Households Urged to Follow 30-Minute Laundry Rule This December

As the winter season sets in, households across the UK are being encouraged to implement the “30-minute laundry rule” to keep clothes fresh. The initiative comes during a time when shorter days and damp weather make outdoor drying challenging. The cold and wet conditions often lead to clothes being brought back inside, where they can develop an unpleasant musty smell if left damp for too long.

Laundry experts highlight that bacteria thrive in moist environments, which can cause freshly washed garments to emit a foul odour. To combat this issue, they recommend removing clothes from the washing machine within 30 minutes after the cycle ends. This practice significantly limits bacterial growth and helps maintain a pleasant scent in clothing.

Expert Guidance on Laundry Freshness

Adam Norris, senior product manager for laundry at Hotpoint, advises that one of the simplest ways to ensure laundry freshness is to prevent moisture from lingering in the washing machine. He states, “Damp conditions allow bacteria to thrive, which can leave clothes smelling musty.” Norris emphasizes that even a brief period of 30 minutes can lead to odour-causing mildew, urging consumers to set reminders on their phones or use their machine’s end-of-cycle alert to remove clothes promptly.

For those struggling with persistent odours, baking soda is recommended as an effective solution. According to reports from the Express, baking soda neutralizes smells instead of simply masking them, as some fabric conditioners do. The experts at Snif explain, “The bad odour coming from your clothes may be coming from bacteria, and some laundry detergents aren’t powerful enough to break down stubborn bacteria.”

How to Use Baking Soda Effectively

Baking soda can be added directly into the washing machine alongside regular detergent to enhance odour-fighting capabilities. For more stubborn smells, experts suggest pre-soaking clothes in a mixture of hot water and baking soda for 30 minutes before washing. Norris further elaborates, “Baking soda and white vinegar are great at-home remedies for absorbing odours before machine washing – and can be picked up at your local supermarket for just a few pounds.”

When using baking soda directly on clothing, it is advisable to sprinkle a small amount on areas prone to odours, such as sleeves and underarms. After allowing the solution to absorb for 30 minutes, clothes can be placed in the washing machine. It is crucial to check care labels on garments to ensure proper treatment.

As December progresses, households can adopt these simple yet effective strategies to maintain freshness in their laundry, ensuring that winter does not dampen their clothing experience.