We’ve all been there: you start a load of laundry and then get busy with the rest of your day.
When you finally get around to checking on it you find that the clothes have been sitting in the washer for longer than you expected.
The question is how long can clothes sit in washer before they start to show signs of damage?
When it comes to laundry etiquette it’s important to know that there is no definitive answer.
Every fabric and load size is different and you should consider the type of fabric and the amount of time that has elapsed.
How Long is Too Long?
Generally it’s best to move your clothes from the washer to the dryer as soon as possible.
This is especially important for delicate fabrics like silk wool or cashmere which can easily be damaged if left in the washer for too long.
If you’re dealing with regular fabrics like cotton or linen then the amount of time clothes can sit in washer will depend on the load size and how long it’s been since the washing cycle was completed.
In general if the clothes have been in the washer for more than 24 hours it’s best to take them out and move them to the dryer.
If the clothes have been in the washer for less than 24 hours you can wait a bit longer although it’s still a good idea to move them to the dryer as soon as possible.
The Risks of Leaving Clothes in the Washer
The main risk of leaving clothes in the washer is that they may start to smell musty.
This is because moisture can build up in the washer if the clothes are left in there for too long.
This can cause the fabric to become stiff and can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
The good news is that mold and mildew can typically be removed with a good washing.
But it’s best to avoid this problem altogether by taking the clothes out of the washer as soon as possible.
When It’s Okay to Leave Clothes in the Washer
If you’re in a rush it’s okay to leave your clothes in the washer for a little bit longer than usual.
Just make sure to get them out and into the dryer within a few hours.
If you’re dealing with delicate fabrics it’s best to take them out of the washer as soon as the cycle is complete.
Delicate fabrics can easily be damaged if they’re left in the washer too long.
Factors That Affect Amount of Time Clothes Can Sit in Washer
The type of fabric is an important factor to consider when determining how long clothes can sit in a washer.
For example cotton and polyester fabrics can generally sit in a washer for up to five hours without any issues.
However other fabrics like silk wool and linen should not be left in the washer for more than an hour or two.
Another factor to consider is the type of wash cycle you are using.
If you’re using a gentle cycle clothes should be removed from the washer as soon as possible.
However if you’re using a heavier cycle clothes can typically sit in the washer for a few hours longer.
Benefits of Letting Clothes Sit in Washer
Believe it or not there are some benefits to letting clothes sit in a washer for a longer period of time.
For one the longer clothes sit in the washer the cleaner they will become.
This is because the agitation and the water pressure of the washer will help to remove any dirt and debris from the fabric.
Also letting clothes sit in the washer for a longer period of time can help to reduce wrinkles.
This is especially beneficial for people who don’t have enough time to iron their clothing.
Risks of Letting Clothes Sit in Washer
On the flip side there are also some risks associated with letting clothes sit in a washer for too long.
For instance leaving clothes in a washer for too long can cause them to become stiff and discolored.
This is especially true for fabrics like cotton and polyester.
Also leaving clothes in a washer for too long can cause them to become damaged.
This is because the agitation and water pressure of the washer can cause the fabric to become weak and worn out.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to laundry etiquette there is no definitive answer to the question of how long clothes can sit in washer.
Every fabric and load size is different and you should consider the type of fabric and the amount of time that has elapsed.
In general it’s best to move your clothes from the washer to the dryer as soon as possible.
This is especially important for delicate fabrics like silk wool or cashmere.
If you’re dealing with regular fabrics like cotton or linen then the amount of time clothes can sit in washer will depend on the load size and how long it’s been since the washing cycle was completed.