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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

How long can washer laundry be left in machine?!

7 replies

Autumnalsky · 16/01/2025 14:29

If I leave a load of washed laundry in the machine for about 3 hours before hanging it up, will it start getting musty?! Thank you!

Sorry for the typo - the subject was meant to say “washed laundry”.

OP posts:
LionRumpus · 16/01/2025 14:31

It should be ok. You can always stick a rinse and a spin on before you take it out if it's a bit whiffy.

I'd be more worried that it was going to be really crumpled.

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 16/01/2025 14:59

3 hours is fine. I would think it's very common to stick a load on before going to work in the morning and getting it out when coming home? Or popping a load on in the evening and dealing with in the morning. Wouldn't think too many people standing by the washer to empty it as it finishes.

LikeABat · 16/01/2025 15:04

Can you put it on rinsehold and spin when you are ready to hang it up? Stops it getting as crumpled.

BlondeMamaToBe · 16/01/2025 15:04

Three hours is fine. I’ll left stuff for six hours if I’ve been late back home and it’s been fine.

EauNeu · 16/01/2025 15:04

As long as it's not overnight it's usually ok

GildedRage · 16/01/2025 15:18

It shouldn’t start to smell for quite some time 2+ days. Your drum needs to be cleaned.
Does your machine have a drum clean cycle?
If not google drum clean, twice a year I run soap, bleach and a dishwasher tablet on the longest hottest cycle (mines actually called drum clean, my neighbor says sanitize). There is also a filter that needs checking monthly (behind a small unmarked door) and the rubber seal that needs wiping of soap scum.

uniqu · 04/12/2025 09:32

Can you put it on rinsehold and spin when you are ready to hang it up? Stops it getting as crumpled.

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