell and smells gross (not damp though). I don’t get it when people say they love the smell!

Neveragainplease · 06/05/2026 18:37

Love the smell of washing when it's been on the line. I mainly use fragrance free detergent because I hate the artificial chemical smell of many washing detergents.
It I ly smells funky if I don't hang it out soon enough, so I try and only put it on when I can hang it out or hang it up inside
Don't like the smell of tumble dried clothes so try and avoid tumble seying

ImImmortalNowBabyDoll · 06/05/2026 18:20

Our washing only smells damp if it's left in the washing machine to sit for a while before hanging, or if it's hung indoors and the house is cold. We don't have a tumble drier.

Nochoiceofuser · 06/05/2026 18:17

Mine always smells clean and fresh when hung outside, I even hang stuff out in winter if the weather is dry and windy (doesn't always dry totally but needs less time in the tumble dryer)

Lollipop81 · 06/05/2026 18:16

Sc00byDont · 05/05/2026 01:16

I think this may be a city air thing? I hate the smell of washing from the line - it smells stale. But when I use the dryer or heated rails my washing smells great.

I literally live next to an airport in a big city and my washing still smells beautiful after hanging outside.

Worndownbyit · 06/05/2026 18:15

Because my washing doesn't smell of damp, it smells beautifully fresh. I think you must have a problem with your machine not rinsing properly.

gardenflowergirl · 06/05/2026 18:12

Mine smells lovely off the line. You need to do a towel wash weekly at 60° to prevent washing machine smelling.

Sheepsmellnice · 06/05/2026 18:06

There's something wrong with your washing machine or the area you live in

MoonWoman69 · 06/05/2026 18:06

I've never had this in the many years I've hung my washing out. It always smells of fresh air. You're obviously doing something wrong! Nothing nicer than line dried laundry.

saffy2 · 06/05/2026 18:02

Mine always smells gorgeous after drying outside. It’s drying inside that creates smells of damp here. I think you must have an issue with your washing machine.

Nicii · 06/05/2026 18:00

My washing smells fresh after hanging outside. If its damp when you bring it in, then you should air it on an Airer overnight

FreyaW · 06/05/2026 17:58

Don't know how you hang your washing..but you aren't doing it right.
Mine never snells damp. It snells wonderful.

user1470508354 · 06/05/2026 17:44

Line dried washing smell divine. Could be an issue with your washing machine

Wingingit73 · 06/05/2026 17:37

Hang it out on a warm breezy day

Emmz1510 · 06/05/2026 17:22

You have a washing machine problem I think. Clean washing shouldn’t smell like that, especially when it’s been hung outside

DeltaVariant · 06/05/2026 17:12

I live right with a sea breeze, never had damp smelling laundry unless I’ve put it away damp! If in doubt throw in the dryer for a bit.

Wishingplenty · 06/05/2026 17:08

This has to be a joke? Surely this is not real!

SooticaTheWitchesCat · 06/05/2026 17:00

Mine goes out whenever possible and it always smells lovely and fresh. As long as it is dry when you bring it is it won’t smell damp

igelkott2026 · 06/05/2026 16:59

nicnacxoxo · 04/05/2026 23:57

I despise the smell from hanging washing outside 😫 any time I say this to anyone they think I'm mad. Glad I've found someone who thinks the same!

Show quote history

Yes I get this with some things but not others so it's not the washing machine. Usually sheets. It's very odd.

MrsVBS · 06/05/2026 16:56

You must be doing something wrong, mine never smells damp it’s lovely and fresh. It will smell damp if it’s not fully dry before you put it away.

Noodles1234 · 06/05/2026 16:46

Are you bringing it in before it is fully dry? As that is very strange, or is there an unpleasant odour outside / neighbours smoke / nearby factories?

Moveoverdarlin · 06/05/2026 16:43

Always hang outside, never smells damp.

RedPony1 · 06/05/2026 16:35

Mine smells amazing when dried outside! Fresh, floral, just lovely!

I have horrific hay fever but hanging them out on the line doesn't make it any worse for me, i spend my life outdoors anyway