What is the cause of a sour smell in towels or clothing?

Answer by  dc8333 (420)

It could be that it hasn't dried properly, or fast enough. Another option could be that there was something in the wash that was stained with dairy i. e. that had milk spilled down it, and the smell has transferred. Try running your machine on an empty cycle and then wash the clothes again.

Answer by  CarolynOsborne (2804)

If clothing has been left wet too long (in a washer for example) it develops a sour smell that the drier will not take away. Rewash and re-dry.

Answer by  Roland27 (16334)

This smell could be caused by your clothing being wet and letting them sit in the washer. It could also happen if you were to put a damp towel in your laundry hamper with your dry clothes. Use laundry detergent and some fabric softener and the smell should go away.

Answer by  banana (31)

If I leave my washed clothes in the washing machine for too long of time, I find they need to be washed again because of a moldy smell.