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TopTenReviews
Joanne Lewsley

How long can wet laundry stay in the washer? We ask an expert

Odorous laundry.

Have you ever left a load of wet laundry in the washer again and returned home to a stinky, moldy pile of clothes, towels or sheets? We’ve all done it from time to time, and it's no surprise; the best washing machines are so quiet that it’s easy to forget they’re running at all.

However, leaving clothes to fester in damp conditions can lead to musty odors, mildew growth and even dye transfer between coloured and light items of clothing. As a result, you could end up having to throw out some much-loved clothes. But how long can damp fabrics safely sit in your washer before becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and pungent smells? 

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