Just because you put clothes in the washer, it doesn't mean they always come out clean. Selecting the wrong cycle, not using the right detergent, and not disinfecting clothes can result in laundry that’s not as clean or sanitary as you expect.

Here are five signs that your clothes are not getting clean. 

1. They Smell Even After Washing

Clean laundry should have a clean smell. That means no sweaty, moldy or other ‘dirty’ smells. If your clothes still have an odor after they come out of the dryer, they are probably not getting clean enough.

Gym clothes are especially notorious for this. Because of their synthetic material, they tend to stink a lot more strongly compared to clothes made with natural fibers like cotton. This smell can persist even after washing and drying them. 

What to Do 

• Make sure you are using a hot enough cycle to wash the clothes. Cold water is not very effective at getting rid of bad odors. Wash clothes, especially those that are extra dirty and sweaty, at the highest recommended temperature. 
• For gym clothes and activewear, we recommend getting a special detergent formulated specifically for them. It will do a better job cleaning sweaty clothes. 
• Using baking soda and vinegar while doing laundry can also help eliminate odors. Add baking soda directly to the drum and vinegar to the softener compartment. 
• Deep clean your washing machine regularly. A dirty washing machine can transfer mold and mildew smells onto clothes. 
• Consider wearing activewear that doesn't get too sweaty or smelly. Natural fabrics like wool and linen are great options. Hercleon also has anti-microbial shirts that actively kill odor-causing bacteria, ensuring they stay clean and fresh-smelling even without washing.   
• Don't keep dirty clothes stuffed in a bag or laundry basket for too long. They can get a moldy odor that is harder to get rid off in the wash.  

2. They Get Discolored Over Time 

Have you noticed that some of your brightly colored clothes seem more aged and worn after just a short period? The problem might be in the laundry. 

Bright clothes, especially white ones, show dirt easily. So if they are not getting fully clean in the washing machine, it will show. The lingering dirt builds up until you can no longer recognize an item’s original color. 

What to Do?

• Follow the cleaning instructions on the care label. 
• Do not mix bright clothes with dark ones or those that are really dirty. 
• Clean your washing machine regularly. A dirty washing machine doesn't clean clothes effectively. 
• Consider wearing darker colored clothes when going outdoors, playing sports or doing anything that will get your clothes dirty.  

3. Lingering Stains

In addition to overall discoloration, you might also notice lingering stains start to develop on your clothes. These are especially visible on brightly colored items. Stains not only look unsightly, they can also give your clothes an odor.  

What to Do 

• Washing machines are generally not very good at getting rid of stains. For the best results, treat the stain with detergent or stain remover before putting the clothing item in the washer. 
• Do not let stains sit on clothes for too long. The longer you leave them, the harder they are to remove. 
• Make sure your washing machine is working properly. Regularly cleaning and maintaining the washer makes it better at getting stains off clothes. 
• Consider adding bleach to your wash cycle to help get rid of stains. Oxygen bleach is the safest option for most clothes, but you can use regular chlorine bleach for whites.  

4. Rashes and Skin Breakouts

Clothes not getting clean can actually be bad for your health. Dirty clothes are riddled with bacteria, germs, allergens, dead skin cells, sweat, body oils and other gunk that they collect throughout the day. 

If all this stuff doesn't come off in the washer and you wear the clothes again, they can cause skin problems including rashes, acne breakouts, itchiness and skin irritation. 

So if you find you have a recurring breakout or you get rashes that don't go away, check whether your laundry is getting clean. 

What to do

• Wash clothes at the highest recommended temperature and use a good detergent to make sure clothes get clean. 
• Many washing machines have extra settings like pre-wash or intensive that provide a more thorough wash for extra dirty clothes. 
• If your skin is sensitive to allergens and detergent, run an extra rinse after the wash cycle. 

Final Thoughts

Whatever you do, do not wear unwashed clothes unless it’s a one-time thing (e.g. if you are backpacking). 

Unless you have the self-cleaning HercShirt, unwashed clothes are bad news for your skin health. The buildup of bacteria, fungus and germs can lead to serious rashes and even painful cystic acne. And if it is unwashed underwear, there is a risk of urinary tract infection and yeast infection.