Tips for Washing Clothes Effectively During Humid Weather

Use Antibacterial Laundry Detergent

Ordinary laundry detergents mainly remove dirt and stains but often have limited antibacterial properties. If bacteria are not effectively eliminated, they can cling to fabrics and cause unpleasant odors or even skin irritation.
To protect your health and ensure freshness, it’s best to use antibacterial detergents, liquid detergents, or specialized disinfecting solutions — especially during humid or rainy seasons when bacteria thrive. Some modern detergents are also infused with natural essential oils or enzymes that not only clean but leave clothes smelling fresh for longer.

Load the Washing Machine Properly

Always pay attention to the load capacity of your washing machine. Overloading it will prevent water and detergent from circulating properly, leading to poorly cleaned clothes and strain on the motor. On the other hand, washing too few items wastes water and energy.
A good rule of thumb is to fill the drum about 70–85% of its capacity. This ensures optimal cleaning results and helps extend the lifespan of your washing machine. Regularly cleaning the drum and detergent drawer will also improve washing performance and prevent mildew buildup.

Wash Clothes Early in the Morning

Morning is the best time to do laundry, especially when the weather is damp or cool. Washing clothes early gives them plenty of time to dry throughout the day when temperatures are higher and humidity is lower.
Avoid washing and hanging clothes at night — cooler air and higher moisture levels can slow the drying process and make fabrics smell musty.

Hang Clothes Immediately After Washing

Once the wash cycle is complete, take the clothes out and hang them right away. Leaving wet clothes in the machine for too long creates the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to grow, causing unpleasant odors and wrinkles.
If possible, spin-dry the clothes before hanging them to remove excess water and shorten drying time.

Use Hot Water When Possible

Hot water not only helps dissolve detergent more effectively but also kills bacteria and speeds up the drying process since moisture evaporates faster.
However, check the fabric label before using this method — some delicate materials may shrink or fade when exposed to high temperatures.

Prioritize Important Garments

During long rainy periods, prioritize washing clothes that are heavily soiled or needed for daily use, such as uniforms, undergarments, and work attire.
Thicker fabrics like jeans, jackets, or sweaters can be set aside until the weather is drier or can be lightly aired indoors to prevent musty odors.

Use Fabric Softener with Long-Lasting Fragrance

Fabric softeners not only make your clothes soft and smooth but also add a pleasant scent. On rainy or humid days, choose antibacterial fabric softeners that offer long-lasting fragrance protection to keep your laundry fresh and odor-free.
Some products even have quick-dry formulas that help moisture evaporate faster from fabrics.

Allow Space Between Clothes When Drying

When hanging clothes, make sure there’s enough space between each item to allow air circulation. Overlapping clothes prevent moisture from escaping, making them take longer to dry and leaving behind a musty smell.
If possible, place a fan or dehumidifier nearby to speed up drying indoors.

Avoid Drying Clothes in Bathrooms or Restrooms

While homes with balconies or dedicated drying areas can air-dry laundry easily, those with limited space need to be careful. Bathrooms and restrooms are generally damp and poorly ventilated, making them unsuitable for drying clothes.
The humidity and bacteria present in these spaces can make garments smell unpleasant and take much longer to dry. Instead, choose a dry, ventilated area in your home, and take advantage of sunny breaks between rains to bring clothes outside.

Iron Clothes to Remove Moisture Completely

Once your clothes are almost dry — just slightly damp to the touch — bring them inside and iron them on a low or medium heat setting.
Ironing not only smooths out wrinkles but also helps remove the remaining moisture, leaving your clothes fully dry, fresh, and crisp. For thicker fabrics, use steam or a higher heat setting to ensure they’re completely dry before folding or storing.

Extra Tip:
To keep your laundry smelling fresh during long rainy seasons, place moisture absorbers or natural deodorizers (like baking soda or activated charcoal) in your drying area. They help maintain low humidity and prevent musty smells from forming.