1. Should Rain-Soaked Clothes Be Rewashed?
In case your clothes get caught in the rain while drying, it's advisable to give them another wash. Laundry detergent often contains residues that seep deep into the fabric, creating a favorable environment for mold and bacteria to thrive, resulting in unpleasant musty odors.
If the weather shifts from rain to intense sunlight, clothes will dry quickly thereafter and won't retain any unpleasant odors. However, if you wear clothes while sweating, a damp, musty smell may emerge.
Therefore, it's recommended to rewash clothes that have been exposed to rain during drying. However, you don't need to wash them as thoroughly as the first time. Just wash them enough to eliminate any odor when worn.
2. Key Considerations When Washing Rain-Soaked Clothes
Soaking Water Softener
To minimize the strong smell caused by rainwater, soak your clothes for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the essence of the water to deeply penetrate the fabric. This method ensures longer-lasting freshness and a pleasant scent when worn.
Drying Duration
It's best to wash rain-soaked clothes as early as possible. The ideal time is in the morning, then hang the clothes under sunlight to prevent mold and allow for ample drying time.
Pre-Drying Squeeze
After washing, wring out the clothes thoroughly to maximize drying efficiency. Hand washing or using a washing machine with a spin-dry function can accomplish this.
Ironing and Drying Clothes
If the drying area lacks direct sunlight or is insufficient in size, consider using a heat pump dryer, condensing dryer, or steam dryer to save drying time and minimize musty odors on clothes.
At this point, simply air-drying clothes for a short period makes them wearable. After they're dry, use an ironing board to flatten out wrinkles, reducing the chances of dampness that cause unpleasant odors.
The above provides insights into whether clothes exposed to rain should be washed again. Keep this in mind for reference and application. Stay tuned to Mytour for quick updates on the most useful information.