So, you just pulled your laundry out of the machine, expecting a whiff of that fresh, just-washed scent—but instead, you’re hit with something that smells like a damp basement that’s been closed off since the ’90s. Now you’re left wondering why your clothes smell like they’ve been on a tour of duty in the funk zone, even after a spin in the washing machine.

Before you start questioning your laundry skills, take a breath (away from the laundry pile, preferably). The truth is, there’s probably a sneaky culprit behind that lingering stench, and it’s more common than you think.

From faulty washing machines to mildew buildup, we rounded up seven common reasons your clothes smell after washing them—and how to eliminate the odor for good.

1. Leaving Sweaty Clothes in Your Hamper

We’ve all been guilty of tossing sweaty workout clothes into the hamper and forgetting about them for a few days…or a week. The problem is, leaving damp, sweaty clothes in a confined space creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to some seriously rank odors that a regular wash might struggle to eliminate.

How to Fix It: Don’t let sweaty clothes marinate in the hamper for too long. If you can’t wash them right away, at least hang them up to dry out before they join the rest of your laundry. When you do wash them, consider adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle to help neutralize the sweat stench.

2. Leaving Your Clothes in the Washer Too Long

We’ve all been there—you throw in a load of laundry, get distracted, and forget about it for hours (or even overnight). Unfortunately, letting wet clothes sit in the washer is a surefire way to invite musty smells, as bacteria and mildew start to grow.

What to Do: Set a timer or reminder on your phone to switch your clothes over to the dryer as soon as the wash cycle is done. If you do forget and your clothes develop that unmistakable musty smell, you might need to rewash them with a bit of vinegar or baking soda to get rid of the odor.

3. Overloading Your Washing Machine

It might seem like you’re being efficient by stuffing your washing machine to the brim, but overloading is actually a major no-no. Clothes need room to move around in the wash. When they’re packed too tightly, the water and detergent can’t circulate properly, which means your clothes aren’t getting the thorough cleaning they deserve.

What to Do: Try doing slightly smaller loads. Your clothes should have enough space to move freely during the wash cycle. A good rule of thumb is to fill the drum about three-quarters full—enough to get everything clean without wasting water.

4. Using Too Much Laundry Detergent

It’s easy to think that more detergent equals cleaner clothes, but that’s not the case. In fact, too much detergent can create a soapy buildup on your garments, trapping dirt and bacteria that cause odors.

What to Do: Use a pre-measured laundry pod so you don’t overdo it with the detergent. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) machine, make sure you’re using HE laundry pods, which are designed to work with less water. If you’ve already overdone it, run an extra rinse cycle to help wash away any lingering soap residue.

5. Drying Your Clothes Improperly

Even if your clothes come out of the wash smelling great, improper drying can ruin everything. If your clothes aren’t fully dried—whether in the dryer or air drying—leftover moisture can lead to musty smells and even mold growth.

What to Do: Make sure your clothes are completely dry before putting them away. If you’re using a dryer, don’t overload it and use the appropriate setting for the fabric type. If you prefer air drying, choose a well-ventilated area with good airflow to speed up the drying process.

6. Mildew Buildup In Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine itself can be a culprit. Mildew and mold love the damp, dark environment of a washing machine, especially if it’s not getting dried out between uses. This gunk can transfer to your clothes during the wash cycle.

What to Do: Regularly clean your washing machine to keep mildew at bay. Run an empty cycle with hot water and a cup of white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner. Also, keep the door or lid open between washes to let the machine dry out completely.

7. Poor Water Quality

If you’ve got hard water or water with a high mineral content, it can interfere with how well your laundry detergent works. Instead of getting fully rinsed out, detergent and minerals can cling to your clothes, leaving them with a funky smell.

What to Do: Consider adding a water softener to your laundry routine if you have hard water. You can also use a detergent that’s specially formulated for hard water, which can help break down the minerals and get your clothes truly clean.

8. Using a Weak Laundry Detergent

If you’re using a detergent that’s not strong enough for your needs, it might not break down the oils, sweat, and dirt trapped in your clothes. This is especially true for athletic wear, work clothes, or anything that gets really sweaty or dirty.

Some detergents are designed for light, everyday cleaning and might not cut it when it comes to tougher odors or stains. Plus, if you’re using a detergent that’s not suited for your water type (like hard water), it can struggle to dissolve properly, leaving residue and odors behind.

What to Do: Use high-performance, enzyme-based laundry pods that are designed to work in high-efficiency washing machines. For example, Laundry Sauce pods have a concentrated blend of bio-enzymes and polymers designed to eliminate odors and rejuvenate fabrics.

If the scent still isn’t strong enough, you can always add scent boosters to the washer drum for a quick fragrance boost.

Better Smelling Laundry Detergent = Better Smelling Clothes

Now that you’re armed with the know-how to kick those odors to the curb, it’s time to level up your laundry game. You deserve clothes that not only smell clean but smell downright irresistible. Enter Laundry Sauce: the world’s best-smelling laundry detergent.

Infused with luxurious fragrances like Australian Sandalwood, Egyptian Rose, and French Saffron, these pods don’t just get your clothes ridiculously clean—they’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for something as lame as “Spring Breeze.”

From laundry pods to scent booster to fabric refresher spray, we’ve got everything you need to turn laundry day into a sensual experience.