Left Clothes In Washer For 3 Days? (Here's What To Do)
We’ve all been there.
You throw a load of laundry in the washer, then life gets busy, and suddenly it’s three days later. You open the washer door, and there they are - your clothes, sitting in a damp, sour-smelling pile.
Not the best surprise, right?
But don’t panic just yet. There’s still hope.
In this post, I’ll explain exactly what happens if you left clothes in the washer for 3 days, and how to fix it without having to rewash everything.
What Happens If You Leave Clothes In Washer For 3 Days?
Three days in the washer is enough for damp fabric to turn into prime real estate for mildew and bacteria.
The washer is dark, wet, and closed which is pretty much the perfect environment for things to grow that you definitely don’t want living in your clothes.
That funky smell you’re noticing? That’s mildew.
The odor clings to fibers fast, especially to things like towels, socks, and workout clothes. These fabrics hold moisture tightly, so they’re usually the first to smell like something died in the drum.
If the washer was packed full, the smell will be even stronger because nothing had space to dry out even a tiny bit.
Some clothes may also feel a bit slimy or stiff, which is just another sign that bacteria had time to settle and get comfortable.
Also Read: Shout Vs OxiClean
How To Fix Clothes Left In The Washer For Days
You need to act quickly to stop things from getting worse. But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world! You can still salvage most of your laundry if you take the right steps.
Here’ what you need to do:
#1 Don’t Just Re-Dry Them
The worst thing you can do is take the smelly clothes straight to the dryer.
The heat basically bakes in the smell and makes it cling even harder. Once that happens, it becomes ten times trickier to remove.
So, skip the dryer for now.
You need to rinse out the mildew and smells before you even think about putting them in the dryer.
#2 Run A Hot Wash With Vinegar
This is the magic step that brings the whole thing back to life.
Vinegar is amazing for this kind of mess because it cuts through bacteria and mildew, kills the odor, and softens up the fabric all in one go.
Start by putting the clothes back into the washer, and set it to a hot cycle (make sure your clothes can handle the heat - check the care labels). Then, pour about a cup of white vinegar into the drum.
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer, so it’ll start working on the smell while also killing off any bacteria that might be lurking.
Don’t worry about your clothes smelling like vinegar afterward. The smell will vanish once they dry, leaving your clothes fresh and clean.
If you’re worried about your clothes’ color or fabric, feel free to do a quick test with one piece first, just to be safe.
#3 Run A Second Wash With Detergent
Once that first cycle with vinegar is done, you’re not quite done yet. It’s time for a second wash, this time with regular detergent.
This step helps get rid of any lingering vinegar smell and also gives your clothes a more thorough clean.
Make sure to use the amount of detergent you normally would for a regular load.
This second wash will help restore some freshness and make sure there’s no trace of the mildew smell. By this point, most of the funk should be gone, but we’re not quite finished yet!
#4 Add Baking Soda If Needed
Now, if you’re still catching a whiff of that sour smell, there’s one more thing you can do: add baking soda to the wash.
Baking soda is awesome at neutralizing odors, and it can help if the vinegar and detergent combo hasn’t completely solved the problem.
You don’t need to add a ton - about half a cup will do the trick.
Just throw it into the washer along with the detergent, and let it do its thing. If your clothes smell fresh by now, you’re good to go.
But if there’s still a hint of mildew, this extra step should take care of it.
Also Read: Why Do My Clothes Smell Bad After Drying?
#5 Dry Them Completely
Finally, once you’ve washed your clothes a couple of times and they’re looking and smelling better, it’s time to dry them. You definitely don’t want to skip this part!
Drying your clothes all the way through will make sure that mold or mildew doesn’t come back.
If you’ve got access to a dryer, go ahead and toss them in there. Make sure to set it on a high enough heat to fully dry them. If you don’t have a dryer, you can hang them up to air dry, but make sure they get enough airflow to dry completely.
Damp clothes can get that musty smell back if they’re left in a humid spot.
If they’re not 100% dry, you could risk that sour smell creeping back in. So, double-check before you fold or hang them in your closet.
What To Do If The Smell Still Won’t Go Away
Sometimes clothes sit in the washer long enough that they need a little extra help. Don’t toss them yet. There are still a few things you can try before giving up:
Soak the clothes in warm water with a big splash of vinegar for a few hours before washing again
Use a laundry sanitizer product during the wash
Try an enzyme-based cleaner for things like gym clothes
Let them soak long enough for the water to reach deep into the fibers. Some fabrics, especially thick towels, cling to odor like a magnet.
Also Read: Tide Detergent Bleach Alternatives
A long soak gives everything time to break down and lift out.
If you try these steps and still catch even a tiny smell, try hanging the clothes in direct sunlight. It’s honestly one of the best natural odor removers. Fresh air plus UV light works better than you’d expect.
When To Just Let Go
Sometimes, even after trying everything, a few pieces might still smell or look off.
If the clothes have visible mold spots that won’t wash out, or the smell is still insanely strong after multiple rounds, that piece might be too far gone.
Old towels are the most common things to lose in this situation because they hold moisture so tightly. If a towel has turned rough, sour, or discolored, it might be time to retire it.
Clothes that sat in the washer for many days can also get permanent sourness in the fabric.
It’s rare but possible.
Don’t feel bad about tossing something if you need to. It happens to every household at some point.
Final Thoughts
Leaving clothes in the washer for three days is a total laundry nightmare, but it’s not the end of the world.
A hot wash with vinegar, a second detergent wash, and a little extra baking soda should have your clothes smelling fresh again. Just be sure to dry them completely to lock in that clean feeling.
If the smell won’t go away, don’t be afraid to try a mildew remover or even let go of the clothes if they’re too far gone.
No one’s perfect, and laundry accidents happen to the best of us.
And if you want to avoid this happening again, just set a reminder on your phone the next time you start a load. It sounds silly, but it works.