How to keep clothes fresh this monsoon

• Use extra spin cycles and white vinegar to reduce musty odours
• Maximise airflow with fans or dehumidifiers to speed up drying
• Choose lightweight fabrics like linen to avoid dampness issues

The magic of the monsoon—the petrichor, the cooler air, the cosy afternoons—is often interrupted by a familiar problem: laundry. High humidity means clothes take ages to dry, often developing a stubborn, musty smell. But it doesn't have to be this way.

Master Your Washing Machine

Your fight against dampness begins with the wash cycle. First, avoid overloading your machine. Washing smaller batches allows for a more thorough rinse, ensuring that all detergent and grime—which can contribute to odours—are washed away. Many experts also swear by the double spin. Running an extra spin cycle can remove a significant amount of excess water, drastically cutting down drying time. Don't let wet clothes sit in the machine after the cycle ends, as this is a prime time for musty smells to develop. For an extra antibacterial boost, consider adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It acts as a natural deodoriser and fabric softener without leaving a scent.

Strategic Indoor Drying

With sunlight at a premium, indoor drying becomes a necessity. The key is to maximise airflow. Hang garments on a rack with at least an inch or two of space between each item. Placing the drying rack in a well-ventilated room near a window or under a running fan can significantly speed up evaporation. Avoid drying clothes in areas that already have high moisture content, like a bathroom or a busy kitchen. For heavier items like jeans or towels, you can try the towel-press method: lay the wet garment on a thick, dry towel, roll them up tightly together, and press down firmly. The towel will absorb a surprising amount of moisture.

Harness the Power of Appliances

Your home appliances are powerful allies. A dehumidifier is perhaps the most effective tool for monsoon laundry. By pulling excess moisture from the air, it creates an optimal environment for clothes to dry quickly and prevents the growth of mould and mildew. Placing one in a small, closed room with your laundry rack can make a huge difference. Your air conditioner can also serve a similar purpose, as it naturally dehumidifies the air while it cools. And don't underestimate your iron. Once clothes are about 90% dry, ironing them not only removes the last bit of dampness but also uses heat to kill any lingering odour-causing bacteria.

Choose Fabrics Wisely

What you wear and wash can also make a difference. Heavy fabrics like denim, wool, and thick cotton are notoriously slow to dry and prone to retaining damp smells. During the monsoon, it’s a smart move to favour lighter, quicker-drying materials. Synthetic blends, polycotton, linen, and other lightweight fabrics don't hold onto moisture as much, making them far easier to manage in humid conditions. Prioritising these in your weekly rotation means less time spent waiting for clothes to dry and less risk of developing musty odours in the first place.

Keep Your Wardrobe Fresh

Even perfectly dry clothes can absorb musty smells if stored in a damp wardrobe. It's crucial to ensure clothes are 100% dry before folding and putting them away. To combat humidity inside your closets, employ moisture absorbers. You can use commercially available silica gel packets or go for natural options like placing bowls of rock salt, pieces of chalk, or camphor balls in the corners of your wardrobe. These act as desiccants, pulling moisture from the enclosed space. Avoid overcrowding shelves to allow for some air circulation, which helps prevent the stale air that leads to musty clothes.