Dark washing smells musty?

[Amy326]

This is a bit odd but whenever I do a whites / lights wash the clothes come out smelling fresh and clean. When I do a dark wash with the same washing powder on the same setting (40 degrees) it always comes out smelling musty and not nice and clean! Why is this?! It’s always the same! My machine is clean and as I say the light stuff never smells musty, so why does the dark? Should I use different washing detergent for darks or something?? Has anyone else had this?!

Don't know about the difference between your whites and darks but I find laundry cleanser makes all my laundry smell fresh.

Maybe you wear your coloured clothes more and have some stubborn sweat smells at the armpits? Some of my sons' t-shirts got a bit whiffy so I put white vinegar on the armpits and left for 10 mins before switching on the machine.

I have just the same. Can’t narrow it down to one item either. Very odd!

me too! I have no idea why. It does tend to be the dark pants and socks wash but also can be my dark dresses, jeans or the school uniform. If anyone can work out why I would love to know.

I think that once you get the smell of dampness in clothes, it’s very hard to get rid of

Could it be the smell of wet dye?

Mustiness is normally from mildew. The smell will go away with an airing and strong sunlight or a high heat or a rewash with vinegar.

Why would it be coloured clothes only though? I don't think I have any white clothes so my white wash is only towels, tea towels and bedding.

Do you pack more into the darks machine?

Yeah was going to say darks are heavier and if I pack more in, once they've been in the dryer they can smell a bit.

Hmmm I’m glad it’s not just me! I did wonder if I was overloading the machine when I wash darks so I’ve consciously tried not to do that but I still have the issue.... the dark clothes are probably 90% dh’s whereas the lights are mainly the dc’s, mine are a bit of both. Maybe it is something to do with the size and weight of clothes?!

Wash what you would think a half load of darks, see if that fixes it.